BY OFURE EIGBE / STAFF WRITER

With the Winter academic term in full force, we have seen the Augustana Vikings’ various sports teams compete again and again. In this issue of the Dagligtale, we interviewed Kari White, an Augustana women’s volleyball team member. It is her first year at Augustana as a transfer student, and she is in her fourth year. We sat down with Kari and got some insight into how she prepares for a game and balances school with sports.

Here are some excerpts from our interview:

Why are you interested in playing volleyball?

“I started playing the sport when I was twelve years old, and this was the only sport I liked playing, so I just stuck to it. Sometimes, I wanted to quit playing the game, but I never did. I am glad I didn’t, because I have found myself at Augustana with such a great team.”

What is your favorite thing about playing volleyball?

I think that would have to be the bonds I have made with teammates over the years. Volleyball is a sport that makes you feel connected with people, and you can make life-long friendships. 

How do you manage to juggle academics and volleyball?                                                                                                

Being a student-athlete takes a lot of discipline, but it helps if you surround yourself with people who have similar goals and are motivated. It becomes a lot easier to put in the work that is needed. When you are with your teammates, you can put in hours of studying. It also helps that the professors in Augustana are understanding.

Do you have a routine before a game?

One of the essential things I do on game days is to ensure I have a good breakfast. All my roommates are on the volleyball team, so on the days we have games or bus trips, we play music in the kitchen or sing along to music on the way to school. Once I get to the locker room, I try to focus on breathing, relaxing and focusing on the game. 

What advice would you give someone that wishes to get involved in sports?

I would say that the harder you work, the more opportunities you will receive. This sport requires a lot of practice, but it can change your life if you stick with it.

How does the team approach losses?

We have a talented team, so we take every loss as a learning opportunity. There have been a few tough losses in the season, but they have helped us figure out the direction we would like to take as a team and what to do to get there.

How has being an athlete helped you know more about yourself?

Everything is a learning opportunity. I am sure everyone in sports knows that there are many heartbreaking moments you have to work through, and being an athlete has taught me how valuable those moments are.

What is something people do not know about you? 

I have a cat named Bitsy, who I like to cuddle. I enjoy reading, and the most recent book I have read is Bell Jar. When I am not on the volleyball court, you will catch me in the lab, being a biology nerd.

• Instagram