Q&A with Kendahl Voelker
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A native of Fort Myers, Fla., junior outside hitter Kendahl Voelker returned to her home state this past weekend and landed her 500th career kill in the volleyball team’s loss at No. 18 Florida State. Voelker and the Cavaliers look to rebound from some tough losses when they head to Duke (Fri., 7 p.m.) and Wake Forest (Sat., 7 p.m.) this weekend.
Question: How do you feel about the performance of the team so far?
Voelker: It’s a little disheartening to go from dominating Virginia Tech right at the start of conference play to then suffer losses. Regardless of the record, I feel that we can only improve from here. We know what it takes to compete at a higher level and I am confident that we will eventually be at the top.
Question: Are you looking forward to a specific match on the remaining schedule?
Voelker: I love traveling to Florida because it’s my home state, but the next matches I really enjoy are the ones we have at home against Duke and Clemson. Both have been historically good teams and it is always a thrilling game, especially with the atmosphere of Mem Gym.
Question: How has your role changed on this year’s team compared to last season?
Voelker: As a third-year, responsibility shifts as maturity grows through experience. In light of that, I feel as though I am a much stronger emotional leader whether I am playing or cheering on the sidelines.
Question: Is there a part of your game that you are really working on improving?
Voelker: Blocking, blocking, blocking, blocking. I can always improve there. I want to be a more efficient and intimidating blocker. The feeling of just going up and stuffing a ball right back at the hitter gives me such an intense rush.
Question: What is one of your proudest volleyball memories?
Voelker: The win against Clemson at home two seasons ago felt amazing. In the locker room we still bring it up.
Question: If you could play another collegiate sport, what would it be?
Voelker: I participated in track and field in high school. I ran relays and the 100-meter dash on and off, but the four main events that I went to the state championships in every year were the high jump, long jump, triple jump and shot put. It’s great cross training because of all the jumping, plus who doesn’t love to chuck a nine-pound metal ball 35 feet across some grass?
Question: What do you enjoy away from the volleyball court?
Voelker: Away from volleyball, I enjoy beach volleyball. I have also always had a passion for photography. I love to be artsy, especially if I’m making a scrapbook.