Aug. 18, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - With eight newcomers, including seven freshmen, on the UCF volleyball roster this season, libero Dani Harrison (Tallahassee, Fla.) knows that she needs to work hard to earn herself a spot on the floor come Aug. 18, when the Knights' open their season against Jacksonville at The Venue at UCF.
No stranger to the rewards of hard work, Harrison was a Wendy's High School Heisman nominee for her academic achievements, community service involvement and athletic accomplishments last season as a senior at Florida State University High School.
On the court, Harrison set her high school's single season record for digs (527) in 2008, on her way to being named All-Big Bend Conference for the third-consecutive season when she earned a spot on the first team.
Even more impressive than her athletic achievements, Harrison also excelled in the classroom while at FSUHS. A four-time Scholar-Athlete award winner, she was her class valedictorian, President of the National Honor Society, yearbook editor and a Best and Brightest nominee for math. Harrison earned the Principal's Award, the Stan Dietrich Award (Academic/Athletic/Character/Leadership), was named Who's Who Among American High School Students and was also a member of Bright Futures.
Harrison and the Knights are in their second week of preseason camp and are gearing up for their annual Black and Gold Scrimmage which is set for Aug. 22 at The Venue at UCF. Harrison recently talked with UCFAthletics.com so fans could learn a little bit more about her.
What made you originally start playing volleyball?
"I did gymnastics for a good six years when I was growing up and I didn't really enjoy it anymore, so in sixth grade I decided that I wanted to change sports. I randomly decided to pick volleyball and I actually liked it. So, I went around and played all of the different positions and got set on being a libero."
What made you choose to play volleyball at UCF?
"I was really attracted to the academics and the volleyball program in general. The program is up-and-coming, Coach Dagenais is great and I love the team atmosphere. The team is pretty much like a family and UCF just feels like home."
What did you do this summer to prepare for your first season as a Knight?
"I came to summer session B, which really helped me out as an incoming freshman. The other freshmen and I came in and worked out every day and got to take two classes to get ready for the season. So, now we know more about what to expect once the season starts. It was a really good thing for us."
What is your favorite part about UCF so far?
"I would have to say that my favorite part is our team and the atmosphere that surrounds it. We are all really close already and I think that we will have a pretty good chance of being really good this year."
Do you think that you have improved since starting preseason camp?
"Yes. Definitely. Everyday it seems like I am getting better. Some days I might have a down practice, but I know I will definitely come right back up."
How have the upperclassmen helped you transition into the speed of the collegiate game?
"They have helped out a lot. They have been really great role models and have helped us move easily through the whole process so far."
What are you looking forward to most about the season?
"Playing in games and just the season in general. I am just ready to get started."
What are your goals for the team this season? What are your individual goals?
"I think as a team we just need to be all that we can be. I would like for us to win all of our home games and, if we happen to lose to a team during the season, to be able to bounce back and beat them the second time around. I would also like for the team to make it to the conference finals and hopefully to the NCAAs. Individually, I want to strive to be better and to keep coming into my role as a libero and defensive specialist. I am just ready to fight for a position."
Harrison and the UCF volleyball team open the season in a mere 10 days at the Venue at UCF when they host the Radisson-UCF Invitational on Aug. 28.
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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