Sept. 20, 2002

Columbia, S.C. –
This season, former Gamecock volleyball standout Ashley Edlund has returned to South Carolina and is the current manager for the Gamecock volleyball team. For the last two years, Edlund played volleyball overseas in Spain. She sat down and spoke with uscsports.com and talked about what it is like to be back.

Uscsports.com: How was playing overseas?

AE: I was playing in Spain and it was the best experience I have ever had. It changed my views on different cultures and on what we do as Americans. Over there, they are very family-oriented. I really enjoyed the siesta, a three-hour lunch and nap. In the beginning, I couldn’t even talk to my teammates because of the language barrier so I had to learn to Spanish quickly. I can also say that I can now relate better to our foreign student-athletes. I know what they are going through when they come to a new country and have to learn a new way of life.

Uscsports.com: What is the biggest difference between playing and coaching?

AE: The hardest part is not being able to go out there and play. Sometimes, I just want to get out there during a match and then I realize I can’t.

Uscsports.com: What do you like best about being on the other side of the bench?

I love the fact that Kim, Trina, Jason and I all get along so well. It doesn’t seem like I am going to “work” because I enjoy being around them so much, and the chemistry is good. This doesn’t seem like a job to me and I enjoy that.

Uscsports.com: What are you studying in grad school?

Right now I am taking pre-requisites, but next fall I will take sports and entertainment management.

Uscsports.com: List three words to describe this year’s team.

AE: Experienced, determined and fun.

Uscsports.com: What do you miss most about playing?

AE: I miss competing.

Uscsports.com: If you were Coach Christopher for a day, what would you do?

AE: Go shopping!

Uscsports.com: Which would you rather have, an all day shopping spree or an all expenses paid island vacation of your choice?

AE: I would take the trip. I could then go back and visit my friends that I met from when I was playing overseas in the Canary Islands.

Uscsports.com: Would you rather be on Survivor or be on the Real World?

AE: Easy, Real World.