Oct. 10, 2001

uscsports.com recently sat down with Gamecock volleyball player Sam Alban. The fun-loving junior middle blocker from Portage, Michigan sounded off about the university, her coaches, and why she will stay around after her playing days are over.

What is the best part about the University of South Carolina?

The people here are great. I love going to school here, the campus is beautiful, the student support is outstanding, and I have met so many great people here. The fans are the best. They make you feel so welcome.

Would you like to stay in South Carolina after graduation?

I would like to stay in the south, not necessarily South Carolina. It is so much warmer down here and the people here are great.

When did you first start playing volleyball?

My freshman year of high school was when I got really serious about playing.

Do you enjoy the milder South Carolina winters?

Absolutely. Being from Michigan, it does not get as cold here, and it never snows, which is great.

What is your favorite sport other than volleyball?

Basketball, definitely. I enjoy playing and watching basketball just as much as volleyball.

Is being far away from your parents really tough?

Yeah, it is. They are my best friends. It was tough at first not coming to every match like they used to. They came to Kentucky and watched me play, and that made me feel great.

What do you enjoy the most about your teammates?

Just being around them on and off of the court. They are like my sisters. We do everything together. On and off of the court, we are like a family. I would do anything in the world for them.

What do you like most about Kim?

Her relationship with us off of the court. She is not only a coach, but our friend. You can go and talk to her about anything.

Would you like to continue to play volleyball after your days at Carolina are over?

No. I am a psychology major, and I want to start that career after I earn my degree. Don’t get me wrong, I love volleyball, it has been great to me, and I have enjoyed it.