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Second-year Sydney Hill is having a breakout season for the Virginia volleyball team this year. Coming off a year in which she struggled with injuries, Hill is leading the team in blocks and ranked eighth in the conference.
The squad put together back-to-back wins this past weekend at Boston College and Maryland to earn its first ACC victories and will take the win-streak to North Carolina this weekend. The Cavaliers face UNC on Friday at 7 p.m., before playing NC State on Saturday at 6 p.m.
Question: The team has played each of the conference teams extremely close this year, how does it feel to finally have an ACC victory?
Hill: It feels great to gets some Ws! Our team has so much potential for success this year, so our first matches in the ACC were disappointing, especially because they were so close. We will be continuing to add more wins to our record the rest of the season.
Question: You were battling injuries through most of last season, how does it feel to finally be on the court contributing?
Hill: Last year, I experienced a series of “rough times” including my injury. Those experiences last year are making being on the court this year even more exciting, and even more appreciated. I love to be out on the court contributing and representing our unbelievable group of Wahoos.
Question: As a sophomore, you were only with the old coaching staff for a year. How has the transition to this new coaching staff been?
Hill: Because last year was my first year with the previous coaching staff at UVa, my transition was pretty easy. It was kind of like coming into preseason for the first time again. The weird thing will be next year when I know what to expect. Also, it would be hard for anyone to have trouble transitioning to this new coaching staff. They are welcoming, knowledgeable, and have a goofy side just like our team, which makes everyone comfortable.
Question: You had a great blocking game against Maryland this weekend. How exciting is it to be able to consistently shut down opponents’ top attackers and throw them out of system?
Hill: If you ask any middle blocker what their favorite thing to do in a game is, I am sure they would answer one of two things a great kill or a stuff block. Getting a block or even a good touch on a ball is extremely exciting, and I hope that I continue to be a blocking threat to our opponents the rest of the season.
Question: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Hill: I was a ballerina before I decided on volleyball. I even wore pointed shoes.
Question: What is your favorite thing to do in Charlottesville for fun?
Hill: Nothing is better then sitting outside and having a relaxing lunch on The Corner on a sunny day in the fall.
Question: What is your favorite sport besides volleyball? Did you play it at one time?
Hill: I love watching ice hockey, especially my brother. Go Ferris State Bulldogs! I grew up watching ice hockey every weekend, but only skated as a child.
Question: What is your favorite TV show? If you could be a character on the show, who would it be and why?
Hill: One of my favorite TV shows is Brothers and Sisters. Every time I watch it, I am reminded of my crazy family back in Michigan that I miss so much. I would be Kitty because she is confident, knows what she wants, and is married to Rob Lowe!
Question: What is your pregame ritual?
Hill: Dancing in the locker room to obnoxiously loud music is my favorite pregame ritual.
Question: What are your hobbies?
Hill: I like doodling especially with my pack of multi-colored sharpies.
Question: If you could be a superhero, what power would you have, and why?
Hill: My power would be the ability to fly. Not only could I save people from hard to reach heights, going to class would be a breeze… haha, no pun intended.
Question: Who is your favorite music artist?
Hill: My little sister and I like a lot of the same music so we are constantly sending each other new songs and CDs. Her most recent CD had Shawn McDonald on it, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite artists.
Question: What did you do over the summer? What are your plans for next summer?
Hill: In the summer, I spent most of my time with family and friends at my cottage on Silver Lake. This upcoming summer, I am planning on studying abroad in Spain. That will be the farthest I have ever traveled.