Nov. 1, 2006

Each week during the remainder of the 2006 season, uscsports.com features Q-and-A sessions with members of the Gamecock volleyball team. Senior outside hitter Shonda Cole provided today’s answers. Cole leads the SEC and is fourth in the country in kills per game at 5.69. She owns six 30-kill matches this year, which is best in the country, and is seven kills away from tying USC’s single-season record of 553 kills.

I wear number 14 because: It’s just the number I’ve had since I started playing volleyball in eighth grade, so I never changed it, otherwise I would wear my basketball number, 33.

Favorite song: Every song is my favorite!

Favorite class at USC: Dr. Janet Mason’s middle level classroom management

Favorite junk food: I can’t pick a favorite because I think every junk food is absolutely amazing!!!

Favorite coach Somera quote: “Don’t look for the one, look for the fun!” (Ben Somera)

First thing you would do if you were head coach for a day: Make the team do the belly drill, our favorite volleyball drill EVER!!

Person you would most like to change places with for a day: Oprah Winfrey

Teammate who makes you laugh the most: Belita Salters, hands down

Person who has most influenced your athletic career: My daddy

Craziest ambition: I want to learn how to pole vault.

One thing you wish you were better at: For volleyball, passing and defense. Otherwise, speaking my mind regardless of what people think of me.

Most memorable moment in athletics: Winning the state championship in volleyball my junior year of high school

Favorite sport besides volleyball: Basketball

Team you would most like to see added to the schedule: Stanford or Nebraska

Your dream job: To become a professional volleyball player/sports model/head coach

Why you chose to attend USC: I really got along well with the girls on the team.