By MIKE HUTSELL
Brandi Waller is in her third season as a starter for the New Albany volleyball team. The middle hitter was a member of the 2006 Bulldog squad that advanced to the IHSAA State Finals and last year she was voted as a member of The Evening News and Tribune’s Volleyball Team of the Season.
As part of its continuing On the Spot Series, The Tribune recently talked with Waller about playing a new role during her final year.
QUESTION: You guys have started the season 3-0. What’s your first impression of your new team this season?
BRANDI WALLER: “I think we’re going to be really good. We think we can beat just about anybody. We want to win sectional again this year.”
QUESTION: When you were a sophomore, you played with Hannah Sullivan, who’s now a Division I player at Ball State. Last year, the squad featured Alex Kraft as a senior. Do you get the sense that this is your team this year?
WALLER: “Oh yeah, I accept that. I’ve played on really good teams the last couple of years, and it’s part of my responsibility to keep that alive.”
QUESTION: What’s your favorite aspect of playing volleyball?
WALLER: “The athleticism. I just love being able to kill the ball.”
QUESTION: You’re a pretty accomplished basketball player. Do you have a favorite among the sports that you play?
WALLER: “Basketball and volleyball are pretty much tied. I love them both. I do track too, but that’s more of a ‘stay in shape’ type of thing. It’s not my favorite.”
QUESTION: Do you have plans to pursue any sport in college?
WALLER: “Probably one or the other, definitely not both. I have to see what I’m offered and make a decision from there.”
QUESTION: What do you plan to study when you get to college?
WALLER: “I really don’t know. I’ve pretty much decided that whatever I do major in I’m going to pursue a master’s degree in it, though.”
QUESTION: I ask this question to a lot of players — what’s your favorite movie?
WALLER: “Stomp the Yard.”
QUESTION: I can’t say I’m too familiar. What is that about anyway?
WALLER: “It’s about a competitive stomp-and-dance team. It’s really good.”
QUESTION: You’re the first high school athlete in months who hasn’t said “Love and Basketball” was their favorite movie. I’m very proud.
WALLER: “I really like that movie, too. That’s probably my second favorite.”
BRANDI WALLER
NEW ALBANY HIGH SCHOOL
SENIOR
SPORTS PLAYED: Volleyball, basketball, track
COACH’S COMMENT: “Brandi has always been an outstanding athlete, but now she’s also a fabulous volleyball player. To couple her athleticism with her volleyball skills makes her an absolute force on the court.”
— John Breeding, New Albany volleyball coach
