VB | Serving Up Six – with Boo Laird
6/25/2021 10:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Serving Up Six is a six-question, question-and-answer with an SMC Volleyball player to learn more about each individual student-athlete. Our first feature is with Jennifer "Boo" Laird.
Q1: What is more satisfying: a serve that leads to an ace or blocking an opponent's attack?
A: I would have to say that blocking an opponent's attack is way more satisfying to me. I think it has to do with the fact that you are more in control of the outcome. When you are serving, you have no control over whether or not you get an ace. You could serve a perfect, flat, no-spin serve right over the top of the tape and still not get an ace. However, when you are blocking, you are able to make slight, last-minute adjustments which are mostly based on reading the hitter. The slightest tilt of the hand or the extra press of your shoulders can result in a successful block. This makes it feel more personal and rewarding.
Q2: Which teammate of yours is the hardest to practice against?
A: This is a really difficult question to answer because I could pick a different person for each category of play. For example, Selbie Christensen is the hardest person to hit against because she has a huge, strong, and solid block. On the other hand, Abigail "Abby" Matoso has a killer serve right over the top of the tape which I have seen challenge even some of the best passers. I also think she is the hardest person to get a kill on because she is so determined to not let the ball hit the floor. As for blocking, I think that Hawley Harrer is one of the hardest people to block. She really knows how to swing high and hard off the top of my hands but also can cut the ball sharp inside if she has seen that the blockers have gone too far. Not only that, but she is also left-handed which is difficult to adjust to!
Q3: What is the most memorable road trip you have had during your time as a Gael?
A: My most memorable road trip as a Gael was when we went to play at Washington in Seattle. It was my very first trip with the team which is most likely why it is my favorite. We went to Pike's Place Market and visited some other cool spots. It was the first real team bonding experience I had at Saint Marys' and was also the very first time I ever played as a Gael. I will always remember that nervous and excited feeling I had as Rob Browning subbed me onto the court for the first time!
Q4: Who is your favorite athlete that inspires you?
A: My favorite athlete that inspires me is my brother Patrick. He is hands down the hardest worker I know and his drive and determination to constantly be better are what I look up to. Starting as a walk-on at Cal, he not only earned himself a scholarship on the field but he created a summer reading program for kids outside of football and his academics. Now he is playing for the Miami Dolphins and every Sunday I get to watch him and I am reminded that hard work and determination really do pay off in the end.
Q5: If you could play volleyball in Antarctica or Death Valley, which would you choose?
A: I think this is a pretty obvious answer but definitely Antarctica...because of the penguins! I also would much rather live in cold weather than hot.
Q6: What song do you wish you could learn to play on the piano that you can't already?
A: I would probably learn to play Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen because everyone would be able to sing along. It is also about 6 minutes long so it would be incredibly challenging!
BONUS: What is the origin of your nickname "Boo"?
A: I got my nickname because I used to look like Boo from Monster's Inc. when I was little.
Q1: What is more satisfying: a serve that leads to an ace or blocking an opponent's attack?
A: I would have to say that blocking an opponent's attack is way more satisfying to me. I think it has to do with the fact that you are more in control of the outcome. When you are serving, you have no control over whether or not you get an ace. You could serve a perfect, flat, no-spin serve right over the top of the tape and still not get an ace. However, when you are blocking, you are able to make slight, last-minute adjustments which are mostly based on reading the hitter. The slightest tilt of the hand or the extra press of your shoulders can result in a successful block. This makes it feel more personal and rewarding.
Q2: Which teammate of yours is the hardest to practice against?
A: This is a really difficult question to answer because I could pick a different person for each category of play. For example, Selbie Christensen is the hardest person to hit against because she has a huge, strong, and solid block. On the other hand, Abigail "Abby" Matoso has a killer serve right over the top of the tape which I have seen challenge even some of the best passers. I also think she is the hardest person to get a kill on because she is so determined to not let the ball hit the floor. As for blocking, I think that Hawley Harrer is one of the hardest people to block. She really knows how to swing high and hard off the top of my hands but also can cut the ball sharp inside if she has seen that the blockers have gone too far. Not only that, but she is also left-handed which is difficult to adjust to!
Q3: What is the most memorable road trip you have had during your time as a Gael?
A: My most memorable road trip as a Gael was when we went to play at Washington in Seattle. It was my very first trip with the team which is most likely why it is my favorite. We went to Pike's Place Market and visited some other cool spots. It was the first real team bonding experience I had at Saint Marys' and was also the very first time I ever played as a Gael. I will always remember that nervous and excited feeling I had as Rob Browning subbed me onto the court for the first time!
Q4: Who is your favorite athlete that inspires you?
A: My favorite athlete that inspires me is my brother Patrick. He is hands down the hardest worker I know and his drive and determination to constantly be better are what I look up to. Starting as a walk-on at Cal, he not only earned himself a scholarship on the field but he created a summer reading program for kids outside of football and his academics. Now he is playing for the Miami Dolphins and every Sunday I get to watch him and I am reminded that hard work and determination really do pay off in the end.
Q5: If you could play volleyball in Antarctica or Death Valley, which would you choose?
A: I think this is a pretty obvious answer but definitely Antarctica...because of the penguins! I also would much rather live in cold weather than hot.
Q6: What song do you wish you could learn to play on the piano that you can't already?
A: I would probably learn to play Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen because everyone would be able to sing along. It is also about 6 minutes long so it would be incredibly challenging!
BONUS: What is the origin of your nickname "Boo"?
A: I got my nickname because I used to look like Boo from Monster's Inc. when I was little.
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Players Mentioned
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