Nov. 10, 2010

Each week GoStanford.com will interview a different member of the 2010 women’s volleyball team. This week get to know sophomore Karissa Cook.

GoStanford: Talk about last weekend’s matches and how it has been for you to get back into game speed?
KC: I think last weekend went really well for our team. I’m feeling good and it has been nice to be back out on the court. I think everyone really settled in well with our 6-2 system in last week’s matches.

GoStanford: The team is heading up to Washington this week, talk about that trip…
KC: The Washington trip is always the toughest in the conference because of the distance between Washington and Washington State. It is non-stop traveling, but we just have to stay focused and take it one match at a time.

GoStanford: What athlete do you look up to?
KC: Right now I’d say Brett Farve. He has been playing with a foot injury the past couple of weeks. As someone who is coming off a foot injury, I can respect what he is doing out there and I can empathize with the situation. It is definitely an inspiration to see how other athletes deal with injuries.

GoStanford: It is known that you are a big fan of Sea World. What is your favorite part about it?
KC: I think it is just all of the animals. I like the shows, even though I sometimes feel bad for the animals. When I was little I used to think I was going to grow up to be an animal trainer at Sea World, but obviously that is not happening!

GoStanford: Your younger brother, Brian, is a freshman on the Stanford men’s volleyball team this year. How has it been having him on campus?
KC: It has been great. We actually have a psychology class together and we spent last week studying for it together. It is nice having him around.

GoStanford: What is the best thing about Stanford?
KC: Everything. Stanford presents so many opportunities for its students. Everyone here has a story, and together, makes up a remarkable student body. It’s pretty awesome to get to be a part of that.