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Aug. 26, 2003
Whitney Ashcraft, a returning all ACC first team member, captain, and court leader for the women’s Volleyball team, took a break from her hectic schedule to talk with virginiasports.com before traveling to LSU for the team’s first tournament of the year.
What excites you most about the sport of volleyball?
The element of uncertainty is very exciting, because in the sport of volleyball anything can happen. Energy, momentum, and desire definitely affect the level of play. When I step onto the court, I know we can win if we are ready to play and want it badly enough.
If you did not play volleyball what other sport would you compete in?
I competed in many sports growing up, but the sport I miss the most is swimming. I enjoyed competing as an individual and determining my own destiny, while still being a part of the team and working together to achieve bigger goals.
If you could add 6 more hours to your day, what would you find yourself doing?
I would spend more time with my close friends and family. Most of my time is spent studying and playing volleyball, which leaves very little time for a social life. An extra 6 hours everyday would allow me to relax more and relieve stress.
The reason I chose the University of Virginia to enroll and play volleyball was because of these three things.
1. I feel UVA has a great balance between academics and athletics. I came here knowing I wanted to enroll in the Commerce School, and that getting a good education was my first priority. I found that UVA allowed me to get a great education while participating in a sport that I love.
2. UVA/Charlottesville is a beautiful area and different from my home state. I have lived in the same place all my life and I wanted to experience a new part of the country.
3. UVA volleyball challenges me and allows me to compete at the collegiate level. I wanted to go to a prestigious school in a strong conference.
What is the one city that you would like to visit within the U.S. and outside of the U.S.?
I have traveled extensively throughout the U.S.; therefore, there isn’t one particular city I would like to visit. I would like to visit Athens, Greece and attend the 2004 Olympics.
Tell us about the biggest adjustment from the high school level to the collegiate level of volleyball.
The rigorous schedule was the biggest adjustment. I have volleyball practice from 2:00 to 6:30 every weekday with games and tournaments on the weekends. I have to schedule all my classes in the morning, and get all my homework done at night. There is very little down time during a typical week.
What is the single most important goal that you want to accomplish before leaving UVa?
My single most important goal is to have a well-rounded college experience. It is important to me to get a good education and enjoy life as a student-athlete. Although I will miss volleyball, I am excited for this spring because it will be the first time I can just be a student. I will not have athletic obligations, so I will be able to get more involved in outside activities.
What do you like most about Charlottesville?
I really like the different restaurants and types of food Charlottesville has to offer. There is a lot of variety, and it is a great way to enjoy friends and have a relaxing dinner.
If I had one million dollars to donate to any charity or cause in the world I would give the money to…
I don’t know which specific charity I would give the money to, but I would want the money to benefit children. I love children, and I would like the money to enhance their lives and prepare them for the future.
If I had only known this one thing as a first year my life would be so much easier now.
I wish I would have known how to put everything in perspective. Although getting a good education is the most important thing, college is also about meeting new people and discovering yourself.
What do you plan to do in the future?
I am pursuing a career in sports marketing or possibly sales. I love working with people and I would like to continue to be involved in sports. Also, I am looking forward to getting married and starting a family.
What would you tell a prospective student-athlete who is interested in attending the University of Virginia?
UVA provides student-athletes with a good balance between athletics, academics, and social activities.