Claire Olsen is a middle blocker for the Minooka varsity volleyball team. She has been playing volleyball for the past eight years. This interview with Nook News has been edited for clarity and length.
Q: What contribution does your position bring to the team?
A: I aim to bring good energy to the team and being a good teammate, and as a middle my main job is to block and drive every play.
Q: How do you prepare for blocks?
A: To prepare for a block, I watch the setter and their body language to read where they are sending the ball.
Q: How did you feel after the Joliet Catholic game?
A: Obviously JCA is a big rival so it’s frustrating to lose to them, but playing tougher teams only going to make us better for the post season.
Q: Do you think you preformed well or could have done better? Why?
A: Personally, I could have played better during the JCA game by swinging around the block and pressing while I block. As a team, we all could have performed better against JCA, we just need to start off stronger so we have confidence throughout the game.
Q: Do you think you performed better at the Plainfield East game? Why?
A: Personally, I played much better against Plainfield East I was reading their hits better so I was getting a good amount of blocks which helps out our defense. As a team, we all played well against Plainfield East and the energy was great. We were just playing our game and staying consistent.
Q: Is there a pre game ritual that you do before a game and if so what is it?
A: Before games, I almost always do the same hairstyle for good luck. I also have to put in my AirPods before warmups to help me get focused.
Q: Do you have a lucky pair of volleyball shoes?
A: My lucky pair of volleyball shoes are my Paul George 6s.
