Welcome Warner University sports fans! Royal Talk is a new addition to Warner Athletics where you the fan get up close and personal with a Royal student-athlete in a question and answer forum. Royal Talk will be a bi-monthly feature on www.warnerroyals.com looking at athletes from the different teams Warner offers.
In the first edition of Royal Talk, Sophomore Aysha Nickels sits down with us to discuss all things volleyball. A 5'7 setter from Girard, Ohio, Aysha is one of three captains leading the Women's Volleyball team under the direction of 3rd year Royals Head Coach Dr. Kevin Crawford.
Q: What were some of your concerns adjusting to a new team?
A: Some of my concerns adjusting to a new team would be the chemistry on and off the court. Sometimes you can have some of the best individual players, but when you all come together to play, it’s a different case. I was nervous about the team getting along and playing well as one, instead of as individuals.
Q: How have you adjusted to Coach Crawford and the program in general?
A: I think I have adjusted well to Coach Crawford. I really like his coaching style, as well as him as a person. I transferred in the second semester last year after being unhappy in my first semester with my major, and with volleyball, at another school. He made the transition so easy for me and really helped me a lot with more than just volleyball -- that’s when I knew I had made the right decision.
Q: Looking back at your first month, what are some of the things you’ve learned (Sport related)?
A: Looking back at the first month, I think I have learned that there are many different types of coaches and programs out there and you need to find the best one that suits you.
Q: Have there been any funny moments for you in practice?
A: I think a funny moment at practice had to be when Charmaine and I walked over the paint and the sign clearly said, “Don’t walk over the paint”, and Jen was telling us all before, “Don’t walk on the paint.” Coach and the team decided to make us sing “A whole new world.” Let’s just say we can’t really sing.
Q: Have there been any players on the team that have been like big sisters and helped with the transition?
A: I think as far as people helping me out, it would be the upperclassmen Kayla, Dana, Kristy, Nonye, Precious, and Ashley. They let us know how things are run, and if we have questions about school, they will always try to help us. A lot of us are new, so it’s really good to have people to look up to for school, as well as volleyball.
Q: What’s been the ‘funniest’ off-the court moment for you so far?
A: I think the funniest off-court moments would have to be at the high school team camp over the summer. Just about everything was funny. We all got along so well -- just told stories and tried to get a feel for each other. Those were some of my greatest memories. Usually anything Brandye has to say off and on the court is funny also.
Q: How does it feel to be named a captain of the team?
A: To be named team captain was a huge surprise and it makes me feel very honored. I just want our team to be the best it can be. I want to try to help and encourage them to get there.
Q: How would you describe your athletic experience here at Warner?
A: I would describe my experience here at Warner as a dream come true, honestly, I feel so lucky to have found Warner. It was kind of just where God sent me, I like to think. I really wasn’t happy at my last school, so I started searching for other schools and I ended up at Warner. I couldn’t be happier.
Q: What are you learning from your volleyball experience at Warner?
A: I am learning many things from my volleyball experience at Warner. For instance, there are many people on my team that I look up to and want to be more like. So I think by hanging around them, they really encourage me to be a better person, on and off the court. I thank them for that.
Q: If you could do it over again, what would you do different as a freshman entering college and playing a sport?
A: If I could do something different as a freshman entering college and playing a sport, I would have come to Warner first. I chose a school for the wrong reasons and ended up having to transfer, so I would tell all the athletes out there to make sure it is the school that will make you happy in all aspects.
Q: What’s your most memorable moment so far?
A: My most memorable moment would have to be beating Southeastern, being down two games to one, and turning it around to win in five. We all pulled together and worked as one. I don’t think we have ever played that well. It was just an awesome feeling.
Check back later this month for our next interview with a Warner student-athlete.