Indiana University Athletics
10 Questions With Martyna Popik
10/9/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Oct. 9, 2007
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Freshman Martyna Popik, from Poland, became the first international player in IU volleyball history earlier this season when she played against Belmont. She recently took a few minutes to chat with IUHoosiers.com about Indiana Volleyball, her time in the United States and her future plans.
Here is the latest installment of 10 Questions With...
1. The Hoosiers pulled off another five-game victory last Friday at Illinois, improving to 4-0 in five-gamers this season. Why have you guys been so successful in winning these matches?
I think that we are so successful because we never quit and we never give up. When our opponent is tired after four games, this is the best time to push harder and keep fighting in the fifth game. After all these wins you can tell that we are really good experts in winning five-game matches (laugh).
2. Why did you choose to come to IU?
Studying and playing volleyball in the United States has been the best experience I've ever had. Playing for IU is a big privilege, because it is a very good school with a lot of academic traditions. IU is a part of the Big Ten, one of the best conferences in the U.S. Indiana also has a great and experienced volleyball coaching staff. These are just some of the reasons why I decided to come to IU. I still feel very lucky to be here.
3. Where is your favorite place to go on the Bloomington campus and why?
The Union, because it's a beautiful place where I can go between my classes and just relax.
4. As the first international player in IU volleyball history, how is the adjustment going for you in terms of both volleyball and your everyday life?
I've only been here for 3 months and I already feel that it's the right place for me. Because the people are very nice and helpful I have had no problem adjusting. Of course, there are some differences in life and volleyball between Poland and the United States, but I have figured them out and everything is going pretty good.
5. The volleyball team returns to Assembly Hall again this Friday as the match versus Michigan State will kick off the Hoosier Hysteria festivities. What are your thoughts on potentially playing in front of one of the biggest volleyball crowds in Indiana history?
I was impressed when I saw Assembly Hall for the first time, because the gym is really big. I can't wait to play there again, in front of thousands Indiana fans. I'm very excited.
6. You received your first collegiate action against Belmont in the second weekend of the season, what was going through your head when Coach Dunbar called your name to enter the match?
It was my debut on America's court, so I was a little nervous, but also very excited. When Coach Dunbar called my name I was thinking about doing my best.
7. With fellow freshmen Ashley Benson, Mara Hilgenberg, Morgan Miller and Taylor Wittmer having great starts to their careers, how does it feel to know that you will have the chance to play with these teammates for the next four years?
I think in the next couple years, we will continue to get better and become more experienced. We will have the opportunity to do some incredible things for IU volleyball.
8. What is favorite part about playing for Coach Dunbar and the rest of the Hoosier coaching staff?
All the coaches have a great attitude. For them we are not just volleyball players, but also students and people with different personalities. I feel like they care about us and that's my favorite part about playing for them.
9. How did you and the team celebrate your birthday (Oct. 6) while on the road in Wisconsin this past weekend?
The staff bought me a cake; the girls bought me presents and also sang "Happy Birthday" in Polish and English. I was totally surprised. It was one of my best birthdays ever.
10. What are you studying here at IU, and what do you plan to do after graduation?
I'm studying Sport Marketing and Management. It's hard to say what I want to do after graduation. I have two options; go back to Europe and continue playing volleyball professionally, or finish my volleyball career in the United States and possibly become a personal volleyball manager.
