Gael Spotlight: Missy White

Moraga, Calif.- Saint Mary's women's volleyball player Missy White came to Moraga from Cottonwood Heights, Utah where she was a coveted recruit out of Waterford School after she broke the Utah high school all-time assist record over her four year career. The redshirt sophomore setter earned a spot on the All-WCC Honorable Mention Team following the 2010 season where she was fourth in the WCC with 33 aces on the season and was second on the team with 5.1 assists per set. She was also named to the all-freshman team a year ago following a solid freshman campaign. Recently, White took the time to talk about this past season, her SMC experience, and a little bit about herself.

What are your overall thoughts on the season?
This was a great season and a great team to be a part of. We all really cared about each other on and off the court. Although we probably all would have liked to end the season better, we know we played our hardest and that is all you can do.

What do you need to work on both individually and as a team throughout the spring?
Individually, I want to work on getting more fit as well as being a more consistent setter. Since I am the only setter this spring, I will be playing a role I haven't experienced before as a college player. I am really excited for the future of this team. As a team, I think we are just going to work really hard at playing more consistent and elevating our game just a little bit more. If we elevate our game just a little, I feel like we can beat those ranked teams we play throughout preseason.

What is your best memory so far as a SMC student-athlete?
It would have to be playing at Stanford in the NCAA Tournament. It was the most fun match I have ever been a part of. We all wish the ending had been a better memory, but hopefully we can make more of those types of memories in the future!

What do you most enjoy about the sport of volleyball?
I love the strategic part of volleyball. I love trying to predict what the other team is going to do so that we can stop it. Also, being a setter is a lot about match-ups and who to set in certain situation. I love to get my hitters into good situations because of a match-up. I love seeing my teammates succeed, and I only hope I can help them succeed along the way.

What is the best part of your game?
The best part of my game is setting up my hitters so that they are able to get a good swing.

You are originally from Utah, what do you miss most about home?
I have four siblings and I miss being around them a lot. I also miss the snow and mountains. I live in the Salt Lake Valley which is very unique in the geographical set up because you are surrounded by the mountains in every direction. I miss always knowing where I am by just looking at the mountains.

You redshirted your freshman year, how do you feel that has helped you in the long run?
Being a fall sport, it is hard for a freshman to come in and click with your teammates right away. You come in and have 2 weeks of training and then the season starts. I was very fortunate to take a year and just train on being better and connecting with my teammates. It was a great decision for me to grow as a player and still have four years to play after one year of training.

Why did you choose SMC?
I chose SMC because of the success of the team, as well as the small school environment. I knew that getting my education was just as important as playing volleyball and the coaching and the school were going to make me successful in both of those aspects.

What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?
I see myself married, maybe with some kids. I will have hopefully received my doctorate by then in psychology. This is a hard question because a lot can happen in 10 years!

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
I would like the ability to control the weather so I could be part of the X-men. Now that would be pretty awesome.

Who has been the most influential person in your life?
So many people have influenced my life, but the one person who continues to influence me is my dad. My dad played college basketball and baseball so he knows how it is being a student-athlete. We have always connected when it comes to sports and he always gives me really good advice.

Do you have any game-day rituals or superstitions?
As a team, we have some rituals that we do before the match but I don't want to reveal those. Personally, right before a match starts I tie my right shoe and say a silent prayer.

If you couldn't play volleyball, what sport would you most like to play? Why?
I would probably play tennis. I've always really enjoyed tennis and love the personal battle it brings between players. But honestly, I could play any other sport and be happy.

What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
I don't know if I could say one piece of advice given to me reigns above all the rest; but my Dad told me once that you need to remember to have Joy in the Journey. We're constantly filled with stress in our lives, and no one will ever get away from stress. So if we have a good attitude and look at the positive with what we are doing, we will be happy with the task we are challenged with.

What is your favorite place that you have visited?
London is my favorite place. I have only been there once, but since then I've wanted to live there. Who knows, maybe I will one day!

What kind of music is on your pre-game playlist?
I like to listen to Nelly and Justin Timberlake before games. But my playlist changes from week to week.

What is something most people don't know about you?
Not many people know that I have been playing the piano since I was nine years old and I also was in choir during high school. I also really want to teach myself to play the guitar.

Past Gael Spotlight Features:
Alex Poorta - Women's Tennis
Lisa Wickhem - Rowing
Justin Grider - Men's Soccer
Joakim Norstrom - Men's Tennis
Morgan Hatten - Women's Basketball

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