Oct. 22, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - After being hampered by injuries as a redshirt freshman last season, sophomore Lauren Williams (Lake Mary, Fla.) has mended all her wounds and has turned into one of the key contributors to the Knights' success in 2008. Members of the Athletics Communications staff recently caught up with Williams to talk about how her role has changed since last season and how close the Knights are on and off of the court.
With the team already surpassing last season's win total, can you describe how this season is going for you and the team?
"We have worked hard to get where we are right now. Compared to last year we have already passed (our win total), and we are fighting for the top spot in Conference USA. We are in a good place, and if we keep our spirits high and keep working hard we will do fine for the rest of the season."
How does it feel being a regular contributor on the court this year after you were hampered with injuries last season?
"It is a relief to finally go out on the court, play hard and just work for my team. I have been anticipating and wanting to play hard, and now that I have that chance. I am really happy, excited and ready to finish the year out with my team."
How has your role changed on the team this year compared to past seasons?
"My role has changed a lot because I am on the court now and executing and making plays, whereas last year I was on the bench supporting my teammates and trying to give ideas to them. My role has changed a lot because of I have be the one executing and playing hard on a consistent basis."
How close are you with your teammates this year compared to previous years?
"When the freshmen first got here, it took a couple of days for me to get to know them, but after about a week I really knew everyone and where they were from and what they liked. I think that is a really good idea to get to know your teammates. We have team dinners and go out together, so we are really close with one another."
Do you think playing on the road a lot in the beginning of the season had an impact on the relationships between all of you?
"Once we played on the road and got to room with certain teammates, we figured out what they like. Personally, I roomed with (Erin) Callahan and I had an amazing time with her. I knew her for over a year, but at the same time being able to room with her and being able to sit down and talk was great."
What is your favorite part about playing volleyball at UCF?
"It would have to be the support from the fans. Going on the court and seeing all the fans, especially against Stanford, and knowing those people support you and that they look up to you is amazing. For example, Erin Campbell and I went to a soccer game and a young fan came up to her and said that she really enjoyed watching her play. That just shows that people actually look up to us."
Season tickets for UCF's 2008 volleyball campaign at The Venue are currently available by calling the UCF athletics ticket office at 407-UCF-1000. For the latest news on the Knights, log on to www.UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit www.UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.
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