VOLLEYBALL Q&A: Jessica Vander Kooi
11/18/2004 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Nov. 18, 2004
Jessica Vander Kooi
6-2
SOPHOMORE
OUTSIDE HITTER
MERRILL, IOWA
Last season, Jessica Vander Kooi was selected the Big 12 Conference and Central Region Freshman of the Year, making her one of eight finalist for National Freshman of the Year. This year, Vander Kooi is averaging 3.96 kills per game, which is tenth best in the Big 12 Conference. She is also averaging 3.28 digs per game. Vander Kooi leads the team with 17 double-doubles on the year, including a 20-kill, 22-dig performance against Purdue on Sept. 4. She has recorded 20 kills twice this season and has had double-digit kills in all but two matches this season. The Iowa native, was a three-time All-State selection for Hinton High School and in 2003 was named to the HOT 100 National Volleyball Prospects by StudentSports.com.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: Sleeping and eating.
Q: Describe yourself in one word.
A: Unpredictable.
Q: What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
A: "Believe in the incredible power of the human mind" and that life doesn't end if you make a mistake.
Q: Where is your favorite place to eat in Columbia?
A: Longhorn.
Q: If you could meet any one person, who would it be?
A: Muhammad Ali.
Q: Who is the funniest person on the team?
A: Chen Feng.
Q: Name one thing you've always wanted to do but have not done.
A: I've always wanted to sky dive.
Q: Do you have any superstitions?
A: I don't know if anyone has noticed, but I always have to sit by Lindsey Hunter on the bench between games.
Q: What is one thing that your teammates probably don't know about you.
A: That I am secretly in love with Chinese food... NOT!!
Q: Who is the most famous person you have met?
A: Jay Leno when we went to L.A. for the NCAA Tournament in 2003.
