Oct. 3, 2001

uscsports.com recently sat down with Volleyball player Berna Dwyer for a few questions. A junior from Tucson, AZ, Dwyer was an All-SEC selection in each of her first two seasons. Here is what she had to say about volleyball, Carolina, and her teammates.

How old were you when you first started playing volleyball?
I was six years old. I have three older sisters who played the game, and they taught me how to play.

What’ is the biggest difference between South Carolina and Arizona?
The people are nicer, the food is better, and the weather is hotter. The southern accents are pretty cool too.

What do you like about the University of South Carolina?
The people I have met here and gotten closer with is the main thing that I like. I have made friends here that will be with me for the rest of my life.

At 6’3, were you always the tallest girl in school?
(Laughs) Yes. I grew so fast so young, I was always head-and-shoulders above everyone else.

What aspect of your game do you feel is the strongest?
Passing, because that is what I am most comfortable with.

What do you enjoy most about your teammates?
Laughing with them and having a good time together, both on and off the court.

Explain how you injured yourself during a water break.
(sighs) Oh, man. Not that. We had a water break, and I was playing around with some of my teammates. We went running to the cooler, and I leaped toward it, and I landed right on Justin’s (Markle, the team manager) foot and rolled my ankle. I didn’t really hurt that bad, but everyone laughed. They remind me of it all the time.

What is the best thing about the fans at Carolina?
Their enthusiasm and their loyalty are tremendous. They are always behind us no matter how well we are doing.

What is your favorite offensive play?
The slide. It is so fast and it is powerful.

Which teammate have you known the longest?
Nadia. I have known her for six years. She acts real goofy, and she is so funny. We like going out and drinking chocolate milk together. She is like my sister.