Sand Talk with Erin Neuenfeldt
March 5, 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 Erin Neuenfeldt.
Why did you choose South Carolina?
I chose South Carolina because it’s warm and I hate the cold. I also wanted to experience D1 college volleyball and I was able to play both indoor and sand here.
What word or phrase best describes this team?
Motivated is the word that best describes this team. We are motivated to make a name for our new program, we are motivated to be the best we can be and we are motivated to play the sport we love in any kind of weather.
What does it mean to you to be a part of South Carolina’s first-ever sand volleyball team?
To be a part of South Carolina’s first-ever sand team means so much to me. I feel so blessed to be given the opportunity to play such a new and fun sport with such amazing teammates and coaches. I feel responsible to give this sport all I’ve got in order to make a name for our team and to give back to those who put faith in our program.
When you were growing up, what did you want to be?
Growing up I always wanted to be a teacher because I loved going to school. Instead of playing house as a kid I would play school and be the teacher.
If you had to choose one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I had to choose one meal to eat for the rest of my life it would be a Chipotle burrito bowl because I’m obsessed with guacamole and all Mexican food.
What are your five favorite movies of all-time ranked 1-5?
My favorite movies of all time are Kicking and Screaming, A Cinderella Story, She’s the Man, Crazy Stupid Love, and The Proposal… pretty much any chick flick.
What are your career goals?
My career goal is to graduate with a major in Elementary Education and then go to school for two more years to specialize in Speech Pathology. I would then like to work with kids struggling in the classroom or who have disabilities in the hospital setting.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
My family has had the biggest influence on my career. My parents have spent the time and money letting me follow my passion while being my No. 1 fan. My sister has also had a huge influence on my volleyball career. She plays volleyball at the University of North Carolina and she has shown me the hard work you need to put in, but how rewarding playing the game at a collegiate level can be.
What has been your favorite class so far at South Carolina?
Dance has been my favorite class so far at South Carolina because we watched a lot of fun videos of people doing weird dances and because I sat next to one of my best friends and teammates, Jade Vitt.
What is your favorite TV show?
Gossip Girl.
What is your go-to restaurant in Columbia?
My go-to restaurant in Columbia is Tsunami because they have amazing chicken fried rice and because our entire team is obsessed with sushi so they always want to go.
If you could have dinner with a famous person past or present, who would that be?
Emma Watson because I love Harry Potter and I think she’s an amazing actor.
What is your favorite thing about playing sand volleyball?
My favorite thing about sand volleyball is the environment and the fact that you get to touch the ball every play.
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
My favorite professional athlete is Ndamukong Suh, a football player for the Detroit Lions, because of three reasons. One, he plays for my hometown, Detroit. Two, because he was a fourth-pick for the Heisman Trophy and remains extremely humble. And three, because before even receiving his money for signing with the team, he donated $2.5 million to Nebraska for scholarships and an athletic center.
What is your dream vacation?
My dream vacation is Italy because I’ve always wanted to go to Europe and I love the beach.
Who is the funniest person on the team?
Helen Récaborde. No further comments.
What is your most memorable athletic moment?
My most memorable athletic moment was winning Districts against our rival school and then proceeding to win Regionals my senior year of high school volleyball.
When did you first start playing sand volleyball/volleyball and what drew you to the game?
I first started playing indoor volleyball when I was in fifth grade. I started sand my junior year of high school. I was drawn to sand because I loved playing with just one other person and I thought the atmosphere was so cool.
What is one thing you cannot live without?
The one thing I can’t live without is cereal… I’m eating it right now.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I enjoy hanging out with my friends, watching movies, listening to music and reading.
