Q&A with Ali Koumelis
October 11, 2018 | Women's Volleyball, Features
The UC Irvine women's volleyball team is in the middle of conference play and is shooting to make its second straight postseason appearance. The 'Eaters have won seven of their last eight and will be looking to extend their three match win streak this week when they take on Cal State Fullerton (Oct. 11) and UC Riverside (Oct. 13).
Senior setter Ali Koumelis has been a big factor in the team's success this year, averaging 9.56 assists and 2.47 digs per set. We got to know the 2017 All-Big West selection as she answered questions covering topics from her life as a student-athlete at UC Irvine to her favorite types of music.
Q: Being a transfer from the University of Portland, what made you want to come to UC Irvine?
A: I wanted to come to UC Irvine because of the outstanding academics, unbeatable location, and of course to be a part of this amazing team!
Q: Being in your last season as an Anteater what do you hope to accomplish and what conference game are you most excited for?
A: I hope that this team can have our best finish in conference yet and make the postseason. I look forward to all of our conference games; they are all opportunities for growth!
Q: What is your pregame routine that prepares you for game day?
A: I love to start off game day by eating breakfast with some of my teammates on our patio and watching the waves break.
Q: What is your biggest motivation that encourages you every day to succeed as a student-athlete?
A: My biggest motivation is my love for this sport and the longing to be the best I can be.
Q: How old were you when you started playing volleyball?
A: I started playing volleyball when I was 11, so for exactly half of my life!
Q: What kind of music are you likely to listen to before a match and why?
A: I like to listen to calmer music, like John Mayer, or some 70s lite rock because, well, it's basically the greatest music ever made.
Q: What is your favorite memory since you have been part of the volleyball team at UC Irvine?
A: My favorite memory so far has been making it to the NIVC and advancing to the quarterfinals last year.
Q: What are your career aspirations after you graduate from UC Irvine?
A: After I graduate from UC Irvine I plan on attending nursing school.
Senior setter Ali Koumelis has been a big factor in the team's success this year, averaging 9.56 assists and 2.47 digs per set. We got to know the 2017 All-Big West selection as she answered questions covering topics from her life as a student-athlete at UC Irvine to her favorite types of music.
Q: Being a transfer from the University of Portland, what made you want to come to UC Irvine?
A: I wanted to come to UC Irvine because of the outstanding academics, unbeatable location, and of course to be a part of this amazing team!
Q: Being in your last season as an Anteater what do you hope to accomplish and what conference game are you most excited for?
A: I hope that this team can have our best finish in conference yet and make the postseason. I look forward to all of our conference games; they are all opportunities for growth!
Q: What is your pregame routine that prepares you for game day?
A: I love to start off game day by eating breakfast with some of my teammates on our patio and watching the waves break.
Q: What is your biggest motivation that encourages you every day to succeed as a student-athlete?
A: My biggest motivation is my love for this sport and the longing to be the best I can be.
Q: How old were you when you started playing volleyball?
A: I started playing volleyball when I was 11, so for exactly half of my life!
Q: What kind of music are you likely to listen to before a match and why?
A: I like to listen to calmer music, like John Mayer, or some 70s lite rock because, well, it's basically the greatest music ever made.
Q: What is your favorite memory since you have been part of the volleyball team at UC Irvine?
A: My favorite memory so far has been making it to the NIVC and advancing to the quarterfinals last year.
Q: What are your career aspirations after you graduate from UC Irvine?
A: After I graduate from UC Irvine I plan on attending nursing school.
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