Beachin' N' Ballin is a six-question, question-and-answer with an SMC Beach Volleyball player to learn more about each individual student-athlete. Our first feature is with Karmin Brown.
 
Q1: Since Halloween is your favorite holiday, what is your all-time favorite Halloween costume that you've dressed as?
A: I got to say that my all-time favorite costume is definitely when my brother and I both dressed up as chickens when we were younger. While I didn't necessarily pick this costume, I don't think any other costume will top this. 
 
Q2: If you could play beach volleyball in any scenic location, where would you choose and why?
A: If I could play anywhere in the world I would definitely pick Hawaii. I've already played there once and it was a great time, and it is easily my favorite place I've ever played at. 
 
Q3: What goes into finding the perfect beach partner?
A: I would say there is no exact way to predict who you are going to play well with. I think having complimentary styles of play is always a step in the right direction, but I would say that meshing well with each other's personalities is most important. Being kind and allowing your partner to feel comfortable to make mistakes with you will help you mesh well with all types of people, and eventually you will find the best partner for you.
 
Q4: How many bottles of sunscreen do you go through during a beach season?
A: This is not a good answer but probably like one. I only really put sunscreen on my face, but that is bad and you should definitely not follow in my footsteps.
 
Q5: Biggest challenge/difference between indoor and beach volleyball?
A: The biggest difference is that on the beach you really have to do it all. You are the passer, the setter, the hitter, and the blocker all at once. In indoor you get to really work on one particular position or skill set, and on the beach, it is important that you are good at all of them. Another big difference is the importance of communication indoors because there are six people on the court. On the beach it is just you and one other person so the communication is much easier because there are far less people to communicate with. 
 
Q6: Who is your favorite athlete that inspires you?
A: I wouldn't really say that any athlete particularly inspires me, but I feel inspired by athletes all around me. The people I play against during the season, the girls I train with at home, or even my younger brother and his teammates are just some of the many people that inspire me. I think there is so many admirable things about athletes all around you, and when you take a step back and really look at everyone around you there is inspiration everywhere. Everyone is so hardworking and possesses so many incredible qualities, and I truly feel so lucky and constantly inspired by these people.