Sand Talk with Paige Wheeler
March 27, 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 Paige Wheeler.
Why did you choose South Carolina?
I chose South Carolina for the school pride, location and the incredible support from the athletic department.
What word or phrase best describes this team?
Our team is a wonderful combination of crazy, passionate people.
What does it mean to you to be a part of South Carolina’s first-ever sand team?
Being a part of South Carolina’s first-ever sand team is unbelievable. When I came to South Carolina, I was recruited for indoor volleyball. I would have never thought that in four years I would be playing SAND volleyball with Carolina on my jersey; it is still pretty surreal. We have been training so hard and focusing on really learning the game. I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity.
When you were growing up, what did you want to be?
Growing up, I wanted to be a professional beach volleyball player. I grew up playing sand, watching the pros and I had pictures of Misty May and Kerri Walsh. That dream remains in my heart.
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 any kind of tacos!
What are your five favorite movies of all-time ranked 1-5?
My favorite movies of all time are: 1. The Departed; 2. Silver Linings Playbook; 3. Lone Survivor; 4. The Dark Knight Rises; 5. Step Brothers
What are your career goals?
My career goals are to graduate grad school with a Masters of Public Health and Physical Activity, play sand volleyball overseas and join the professional circuit.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
My mother and father have had the biggest influence on my career. My mom keeps my head on straight and has taught me that having great character is the most important. My father has instilled in me the passion and determination to never give up and take advantage of every opportunity.
What has been your favorite class so far at South Carolina?
My favorite class so far at South Carolina has been a clinical exercise physiology class. We administered various exercise tests and learned how to use and read an EKG.
What is your favorite TV show?
I have two favorite TV shows – How I Met Your Mother and New Girl.
What is your go-to restaurant in Columbia?
My go-to restaurant in Columbia is Cantina 76 – best tacos in Columbia.
If you could have dinner with a famous person past or present, who would that be?
If I could have dinner with a famous person past or present it would be the Dalai Lama because of what he stands for. He believes that true happiness must come from within, that tragedy can help you find your inner strength and it is important to treat others with kindness, compassion and respect.
What is your favorite thing about playing sand volleyball?
My favorite thing about playing sand volleyball is the bond you form with your partner(s). Since it’s just the two of you on the court, you have to work extremely hard to win. It’s a great feeling when you both leave the court knowing you played your hearts out even when it’s just practice.
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
My favorite professional athlete is Misty May-Treanor.
What is your dream vacation?
My dream vacation is Bali. I’ve seen pictures and I have to go experience it for myself!
Who is the funniest person on the team?
The funniest person on the team is Jade Vitt. She doesn’t care what anyone thinks and always says what is on her mind.
What is your most memorable athletic moment?
My most memorable athletic moment is beating Clemson my junior year with indoor volleyball. We played on our home court in front of a standing room only 1,000+ crowd and had to turn down over 200 people. We swept Clemson in three sets. I remember as we won the final point, our teammates ran to the court from the bench screaming and we all embraced. There’s no better feeling than beating the Tigers!
When did you first start playing sand volleyball/volleyball and what drew you to the game?
I started playing indoor volleyball in second grade. I actually had no interest in playing volleyball at that age, but my mother just randomly signed me up for a volleyball summer camp. I immediately loved the game and never stopped playing. In middle school I started competing on the sand every summer and knew sand volleyball would become my favorite of the two.
What is one thing you cannot live without?
I cannot live without peanut butter. I have it at almost every meal, whether it is with oatmeal, bananas or ice cream.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
When I do have spare time, I like to read. I love books because it is an escape for me from any kind of stress I may have. I also love to go down to the river walk to run, walk or just hang out by the water. Sleeping is also high on my daily to-do list.
