NCSA caught up with Sarah Christianson to get her thoughts on her high school career and the possibility of playing in college.
NCSA: What motivates you before a big game? What's your pre-game ritual(s)?
Christianson: Before a game I usually listen to music to help keep me clear my mind and help me just to focus on volleyball. I usually try to visualize playing well.
NCSA: What are you looking forward to if and when you get the opportunity to play on a collegiate level?
Christianson: I am really looking forward to meeting new people at college and seeing another part of the county. Living in Juneau, the only way in or out of town is by air or by water, so I am excited about living on a road system and experiencing a completely different part of the country. I am also looking forward to playing volleyball at a higher level and to studying biology with professors at Lehigh.
NCSA: Why did you get involved in the sports you played in? (Is it a family tradition, do you admire an athlete in the sport)?
Christianson: I got involved in sports because they are fun. I started out with jump rope in pre-school after I saw a competitive jump rope competition in my town. When I got into kindergarten I joined the team and later had the chance to travel to Florida to participate in the national jump rope championships, where we won a gold medal. After that, I was hooked! I loved working hard and I loved the feeling of winning competitions. And once I played volleyball, I just fell in love with the sport and knew it was what I wanted to do.
NCSA: Tell us about your interactions with college coaches so far.
Christianson: I received more letters and emails from colleges than I ever dreamed possible. I met incredible coaches and amazing girls at several schools - all of which I would have been happy to go to. In the end, I was contacted by my first choice school to play.
NCSA: How are your team(s) doing so far? Any challenges this season? How are you excelling personally, how does that compare to previous years?
Christianson: My volleyball team at high school this year was a young team - only two returning seniors. While we didn't reach my goal of winning at state, we did reach our team goal of placing better than last year. My personal season was my best ever and I broke a school record for number of kills in a season! I am really excited about our upcoming soccer season and am hoping I will finish my senior year with a great soccer season.
NCSA: What are your goals - athletically, academically and in your community - for the rest of the school year? What are also your goals for the summer? Are you looking to improve your speed, skills, acing a course?
Christianson: My goal this year is to maintain my A average in school and to graduate at the top of my class. I plan to work this summer to help pay for my expenses at college and I am planning on really working hard to get ready for the volleyball season. I also hope to help coach younger kids and plan to enjoy the beauty of Alaska in the summer!
And few words from Sarah's mom:
When Sarah was first contacted by an NCSA recruiter I wasn't sure if we should participate. I was afraid I couldn't afford it and that the organization wouldn't be able to really help my daughter get noticed by coaches outside of our state. After all, we live in an isolated community in Alaska and we don't have the opportunities many students in the Lower 48 have to play club sports or participate in camps. But after researching the NCSA organization and hearing good things, I decided I needed to do everything possible to help my daughter reach her goals. It turned out to be the best decision I could have ever made. Because of NCSA, Sarah received hundreds of contacts who recognized her for her hard work in academics and in sports. At ever step of the journey, NCSA was there for us with help and with answers to our questions and concerns. Coach Emmons and everyone we worked with at NCSA was knowledgeable and professional and always supportive and encouraging. I have been telling every parent of athletes that I know that if NCSA calls - say yes, yes and yes to having your child participate in their program. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all you have done to help Sarah and to help me.
