After a history-making season, senior Kristen Bennett and sophomore Tabatha Piper were named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association All-American team. Otterbein360 caught up with the players after Piper’s first weekend of the basketball season to chat.
Where were you, who were you with and what was it like when you heard you got a spot in the NCAA Tournament?
Tabatha Piper: Weird. We actually drove together to the football alumni room. (Underneath the bleachers) I was with most of my teammates and several of the other coaches from other teams and we watched it on the big screen.
Kristen Bennett: To be honest, we knew we were going to get into the tournament, we just didn’t know who we would be playing or where we would be playing. We had a party in the O-Club Room, and most volleyball players, coaches and administration in the athletic department were able to attend. Even if we knew we were going to get into the tournament, though, the anxiety of the unknowns always makes the NCAA selection show exciting.
What is your favorite memory of your Otterbein career?
Without a doubt, winning the conference championship, especially beating Mount Union to do it, is the best memory. Winning the conference is a goal that the Otterbein volleyball program has had for a few years. So finally accomplishing that goal in my last season is something I will never forget.
What is your post-college plan?
I hope to be working at an advertising agency in either account services or project management. I’m really into triathlons, too, so I ultimately want to complete an Ironman Triathlon, which is a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run (I know, I’m crazy).
Tabatha, Kristen has greatly impacted the team but since she’s graduating, do you see yourself as taking up a greater leadership role next year?
Yeah, we as a team have great communication skills and can work well with each other. There are big shoes to fill since Kristen is graduating but I look up to her and she has taught me a lot of what it takes to be a leader.
How do you plan on defending your first OAC Championship next year?
We will plan to defend our OAC Championship by working hard in the off-season. Definitely during spring ball (practices during the spring time) and over the summer whether that is working out or just saying active, touching a volleyball and just overall improving yourself so that you are ready to improve as a team when the season begins.
Basketball season is upon you, how do you juggle two college sports and maintain such a high GPA?
Playing sports in college definitely makes you have great time management. I go to work, classes and then practice and in between these I am staying up with my studies. Having great communication with your professors is key because they understand and are able to work with you due to the small class sizes.
What is your favorite food for Thanksgiving?
Piper: My favorite is all of it. But I like the turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie.
Bennett: Definitely stuffing. My mom makes the best, and I’m super excited for it every year. I might be just a little biased though.
The holidays aren't so happy
Do Christmas on a budget this year
