Here is your chance to meet the new members of the Badger volleyball team. UWBadgers.com asked the 2009 newcomers about their first weeks of training camp and their experiences as the newest Badgers.
In today's Q&A, meet athid=66047&deptid=133"> --> Kirby Toon from Middleton, Wis. The 6-0 right-side hitter earned third-team all-state honors in 2008 despite missing part of the season due to a knee injury. She was named the 2008 Big Eight Conference Player of the Year and is a two-time first-team All-Big Eight Conference selection. Toon played club volleyball with Capital Volleyball Academy and was named to the 2008 Junior Volleyball Directors Association all-tournament team, aiding CVA to a bronze medal finish. She was also recognized by PrepVolleyball.com with an Outstanding Blocker award in 2007.
The Badgers take to the road for the first time this season, traveling to Corvalis, Ore., for the Oregon State/Active Ankle Challenge on Saturday-Sunday. Wisconsin (1-2) takes on Seattle (1-2), Cal State Fullerton (3-0) and Oregon State (2-1) in the tournament.
Why Wisconsin'
I chose to attend Wisconsin because I have always wanted to come to school here. Growing up in the area I've always loved the campus and when the opportunity came along to play volleyball here, it was an offer I couldn't refuse.
What have you enjoyed the most about Madison so far'
Honestly, I've enjoyed everything! Especially getting to sport all of our new Badger Volleyball gear everywhere we go.
How has training camp been for you so far ' What has been the biggest difference from high school/club'
Training camp has been going really well so far. It's tough coming in off of a pretty bad injury, but I feel stronger than ever and I'm ready to take my game to the next level.
What have you been most impressed with the coaches'
The coaches have been extremely patient with the newcomers and have been really good about explaining how everything works, but at the same time we aren't babied. We are expected to compete and that's something that I really like about how our practices are run.
What do you think of your teammates and the team chemistry'
My teammates are amazing! Everyone gets along really well and I have never been on a team where the team chemistry seems so strong.
What has been the biggest surprise so far with college volleyball and/or the whole college experience'
I am surprised how quickly all of us freshman have already adjusted to our new lives here on campus. Granted, our classes have just started but I'm sure we'll catch on quickly with the help of our teammates.
What class are you most excited for and why'
I'm really excited for my zoology class. I loved biology and science classes in high school and I haven't taken a biology class since my freshman year in high school so I think it should be really interesting.
What are you missing the most from home '
I'm really close to home, but I'm definitely still missing my family, friends'and my bed!
What team are you looking forward to playing and why'
Michigan, of course ' I have to beat my sister Molly's future team! And Penn State obviously. Everyone is going to be gunning for them and it's always fun to go into a match against a great team.
