Indiana University Athletics
10 Questions With Mara Hilgenberg
8/27/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Aug. 27, 2007
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Freshman Mara Hilgenberg made her collegiate debut this weekend as the Hoosiers' setter at the Northern Illinois Invitational. The Lake Forest, Illinois native led Indiana to a pair of victories in IU's first two contests of the season. For the tournament, Hilgenberg totaled 159 assists, 35 digs, four service aces, four blocks and three kills. Her best performance came against Western Illinois when she racked up 66 assists in the four-game win, good for a 16.5 assists per game average.
Hilgenberg took a few minutes before Monday's practice to answer a few questions from iuhoosiers.com.
1. Why did you choose to come to IU?
"I wanted to be a part of the best conference in country, the Big Ten and I wanted to help turn this program around."
2. Your team had a crazy road trip last weekend thanks to mother nature and bus problems. How was that experience?
"It made for a long weekend, but it was actually a lot of fun. It was a great chance for us to bond as a team."
3. What are your impressions of the first weekend and how was the transition from high school/club volleyball to the collegiate level?
"I was a little nervous going into it, but I used my nervous energy in a positive way. The adrenaline was pumping and I loved the speed of the college game."
4. How has the adjustment to college in your everyday, non-volleyball life gone so far?
"It's nice that my big "sisters", Erica (Short) and Jess (Langert), have helped me out, but it's my first day of classes today and I am already stressed!"
5. What are expectations for this weekend's tournament at the University of Tennessee?
"Now that we are done with the first weekend, we know what it's like to be playing real matches again and what we need to work on this week at practice."
6. Where is your favorite place to go on the Bloomington campus?
"I'd have to say University Gym because I basically live there for practice and treatment. Sometimes I wonder if it would be easier to just sleep too here since I am here so much!"
7. Your father, Jay, had a 13-year NFL career that included seven pro bowls and a Super Bowl ring with the 1985 Chicago Bears after starring at the University of Iowa, how did growing up in that environment mold you to be the athlete that you are now?
"Seeing the amount of work that my dad had to put in to become great taught me a lot. Now I know what it takes and how hard it is to become the best at what you do."
8. Proudest volleyball moment?
"Winning the Nationals with my club team was unbelievable and I will never forget it. I was named MVP of the tournament and it was very exciting."
9. What do you hope to accomplish in your next four years at Indiana University?
"I want to build the program to be a Big Ten championship contender each and every year and go to the NCAA Tournament while receiving a well-rounded education."
10. It's time for some word association, I will say a phrase and you tell me the first thing that comes to your mind ... ready?
Indiana University ... "Rocks."
Sherry Dunbar ... "Awesome."
Volleyball ... "Great."
Bloomington ... "The best."
Mara Hilgenberg ... "Amazing." (laughter)
Purdue ... "Ewww!"
