Indiana University Athletics
Meet the Newest Hoosier, Melany Rarey
4/24/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
April 24, 2008
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Melany Rarey will be a junior on the IU Volleyball team in the fall, providing the Hoosiers with Big Ten experience after spending her first two seasons playing at Michigan State.
Rarey hales from Hartford City, Indiana and is a graduate of Blackford High School. In 2006, the defensive specialist made 26 appearances for the Spartans during their NCAA-qualifying season. She recorded 135 digs and 18 service aces that season, including a 15-dig performance versus the Michigan Wolverines.
IUHoosiers.com contacted the Indiana native recently to ask her a few questions, and here is what she had to say...
Why did you choose to come to IU?
"I transferred from MSU so I could be closer to home. IU feels 'homey.' From a volleyball standpoint, I felt I could make a great impact to this program."
Where is your favorite place to go on the Bloomington campus and why?
"Sitting at the (football) stadium when it's empty at night. It's a great place to think."
Describe the experience of playing in the 2006 NCAA Tournament while at Michigan State.
"It was amazing. It's a great feeling to know that you're part of a program that is considered among the best in the nation. The energy and competitive level is escalated 10-times that of a regular match ... definitely want to experience that hype again."
How was it having your mother, Sherry Rarey, as your high school coach?
"Well it was fun, but it had it's moments (laughing). Love you ma! I really value her advice as a mother and a coach.""
What's your favorite part about playing for Head Coach Sherry Dunbar and the rest of the Hoosier staff here at IU?
"I enjoy the player-coach relationship outside the court. They are really interested in our lives, outside of just being student-athletes."
You also lettered in swimming, basketball and track and field in high school ... If you had to choose another sport to play in college besides volleyball, what would it be?
"Softball. I played up until high school, but then gave it up to focus more so on volleyball in the offseason. I couldn't make the huge time commitment that softball required and train intensely for volleyball. I felt that fewer skills in softball overlapped with those needed in volleyball compared to track and field, which could offer the conditioning element better."
What is your major and what do you plan on doing after graduation?
"I am an exercise science major with a coaching minor. I plan to attend PA school or get right into a graduate assistant strength and conditioning program to work with athletes at the college level."
Your most memorable or proudest achievement associated with volleyball?
The feeling of my first Big Ten match I played in. It was so nerve-wracking and exciting at the same time. My first play in college ball was a service ace (smiling)."
What makes you unique as a person?
I am a pretty independent and a self-driven person. I make everything competitive."
How does it feel to be back in the "Hoosier State" that you call home?
"My high school colors were red and white, so it feels good to wear red again. I have always been a Hoosier at heart I think. Once a Hoosier, always a Hoosier."
