Getting to Know...Haley Little
8/26/2014 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Alabama Volleyball welcomes eight newcomers to the team this season, so we'll be chatting with all of them over the next few days. Our seventh newcomer is Haley Little from Boca Raton, Fla.
How did you get your start playing volleyball?
"I started around middle school. At that point it was the big kneepads, all underhand serving and big braids. It wasn't about how you played, it was about how you looked. I was always interested in sports. I was always the kid who wanted to play outside and if it involved a ball and running around getting sweaty, I was doing it."
What other sports were you playing?
"I played soccer, basketball, I swam for a little bit and I did horseback riding. I would try anything."
At what point did volleyball become the main focus?
"When you get to high school, you kind of have to narrow it down. I loved every sport that I played, I couldn't really tell you a favorite. Volleyball just seemed to be the one that was clicking more. It was the one I really devoted my time to."
Was playing in college a goal of yours?
"I've always been open minded and hoped for the best. I wasn't concerned when I'd see other girls get letters or even when I started getting letters. When I became a junior though, it really became a goal of mine. That's when you really start to think about your future and you're paying attention to things like your test scores and applying for colleges."
What were your top choices for college and what led you to choose Alabama?
"Alabama has always been an option for me. It's relatively close to home and even if I didn't play volleyball, this was a school I would apply to and possibly go to. That put it ahead of some other ones. I talked to Emory, Maryland-Baltimore County and some of the Ivy League schools too. Once Alabama got on my list, I knew that if I could have that opportunity I would take it."
Was being relatively close to home a deciding factor?
"I was open to go anywhere. My family is from the south so I am kind of used to it and knew I'd like to stay in that region if possible."
What were your first impressions of the campus?
"I think I was speechless the first time. Looking at the campus and how everything looks, all the brick architecture was just breathtaking. When we got to walk on the field at Bryant-Denny, they had to drag me off! I didn't want to get off the field! It's not the first college campus I saw but it was the first one I really fell in love with, so I really felt a connection with this campus."
What have you seen out of this team over the past few months?
"Before I even got here, I knew the future of the program was bright. Last year, they made it to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2007. Looking at the talent we have this year, I think we bring a lot to the table. We're adding even more strong points to what they had last year, so we have people to back everyone up. That was one thing I saw at Alabama that I didn't see at a lot of other schools. With so many people fighting for spots, you'd expect it to be edgy at a big program like this. It wasn't like that at all. The person who's competing for that spot with you is also the one that's cheering you on when you get a kill or giving you advice. It's such a tight-knit family and it's great to have that feeling when you step on the court."
What are some of your individual goals this season?
"I'm mainly a hitter but I'm also working on becoming a setter, which is sort of new to me. I did it when I was 13 but that was when it was just all for fun, it wasn't this technical. It's hard to reach the standard that Sierra [Wilson] has set, but I would definitely like to grow in that area. As a hitter, I just want to be as effective as possible. Knowing when to tip, when to roll, when to slam the ball down. I want to be consistent in that respect."
What has the adjustment to college life been like so far?
"It's been relatively smooth. I've always had a lot on my plate. I was always involved in leadership, student office, playing volleyball and taking AP classes. Technically, I'm coming in as a sophomore academically. Those are supposed to prepare you for college so I'm used to having to study every night plus the four-hour volleyball practice and traveling every weekend. It's definitely different in college though. They ask a lot more of you and you're a little more on-your-own but I think I've done well so far."
What's the biggest tip you would give to any young aspiring volleyball players out there?
"I always like to say `let your faith be bigger than your fear'. A lot of times, people will stop doing something because they fear failing. You have to hold yourself to it and keep going. Everyone fails at some point but that's how you keep growing."
Previous "Getting to Know" Features:
01 - Leah Lawrence
02 - Brooke Feld
03 - Kat Hutson
04 - Bruna Evangelista
05 - Natalie Murision
06 - Emily Stebbins
For the latest news and updates from Alabama Volleyball, follow the team on Twitter (@AlabamaVBall), Instagram (AlabamaVBall) and Facebook (Alabama Volleyball).
Buy Alabama Volleyball tickets HERE
