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VirginiaSports.com recently caught up with first-year Kelly Rhein to talk about her introduction to volleyball and some adjustments she has made playing at the collegiate level. Rhein and the Virginia volleyball team will host the second-straight series of home matches this weekend. Virginia will play Miami Friday evening and Florida State on Saturday. Both matches are scheduled for 7 p.m. in Memorial Gymnasium.
Question: When were you first introduced to volleyball?
Rhein: I was first introduced to volleyball in eighth grade. My mother played in college but my whole life I was a soccer and basketball girl.
Question: What was it like playing in your first game for Virginia?
Rhein: It was so crazy to play my first game at Virginia. I was shaking I was so nervous, it was almost like I had never played before.
Question: What positions have you played throughout your life?
Rhein: I have been an outside hitter my entire career.
Question: What was the most challenging adjustment you had to make playing college volleyball for the first time?
Rhein: To not be the superstar of the team anymore. Everyone on the team was the star of their high school and club teams, so coming from being the top senior to basically the bottom of the pole was a big adjustment for me.
Question: What are your goals for the rest of this season?
Rhein: To improve and learn as much as I can my first year, as well to be the best player and teammate I can be.
Question: Where is your favorite place to hang out on grounds?
Rhein: I love hanging out in our locker room. I also like to sit on the steps of the amphitheater.
Question: What is something interesting about yourself that would surprise most people who know you?
Rhein: Until I was in fifth grade, I was a competitive gymnast. I always thought I would go to the Olympics, but it ended up that I was too tall.
Question: What are some of your non-athletic hobbies?
Rhein: Some of my hobbies include watching and listening to love songs or country music, or hanging out with friends and family. I like to play beach volleyball and basketball, as well as challenge people to hand stand contests, which I always win.
Question: How would you choose to spend a day off from work and school?
Rhein: I love laying out in the sun by the pool with friends and family just chilling and relaxing, and not worrying about anything.