20 Questions with a Saint

Today, I am going to do something a little different with the interview questions; rather than asking a current Saint Martin's University student-athlete, I chose to interview new head volleyballl coach Kara Peterson. Peterson is in her first year at the helm of the volleyball program and makes her Great Northwest Athletic Conference coaching debut this Thursday when the SMU hosts Northwest Nazarene University at 7 pm in the Pavilion. So far, the Saints have battled hard in their matches, but have had a few rallies fall short, leading to their current 2-8 record. However, with key home matches this week against NNU and 24th ranked Central Washington University (Saturday), SMU looks to regroup and earn a couple of victories.

1.      What was one thing that interested you the most when you applied for this job a little less than a year ago?

•  The ability to step up to a new level of coaching and being a part of college community close to where I've invested my family was incredibly appealing. It was also the right time and things just fell into place when the opportunity arose.

2.      What was your greatest experience as a player?

•  Winning a preseason tournament at Montana State University. Our team ended up being mentioned in the (sports section) of the USA Today and my name was in there.   

3.      Where do you see your program in 3 years?

•  We want to have the chance to be able to play for a spot in the playoffs.  

4.      What one thing about SMU has surprised you the most?

•  Nothing has really surprised me. I like how easy it is to get along with everyone here and I really like how people are proud of their school and having an affiliation with Saint Martin's.

5.      What is your favorite aspect of SMU so far?

•  The welcoming nature of the people and the pride they have for this school, along with the direction the university is going.  

6.      As a player, what was your most embarrassing athletic moment?

•  We were in Hawaii playing a series of matches when I was a freshman and I pulled a serious freshman move by forgetting my knee pads and my socks. I still played, but it was emabarrassing that I forgot them.  

7.      If you could change one rule in your sport, what would it be?

•  The back-row attack rule is ridiculous. I would change that.

8.      What is one item you always take with you on the road?

•  I always take a little, lucky pig that my daughter gave me that only has three legs.

9.  What is one song on your iPod that would surprise people?

•  I have some French Christmas songs that I got from my French foreign-exchange students.

10.  Name one fear that people might not know about you.

•  I have a fear of heights.

11.  Who is the biggest jokester/prankster on the team?

•  Probably Julia (Wabinga).

12.  What is one thing you wish you knew how to do?

•  I wish I could play the piano.

13.  What is your most prized possession of no value?

• My books; I love books.  

14.  What is the hardest class you have ever taken?

•  Economics in college, I hated it.

15.  If you could eat at any fast food restaurant right now, where would it be?

•  Taco Del Mar, I really like that place.

16.  What is one of your biggest pet peeves?

•  Rudeness for no reason.

17. What one TV show do you watch that would surprise others?

•  I love Top Chef.

18. What was your first car?

•  A 1972 silver Toyota Celica.

19. What was your first job?

•  I worked at Arby's when I was 16 and I had to wear the ugliest brown uniform.

20. Would you rather explore outer space, or the depths of the ocean?

•  Probably space becasue I have a fear of drowning.