I never did. I only prepared to win the next day.

Practice like it's competition and compete like it's another day on the practice court.

My dad was a really intense competitor and that rubbed off on me. He was loud and vocal on the court, so I let him do all the talking. But I developed a kind of quiet intensity that I knew I had to have to improve and compete with grown men. It took every ounce of focus.

In high school, some of the guys were really into music. When I first joined the team as a sophomore, I was blown away when we came out for our first home match—I'm getting goose bumps just thinking about it. The seniors would bring their whole stereo system. We started by yelling and stuff inside this little room just off the gym; then the coaches said, "Ready. Go!" We threw open the door and came running out. Even when I hear the songs now I get all jacked up.

Volleyball is not like a formula so we must give players some freedom.

When you’ve done everything you can to train yourself for competition, you’ll sleep well when the tournament is over, win or lose.

I want to be as self-reliant as possible and do it all from within.