In this edition of Cougar Corner, we sat down with Kassy Doering, a junior middle blocker from Austin, Texas.
Doering and the Cal State San Marcos women's volleyball team own a 14-8 overall record and an 8-5 record in conference play.
Q. What brought you to CSUSM?
I first applied at CSUSM for the academics and not athletics. I was recruited once I was already accepted here academically. I knew this was a school in my recruitment process that was close to home, and I did some research on Coach Leonard by going to camps. She had an energy I hadn't seen before that made me want to come here even more, and when she wanted to recruit me I thought "This is it, I'm going".
Q. What does it mean to be a student-athlete at CSUSM?
For me, it's a privilege to not only be a student here but to also participate athletically at this school. Of course, you are a student first over being an athlete, which means school comes first. I think being a student-athlete helps prepare you for life beyond college.
Q. Where is your favorite place to study?
I have several. There's the student-athlete lounge when it is quiet enough that it allows me to focus. I also like the library because you have so many other people around doing their homework too, so it incentivizes you to get your homework done.
Q. Describe how you've grown as a leader and how that's helped you develop in your time at CSUSM.
I've definitely changed a lot since my freshman year leadership wise. I was very shy. Now that I feel more confident in my abilities, I feel like I can have that voice to help my team out and get what needs to be done.
Q. What is your most memorable experience as a student-athlete?
When we beat Cal State San Bernardino at home. That was a big moment. Even this year when were able to take a set from them, that's something not a lot of teams are able to do. So the fact that we, as kind of underdogs, proved ourselves and made ourselves seen is really amazing.
Q. Describe your team in one word:
Dependable. You can really depend on us to be that team that gets to the end and win.
Q. What is your favorite team tradition?
One of my favorites is when we are leaving the locker room at home games, we high five the words on the wall. Every time we do that, I say the words to myself, and it just centers my focus. Oh and then having people high five us on the way out to the court. It kind of says "Okay, here we go, this it it". Oh, and when we win on the road, we get ice cream! |
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Q. What pumps you up before game time?
My teammates. We're in the locker room, we're playing our music and we pump each other up. We talk, we sing along, we just enjoy ourselves and get that team chemistry going.
Q. Who is your hero?
My parents, of course. The things they've done for me, especially my dad, I wouldn't be where I am without them.
Q. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Oof, that's a great question! Probably Barcelona, Spain. I have visited there several times in my life to see family. I love the culture and the environment there.
Q. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Angel hair pasta with marinara sauce and meatballs. That's my favorite pasta, angel hair specifically. |
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Q. What is your spirit animal and why?
Ferdinand the bull, because he's big and has a sensitive side. |
Q. What is your most unusual talent?
I don't really have an unusual talent. I can continuously pop my thumb knuckle but that's not really anything. I can dance and sing. |
Q. If you could see any artist in concert, who would it be?
Bruno Mars, he is my favorite of all time. He is angelic, he is amazing, he is everything. His voice is insane. I just don't understand.
Q. Favorite color?
Mint.
Q. What is it like being on the volleyball team at CSUSM?
Honestly, it's the best team I've been on over the years. Ever since I've started playing volleyball, it hasn't been inclusive, and I've always been the odd man out. When I came here, it was very welcoming, and everyone talks with everybody.
Q. Who is the first person you call after a bad day?
My best friend Grecia. The first person I normally call would be Grecia.
Q. Best advice you have received?
My dad has always told me in school "As long as you are trying your best, it doesn't matter what the outcome is. If you do your best the outcome will reveal itself". I apply it to games as well.
Q. If you aren't at practice or in class, what are you most likely doing?
I'm most likely studying, listening to music, eating and spending time with my friends when I have everything else done. |
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Q. Which animated character does Coach Leonard remind you of?
Maybe Pikachu, because she can be calm, but when work needs to get done, she can be feisty and gets it done. |
