Marquette University Athletics
Golden Eagle Q&A With Nikki Klingsporn
6/30/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
June 30, 2009
MILWAUKEE- Junior transfer Nikki Klingsporn comes to Marquette after three successful years at the University of Wisconsin and will step into the setter's spot when the fall volleyball campaign rolls around. Klingsporn recently sat down with GoMarquette.com to discuss the adjustment to her new school, coaching staff and city.
GoMarquette.com: You had the opportunity to start working out with the team earlier this spring, as a transfer how do you think that will help you come the fall season?
Nikki Klingsporn: I think it will give me an adavantage because I had that extra semester that I got to train with the team. That is especially important for a setter because I have to get used to all the hitters and everything. I think it will be a good advantage for me.
What has been the biggest adjustment you've had to make since coming to Marquette?
I was already used to [playing in] college for two years. Coach (Bond) Shymansky has a faster paced offense then I am used to, so just getting used to that.
Have you had a hard time getting used to the one setter system, as opposed to the two setter system you played at Wisconsin?
I had actually done a one setter system my whole life, and that was actually the first time I've done the two setter system. I'm happy to be back to the one setter system.
With a new coaching staff and only six returning players, there's obviously going to be a lot of changes this year. What can fans expect from Marquette volleyball?
We're just going to go out there and compete. Our coaching staff brings a lot of energy and competition to our practices. I think we're going to see a whole new offense and a whole new team, a team that just wants to get out there and win.
This year's recruiting class has already garnered national recognition, what will the class of 2013 bring to the team?
They're going to come in and work really hard. The coaching staff did a really good job of bringing in the kind of players that want to help improve the program. We have a couple of people that will probably come in and start right away and play some good minutes. I think every one of them is going to contribute, no matter what.
What about the returning players?
They're just hungry. They didn't have a very good season last year so they are hungry to get out there and prove how good they really are.
Last year for the you had 751 assists, 25 service aces and five double-doubles. How do you hope to improve on those numbers this year?
That was playing in a two-setter system and this year playing in a one setter system, I'll have the opportunity to up those stats some more. It's just about doing whatever you can to win the game.
What has it been like working with Coach Shymansky?
He's awesome. He's very energetic, very motivating and very very enthusiastic. He brings another level of competition to our practices and we just love playing for him.
You and a couple of your teammates recently had the opportunity to go to Summmerfest and teach some members of the Milwaukee community about your sport, what was that experience like?
Klingsporn: It was a lot of fun. It's always fun to give back to the community and teach little kids about the sport of volleyball.
Did you guys get to stay and check out some of the music after?
No, unfortunately a couple of the girls had class right after so we had to head back right away.
Marquette also just hosted Triplesfest and had a really good turnout with over 50 teams. What was it like competing in that event?
It was fun for the four of us that have been here. We haven't gotten to do very many open gyms, since there are not very many of us in Milwaukee, so it was kind of our time to get back together and play again and we really enjoyed it. There was a lot of good competition there.
What are you looking forward to most in this upcoming season?
Getting out there and proving to everyone how good we can be. I'm really looking forward to starting over with a new team and a new coaching staff. I'm excited.
