Volleyball Newcomer Q&A: Katie Shook
8/26/2019 2:23:00 PM | Volleyball
We will be posting Q&As with each of the eight newcomers on this year's Alabama volleyball team as they head into the 2019 season. Our fifth Q&A is with Katie Shook from Plainfield, Ill.
How did you get your start playing volleyball?
"My aunt played collegiate volleyball, so it was always in the family. I played soccer for a while and then switched to volleyball in sixth grade and instantly fell in love with it. I knew that was what I wanted to continue to play."
When did playing collegiately become a goal for you?
"When I got to high school, I realized I wanted to continue to play at the collegiate level. I played at a really high-level club team so I knew they would prepare me to play in college. I knew I definitely wanted to be at one of the main power-five conferences and I knew I wanted to get away from the Midwest. When I visited Alabama it was the perfect area and the perfect school. It was definitely where I wanted to be."
What were your first impressions of Alabama?
"I came to visit the summer going into my junior year of high school and committed two or three weeks after that. Overall the campus was so beautiful and clean. Everyone here was super welcoming and it felt like a home away from home. I got that gut feeling that I didn't get from any of the other schools I visited."
What was your first conversation like with Coach Devine?
"She wanted to get in touch with all the newcomers. We just got to know each other a little bit better. It was a great first impression. I could tell she was a coach that cared about everyone as an athlete and a person. She wanted the best for me. The other assistants were very welcoming too."
How has the transition to college life been off the court?
"I was very busy in high school between school and the club I played for. I was already used to time management and finding time in between school and sports to get my homework done so that transition wasn't as difficult for me."
What have been the biggest difference on the court between high school and college?
"Being a defensive specialist, definitely the speed of the game. Being able to read what's happening on the other side and being able to quickly think about their next move so I can be in the right spot. It's about reading at this level and being in the right spot, not just reacting. You have to be prepared. We have to know the type of defense we're in when the blockers hold up the numbers behind their back. I've had to move my defensive starting point and start out with my arms super extended to get to those fast-driven balls. I never really started fully extended before so I've had to adjust to that."
How has the team meshed so far?
"With a lot of newcomers, people probably think it would be difficult for everyone to be comfortable with each other but we're all super close. All the upperclassmen have been welcoming and supportive, making sure we're all included and not separated from the group. From freshmen to seniors, we all have the same interests and we're all hanging out away from the gym too.
"The newcomers definitely try and hold each other to a high standard because we know we can reach that. When someone is being harsh on you, it's not out of frustration it's out of love and knowing that you can take the criticism and be better. We always talk about being one percent better each day and everyone can do that."
What are some of your goals heading into the season?
"We want to compete at a high level and we've done that leading into the preseason. Individually, I just want to have the best role possible on the team helping them in whatever way I can."
