Sept. 4, 2001
Don't call her Naer Bear, Naroni or the Myth from Fort Smith, but you can call Naaron Branson one of the best outside hitters to ever play in the hallowed Hearnes Center. The senior is on pace to become one of the most prolific offensive players in MU history and currently is in ninth place on the MU all-time kills list. The outside hitter sat down with assistant media relations director Sam Fleury and talked about life, being a lefty and what's she learned while at Mizzou in this weeks "Meet a Tiger" profile.
SF: What is the longest match you have played so far in your college career? NB: We went to five games last season against Texas Tech (the match was 2:54 minutes).
SF: Who is the best outside hitter in the Big 12? NB: I would say Nancy Meendering (now Metcalf) from Nebraska. She didn't play last season because she qualified for the Olympic trials so obviously she would qualify as the best outside in the conference. She was someone that my parents and my old coaching staff would...not necessarily compare me to her but since we were the only left handed hitters in the conference at the time and she was a year older than me, I would try to make strides toward what she did.
SF: When you go back to Fort Smith (Ark.) and you go to a family reunion or hang out with your sisters, are you competitive when you play a pick up game of volleyball or basketball? NB: I don't get to make it home a lot when I am in season or out of season because I am six hours away. But when I am home, I don't play too competitively. I would rather just go out with my younger sister (Kindsey) and play around with her and help coach her and spend time with her.
SF: When you are married and have children, do you want them to play volleyball? NB: I would love for my children to play volleyball, whether they are a girl or a boy. I know that one thing I am so proud of is the fact that my parents let me choose what I wanted to do. They never pushed me in one direction or the other. My dad was a college basketball player and I know that he wanted me to play basketball but he never pushed me and I got to make my own decisions and I think that is really important. However I hope that my children will choose to play volleyball.
SF: What teams (in volleyball) do you love to beat? NB: Texas Tech and Kansas State
SF: If you had to pick a backup jersey number instead of 11, what would it be? NB: 3 or 22, I had both numbers in high school.
SF: Its rumored that you like to sing and rap? What artist do you like? NB: I like rap and Snoop Dog, but you can't put that in my profile (ha ha!)
SF: What is your favorite pre-match meal? NB: If we were able to choose our pre-match meal, (we always go to Bambino's Italian Caf? as a team, which is good), it would be a big fat steak, a baked potato, a salad, and a glass of sweet tea...What can I say, I am from the south and I love sweet tea.
SF: Who is the funniest player on the team? NB: I always give things back to Krista (Johnson, senior Middle Blocker). Krista and I always have so much fun together.
SF: Do you enjoy being left handed? NB: Yes!!! I love being left handed.
SF: Being from Arkansas, did you ever meet President (I guess he would have been governor than) Clinton and did you vote for him? NB: I did not vote in that election and I wouldn't have if I would have voted.SF: Are you a republican? NB: Yes, I think I was in the same building as him a couple of times as a young kid doing the whole tour thing.
SF:You are a fashion conisuer, going into apperal mangament, who is the best designer out there right now? NB: Stella McCartney. She not legendary yet and she just came out with her new line in London. I think that right now to me she is bringing a new look to the fashion industry.
SF: If you were to have your own clothing line, what would you name it?NB: Honestly, it would depend on what style I would use. I would kind of like to use my name. It is not a real common name, you know its an American name and its somewhat different.
SF: Speaking of names, you have been blessed or cursed with several nicknames (NEB-Naaron Elizabeth Branson, Naaroni, Naar Bear, the Myth from Fort Smith). What is your favorite, or at least the one that drives you the least crazy? NB: I think NEB, because its short, quick and I know what you are talking about.
SF: What is your favorite thing about playing at Mizzou? NB: I think that right now we are still considered underdogs and I like that and I think its fun to play that role. And of course I like black and gold!