Player interview offers chance to spotlight one part of successful team
By Emmi Fisher
Staff Writer
Lincoln Land’s volleyball team just returned from Arizona, where the team took second place in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II National Championship.
The team was ranked No. 6 going into the national championship. It knocked off two higher ranked teams to earn a chance to play fellow Illinois team and conference rival: Parkland College.
The Loggers were unable to top the Cobras, which had an undefeated 57-0 season.
Before the team headed to nationals, I got a chance to sit down with Brenna Paige Perinar, the all-conference,all-region two years in a row volleyball player.
The 5-foot-10 player, Perinar was borninJoliet, Illinois. She received Freshman of the Year last season in volleyball, grew up in Channah
on, Illinois, a small town a little shy of 60 minutes from Chicago, Illinois.
Head volleyball coach Jim Dietz said: “Brenna’s a big part of our success. She’s developed into a six-rotation player (someone who plays all the time), so she has to play defense and block and hit—without rest. To have players capable of doing that—that’s big for a team.”
Here is our interview, as we celebrate the Loggers successful season:
TL: How did you first get started playing sports?
BPP: I started playing sports when I was eight or nine. I saw my older sister playing softball and wanted to try softball. You always want to do what your older siblings are doing!
TL: Why did you choice LLCC to come to?
BPP: Because of the volleyball program. It just seemed like a good match. It was a small school which was the direction I wanted to go.
TL: How did you feel about LLCC volleyball history?
BPP: I knew they were always in the top three teams in the conference, but they only went to Nationals once. So this year we had a point to make.
TL: What were some goals from last year you personally had for yourself and for the team this year?
BPP: For me, I wanted to improve as a person and player on and off the court, and be there for the new freshmen on and off the court. I also wanted to just keep improving so I could transfer to a four year university. For the team I wanted to make it to nationals because last year we lost in the Final Four (Region Championship).
TL: Did you think the volleyball team would make it as far as they did?
BPP: Yes, I had a really good feeling about this year. Also, our coach, from the beginning, had faith in us, which gave us confidence.
TL: So what are some skills your team had to improve on this year from last year?
BPP: Our passing. We have improved a lot from last year. We have smart setters now and hitters that know to aim, then pound the ball hard into the ground.
TL: So, I notice the volleyball team had a lot of fested days, tell me more about that?
BPP: So we were doing good throughout the season. Then we struggled a little as a team and wanted to get everyone back on track again. It helped us have fun, be a little goofy, helped with team bonding and loosen everyone up.
TL: How is your team preparing for Arizona?
BPP: We have been doing what we have been doing all year. We’re not scouting. We are just worrying about our side of the net.
TL: So what is your schedule in Arizona like?
BPP: So when we get to Arizona, we will check into our hotel and go to our rooms. Then we will go out to eat then come back and get ready for study tables the next morning at 8 a.m. ( Yes, the volleyball team will be doing study tables still.) Then we are going to breakfast. After breakfast we are going rock climbing in the mountains. Then we will come back for an hour of practice. Then later that night a banquet, which recognizes all the teams. The next morning at 9, we will be playing our first game!
TL: Who is most likely, on the team, to get bit by a rattlesnake in Arizona?
BPP: Summer Sabo, freshman middle hitter
TL: Who is most likely, on the team, to not know where Arizona is located on the map?
BPP: Michelle Ulrich, freshman defensive specialist
TL: Who is most likely, on the team, to come back to Illinois red?
BPP: Jim Dietz, head coach
TL: So what are you personally looking towards in Arizona?
BPP: I want to win Nationals! The mountains because of the view!
TL: Who do you hope to see at your games?
BPP: My parents cannot come because it is all the way in Arizona, but some family friends are going to try to make it because they live in Phoenix.
TL: So what do you hope to come back with?
BPP: The National Championship Tourney!
TL: So how has it been having an awesome team this year?
BPP: It has been awesome. I love everyone on the team. I would not trade one person on the team, we click together really well. I will definitely miss everyone next year.
TL: So what are you hoping to do after LLCC?
BPP: I want to play volleyball at a four year and major in video editing. I do not know where I want to go yet I have not decided.
TL: So where can we see you in five years?
BPP: Hopefully married to a professional football or baseball player. With a huge house … and have my own island named after me.
TL: Looking back, 30 years from now, at your sophomore year of college, what are three words that you would use to describe it?
BPP: Best Experience Ever!
TL: Thank You for your time, good luck at Nationals!
BPP: No Problem!
Emmi Fisher can be reached at [email protected].