Sand Talk with Litsa Darby
Feb. 28, 2014
Throughout the spring, Gamecocksonline.com will catch up with the sand volleyball team for a feature called Sand Talk, giving an inside look at the lives of each player. This week we are featuring Litsa Darby.
Why did you choose South Carolina?
Well, being a Gamecock runs in my family’s blood. My great grandfather played football, basketball and baseball here. My aunt Alexis Glover and cousin, Christina Glover, both played volleyball here, and I have many aunts and uncles and cousins that went to USC. This was my first choice. When I was given the opportunity to play here, I grabbed it!
What word or phrase best describes this team?
“There is no winning without hard work” – I have always believed in working hard for my sport. It was instilled in me at an early age. We never want to leave the court and say we wish we would have trained harder.
What does it mean to you to be a part of South Carolina’s first-ever sand volleyball team?
It is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. I will be able to tell my children I was on the very first sand volleyball team at USC!
When you were growing up, what did you want to be?
When growing up I wanted to be a professional singer. My friends and I all wanted to be the next Britney Spears.
If you had to choose one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I would have a fabulous Greek meal made by my Yia-Yia!
What are your favorite movies of all-time?
Remember the Titans, Jerry McGuire, The Notebook
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
It would have to be my high school coach Franny Slay. She has always been my biggest cheerleader. She understood the way I played. She gave me the opportunity to run a 5-1 offense my freshman year in high school. We went 40-1 that year: won every tournament in the state. She is a huge part of my support system.
What has been your favorite class so far at South Carolina?
My Public Relations classes are my favorite. The professors in the journalism school are great!
What is your favorite TV show?
When I want to laugh – Modern Family. When I am bit more serious – Scandal!
What is your go-to restaurant in Columbia?
Tazikis! They have great Mediterranean food, and it is always made fresh.
If you could have dinner with a famous person past or present, who would that be?
I am journalism major, so I would have to say Diane Sawyer. She is graceful and beautiful, yet strong and tough.
What is your favorite thing about playing sand volleyball?
I love being outdoors! Playing under the Carolina sun is awesome. I love the vibe of sand volleyball.
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
If I don’t say Michael Jordan, my brothers are going to kill me. Honestly, after solely focusing on sand volleyball, I would have to say Misty May-Treanor. I have gone back and studied her matches. She is truly an amazing player.
What is your dream vacation?
My dream vacation would be to go to Thailand with my family and friends!
Who is the funniest person on the team?
I would have to say Helen Récaborde. She always keeps us laughing no matter what.
What is your most memorable athletic moment?
My favorite athletic moment was freshman year of indoor volleyball when we beat Clemson in three games in front of a huge crowd!
When did you first start playing sand volleyball/volleyball and what drew you to the game?
I live five minutes from the Isle of Palms. Since about the seventh grade we would go to the beach and play on the open courts. I loved how we would play a little volleyball and then jump in the ocean to cool off. We would do that all day long.
What is one thing you cannot live without?
My Garmin watch! I love to run and I have become addicted to my watch!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I try to do as much yoga as I can. I love to run. It clears my head. We eat popcorn and watch a lot of old movies. And of course sleep!
