10 Questions With ... Amanda Schuler -- Women's Volleyball

Welcome to Women's Volleyball Week! We kick things off with a fantastic 10-Question interview with sophomore opposite Amanda Schuler, who talks about transitioning into a new position at OCC and how she managed to stay sharp and in shape during the global pandemic.

1. Do you remember when you first started playing indoor volleyball? What is it about the sport you love so much? And … tell us how you made it here to OCC??

"Since the age of 5, athletics have consumed my life. I grew up playing soccer, softball, basketball, but I eventually got into volleyball. I began volleyball my sophomore year in high school and in club. There, I mainly played outside hitter and middle blocker. At the end of my senior year, I received some offers from some Division-III schools and one Division I school way out east, but I wanted to stay local and my parents wanted me to go to a community college close by. Looking back before my senior year, I was thinking about attending Irvine Valley College, but my club coach really helped me navigate my way to Orange Coast College. To be honest, OCC wasn't really on my radar, but after reaching the school and listening to my 'inner voice' I decided to come here and I'm so glad I did."

2. For the Pirates last year, you played on the right side – a new position for you -- and helped the Pirates to a 19-7 record and a trip to the second round of the Southern California Regional playoffs. What were some of the things you learned during that first year with the Pirates that you can carry into this year?

"Last year I struggled a bit at opposite, which was a new position for me after playing MB and OH up until then. I was constantly doubting my abilities and confidence … to the point where I lost the ability to hit the ball over the net! I definitely learned that nobody's spot is secure on this team and you have to keep fighting every day and earn the right to be on the court."

3. How has it been playing for Chuck? What have you learned from him during your time at OCC?

"For me, I definitely have learned a lot, not only from Chuck, but from (assistant coach) Adrian Delgado. They are totally the 'good cop/bad cop' with this team during practice. Chuck is a bit more open-minded, while Adrian is more matter of fact. But what they do have in common – they both want to bring out the best in us and to embrace that competitive nature. They do a fantastic job of embracing the contribution of their players and they value our opinions as well."

4. What has it been like during this pandemic and what have you been able to do to stay sharp as we head towards the 2021 season?

"During this down time, I've tied to be creative to stay sharp. I bought some dumb bells online and before they arrived, I would fill up my Hydro Flasks with water and use those for working out. I trained with a workout video, I ran outside … anything I could. Finally in the fall, things began to open up again and we were able to train together. Coaches also send out exercise charts and goals for each of us to do."

5. If you could give your first-year teammates any bit of advice to succeed with the OCC women's volleyball team, what would it be??

"Just keep working hard and know there are no guarantees on this team. Don't take your spot for granted because anyone can come up from anywhere and take your spot."

6. If I gave you a 24-hour pass from COVID and you could do anything that you used to do, what would it be?? What do you miss the most from this isolation??

"I miss going to Disneyland, I miss going to the movies and I miss being able to hug my grandparents. I really miss the simple freedom to do what we want with worrying about the consequences of these basic tasks."

7. All kids like to eat … what are your favorite meals??
   1. Favorite food in general – "Usually depends on the mood … it could be chili from a can … it could be a Rubios shrimp burrito … it could be Mongolian beef from PF Chang's."
   2. Favorite pre-match snack – "It's funny, I didn't really have any specific pre-match food item. During the season, the team would go to Starbucks before each match and I hate Starbucks."
   3. Favorite post-match meal – "I'm a fan of Stouffer's lasagna. I'm pretty good with the microwave."
8. When you're not playing volleyball, what do you enjoy doing?? Any hobbies or interests???

"I enjoy reading any time I can, and I've been binging TV shows and taking naps. I also love hanging with my friends and doing picnics in the park. I'm also a big sports fan and on Sundays, I'm rooting for my New Orleans Saints."

9. In the COVID world, we've all been binge-watching TV shows. What have you been watching during this isolation time?

"Outer banks … Cursed … House Hunters International … Stranger Things, season 4 … Cobra Kai … Parks and Recreation …"

10. What are some of your plans after OCC?? Perhaps a career beyond volleyball??

"After Coast, I'd like to continuing my schooling and get by bachelor's and master's degrees. Eventually I'd like to become a teacher or an editor for a publishing company. If I could pick my dream school, it would have to be UCLA."