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Tara Hester is a third-year outside hitter for the Virginia volleyball team this season. Hester and the Cavaliers defeated Boston College, 3-0, on Oct. 3 to earn their first ACC win of the season. This weekend, Virginia will welcome Boston College and Maryland to Memorial Gymnasium on Friday and Saturday, respectively. Both matches are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
Question: What does being a Virginia Cavalier mean to you?
Hester: To me, it means representing my school by playing my favorite sport. I am just really proud to go to Virginia and wear the Cavalier jersey.
Question: What made you decide to come to Virginia to play volleyball?
Hester: Pretty much everything. The academics, the beautiful grounds, the outstanding athletic programs and the great coaching staff all persuaded my decision.
Question: Why did you choose No. 5?
Hester: I knew that I would have awesome locker buddies for three years with that number. I’m between Lauren (No. 4) and Beth (No. 6). Not really though, I kind of just randomly picked it, but now I love No. 5.
Question: What kind of advice could you offer to incoming student-athletes to adjusting to the collegiate game?
Hester: I’d tell them to work hard and look to your teammates if you need help adjusting because they are always there to support you.
Question: What is your favorite thing to do in a game?
Hester: I think the best feeling is making a great dig because it frustrates the other team and that can be a huge momentum changer.
Question: If you could take any one quality from any of your teammates, what would it be and whom would it be from?
Hester: I would take Shannon’s voice because I think it projects quite nicely and I would like to be able to cheer that loudly.
Question: What would you consider the most difficult skill to master on a volleyball court?
Hester: For me it is blocking. Even after 10 years of playing volleyball, I’m still a pretty terrible blocker. I don’t get how the middle blockers do it so well.
Question: With the season winding down now, what has been the most memorable weekend of the season, so far?
Hester: The most memorable weekend so far was our tournament at JMU because it was our first team road trip and our first matches of the season so it was really exciting and a great bonding experience.
Question: The team won its first ACC match of the season at Boston College back in October. What are you looking forward to this weekend in playing them again?
Hester: I am looking forward to having a great home crowd at Mem Gym and playing well as a team in order to pick up two more wins this weekend.