Grantham, PA – Messiah College women's volleyball opened the 2016 season this past weekend when they traveled to Gettysburg College for the Battlefield Classic. The Falcons went a perfect 4-0 at the Classic, and they are now set to open MAC Commonwealth play tomorrow night against Stevenson University. One player who should prove influential to the Falcons' success this season is returning AVCA Honorable Mention All-American
Kristen Douglas. Last season she finished with 429 kills, collected 487.5 points, and led the team with 364 digs.
We got together with Kristen to hear more about her Messiah College experience in this edition of #WhyMessiah.
Tell us a little bit about your family, and something unique about them that you'd be willing to share.
My parents are Dean and Trish Douglas and I have one older sister named Lauren. My grandmother is from Japan so I am one-fourth Japanese.
Why did you come to Messiah, and why do you love being here?
After visiting other schools this place just felt right. I wanted to be part of what Messiah had to offer!
You're a nursing major—why did you choose it, and why have you enjoyed the program?
After seeing how nurses helped my family through some tough situations I knew I wanted to do the same for others. Nursing is not an easy task, but it is so rewarding and I can't think of anything else I would rather do.
How do you balance your academic work and your commitment to the women's volleyball program?
It is a juggling act to say the least, but I always have my planner and calendar close by! It's all about prioritizing and developing good time management. Sometimes my social life gets sacrificed but volleyball definitely makes up for it.
Who has most influenced your life and why?
My grandmother. She has showed me what love is, and what it looks like to live a godly life. She is the strongest woman I know and she motivates me want to be the best version of myself.
If you could have dinner with one person in history, who would it be and why?
I would dine with a family ancestor, maybe my great-great-great grandfather. I would love to see where my family comes from and what life was like for them.
What is one thing about head coach Holly Motheral that those outside your team may not know?
She has awesome taste in music, and she is Canadian.
What is special about your coaching staff and teammates that you would want to share with a recruit or someone outside the program?
We are so much more than a team. We all love volleyball, but even greater than that we love each other and God. We all see this sport as a way of ministry and strive to play for the glory of God. These girls have become my family and I love living life along side of them.
What is one of your favorite team traditions and why?
Every year during pre-season we do a team scavenger hunt. We dress up in ridiculous outfits and embarrass ourselves in public. It gives us the chance to get to know one another in a different light and it's hilarious!
Do you have a program ritual or habit?
This year we cross the line before games and practices. We can't step on the court without intentionally focusing in, and during that time I commit 100% focus and effort for the team.
If you didn't play your current sport, what would you play?
I think I would play basketball or soccer. I'm not great at either one but I would love the opportunity to play with the other female athletes!
What is the toughest part of being a collegiate student-athlete? How do you live or grow through this at Messiah?
The toughest part is having the ability to be 100% committed to academics and volleyball. There are times when I don't have time for other friends, but I am surrounded by my best friends every day in practice. I have made so many true friends both on and off the court by being a part of Messiah athletics.
What advice would you give to younger student-athletes looking to play a sport in college?
Always give 100% effort and love what you do. Never lose the love for the game.
If you had to answer #WhyMessiah what would you say?
Why not Messiah!? Messiah College is more than a place— it's a family. Messiah has so much to offer and I wanted to be part of something great and Messiah is a great place to do just that!
