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Questions With Tyra Turner

7/28/2008

by Christine Phillips

Question with AVP/FIVB Star

& Volleyball.com Blogger, Tyra Turner

photo by the AVP

• At what age did you first pickup volleyball and when did you seriously start playing?

I played 2 years of volleyball in high school and was hooked. I wasn’t too serious about it until I found out it could pay for my college.

• Did you have a volleyball star that you looked up to?

    I was a huge fan of Natalie Williams. She was dominant in 2 sports in college and I always wanted to do that.

•    Where did you attend HS? Where did you play club?

    Cypress Lake High in Fort Myers, Florida and I played for Club Southwest.

•    Where did you play college?

    University of Central Florida (UCF). I’m a Golden Knight.

photo by Greg Weaver

• What did you get your college degree in?

Speech Language Pathology Communicative Disorders

• What is something that most people do not know about you?

I’m terrified of frogs. No joke. If my parents forgot to leave the outside lights on at night I would stay in my car and honk.

• You were inducted into the UCF Hall of Fame in 2004. How was that feeling being able to go back to your alma mater?

I was so appreciative and proud to be inducted to the Hall of Fame. I was able to give thanks to many of the coaches, advisers and staff that helped shaped me into the athlete and person I am today.

•    What were you options after college? Europe? AVP?

    I graduated in 1998 and the AVP wasn’t around. It didn’t matter, at that time I was in love with indoor and still healthy enough to play it. I     went to the Olympic training center to try-out for the national team and ended up staying for 2 years. That’s where I learned to play right         and left side.

•    What are your thoughts on the evolution of the indoor game?

    The girls are enormous. Front lines are well above the 6 foot mark. I used to be big at 6’1. There is one rule I would love to change. I         hate serve reception with the hands/fingers. Everyone needs to learn to pass with your forearms!!!!

photo by Greg Weaver

•    When did you start playing beach volleyball?

    My first season on the AVP was 2003. In 2004 I decided to move to LA and do it full time.

•    Where is your favorite place to play volleyball (indoor or outdoor)?

    Now that I’m 31 I’m going to say on the beach. The sand is forgiving which allows me to stay healthy.

•    What are some goals that you have set for yourself in regards to your career?

    Gosh, I feel like I’ve reached my goal. I’m playing for a living and contributing to my savings, so I must     be doing ok!!!! Really, I want to be ranked in the top 3 and playing to win every weekend!

•    What three things would you advise junior players to focus on now, to be more successful in their future volleyball career?

    #1 First and fore most be a volleyball player. Learn each and every position. Be flexible and respect every skill.

    #2 Don’t forget about other sports. Multi sport athletes make great volleyball players.

    #3 Don’t forget that watching is a great way to learn. Play copy cat.

•    What are your thoughts on the growth of the Collegiate Beach Championships?

    Yes, yes, yes, an additional sport for women to obtain scholarships!!!! I’m all for it, not to mention I would love to coach a team in                  Florida….

•    You are currently the USA Volleyball International Beach Player Representative (with Sean Scott). What does that mean?

I’m trying to help facilitate communication between the athletes and USAV. It’s a work in progress, but I’m very happy with the improvements we’ve made in a year. Both side have been bruised and battered, but we are helping each other heal. I have the utmost respect for our governing body (USAV). They are working their tail off to give the beach athletes the support, guidance and leadership they need. At the same time I respect the beach athletes for taking charge and dominating when in the past they were on their own…

photo by Greg Weaver

•    What advise would you give college volleyball players looking to get into the professional beach volleyball world?

    Yes, I’m a Floridian, but I still have to say this…. #1 piece of advice would be pack your bags. You’ve got to move to southern California. Only then will you truly learn how to compete at this level. I hope this changes, but for now it’s what you have to do. Look at both Phil Dalhausser and myself. We did just OK when we lived in Florida. As soon as we moved we began to climb the ladder.

•    What is some advice you can provide high school players looking to continue their volleyball career in college?

    There are hundreds of colleges to compete at. Don’t just go to a school because of the volleyball team. Check out the scholastics, surrounding city and student life. Look for some type of balance.

•    Who are your current sponsors?

    Hilton, Kaenon Sunglasses, Smart Water, AIM Sports Medicine

Check out the Videos with Tyra

http://video.volleyball.com/viewVideo.aspx?v=xrmfmkAaz

http://video.volleyball.com/viewVideo.aspx?v=hHnGGnuXd

Tyra and Chad Turner Visit Dig 4 Kids

Check out Tyra's Blog

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