University of Tennessee Athletics
Q&A WITH VOLLEYBALL'S SARAH BLUM
November 15, 2006 | Volleyball
Nov. 15, 2006
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Senior middle blocker Sarah Blum recently took time to answer a few questions about the University of Tennessee volleyball team. The native of Tulsa, Okla., is just 23 blocks away from setting the school's all-time record entering play this weekend. She currently sits atop the Southeastern Conference leaderboard and fifth in the nation with 1.74 blocks per game, while her 177 total putbacks place her fourth in the country as well.
The Lady Vols will close out the regular season with a pair of matches this weekend, including a 7 p.m. showdown with No. 7 Florida on Friday and a 1:30 p.m. match-up on Sunday with Auburn. The contest with the Gators will be tape-delayed to air on FSN-South at 2 p.m. on Nov. 19.
How has your game changed and improved since setting foot on Rocky Top?
"My game has improved tremendously since I got here. As a freshman, the biggest change is the speed of the game, so after adapting to that and with the help of the coaches, I have put together all of the technical aspects that I need to be successful."
With all the success you have had as a Lady Vol, what do you think is your greatest accomplishment?
"My greatest accomplishment here was my sophomore year, when we beat Florida for the first time and claimed the SEC crown."
Who has influenced your athletic career the most?
"My parents have influenced my athletic career the most. They have always been there to love and support me throughout my entire career."
What are your plans after college?
"This spring, I will be working with the Lady Vol Marketing Department and I would like to continue in that field after I graduate."
Do you have any superstitions?
"I always put my right shoe on first."
What must the team do in order to be successful against Florida on Friday?
"We must be aggressive and control the ball on our side of the net."
What does Tennessee mean to you?
"To me, Tennessee is a great place to go to school. There is so much tradition and support. Tennessee fans are the best."
Looking back on your four years here, what goals do you still have left to accomplish?
"I want to break the all-time blocking record here at UT, and also lead my team to the NCAA tournament."
If you were trapped on a deserted island, what three items would you want to have with you and why?
"A pillow, because I love to sleep, gummy bears, because they are my favorite candy and my panda bear, because it's very dear to me."
