INTRODUCTION: On the volleyball court, Kellie McCrea is watching all the time – what the opponents are doing, what her own teammates are doing. She's looking for the best opportunity. She'll find it off the court, too, as a Chemical Engineering major.
When did you first become involved in volleyball?
I started playing volleyball when I was in 5th grade, and the following year I began playing club.
What attracted you to it?
My grandparents live near Penn State, so I got to watch one of their games. The fast-paced nature of the sport caught my attention, and I began playing soon after.
Have you always been a front-line player (Outside Hitter and Right Side Hitter)?
I have always been a hitter, and have actually played all three front row positions. I started as a Middle and started also playing Outside and Right Side when I was 16.
Will you play both sides of the front line (right, left) as opposed to being anchored in one spot?
Looking into the future, I hope to primarily play outside but I will likely play some time in all three positions. Being versatile is very important to our team.
As a front-line player, do you have to be thinking a play or two ahead when the ball is served to UR?
Yes, volleyball is a sport that I believe requires constant thinking because there is a lot of strategy involved. It is important to think about what the other side is doing and where their block is before I go in for a hit.
Just before the ball is served (by either team), are you looking at the opponent to find open spaces where you can hit?
Yes, I am paying attention to where other players are on the court. It is also important to watch where on our side the ball is being served. We always have to be ready to receive a short ball or to help out the setter.
The front row has to talk all the time, doesn't it?
The front row definitely has to talk a lot, but I think every position requires constant communication. The back row and front row must also talk to each other, especially since they often have a good view of open spaces.
If a friend came in from out of town and had never seen you play before, how can they tell you are playing well (outside of a lot of kills)?
I think it is apparent when people are playing well because the team will celebrate and you will be involved in many plays.
Without giving them away, are their cues from the setter that tell you her pass will come to you when she receives the dig?
Usually I will be calling for the ball, and we also talk before the play. If we are running a certain fast paced set and there is a good pass, I know it will probably come to me. Sometimes the setter will also say my name or the name of the set as they are setting.
When you are home, do you work with any youth programs – coaching, counseling, working behind the scenes, etc.? What do you like about doing that?
When I was in high school I helped both my club and my high school team with coaching younger girls. I enjoyed helping them and watching them improve. It is also really meaningful to help them gain confidence while they play.
What led you to the University of Rochester?
If it was not for volleyball, I probably would not have ended up at U of R since it is out of state and I had not heard much about it. However, I love being here regardless of volleyball! My club team helped me go through the recruiting process which is how I originally heard about U of R. Academics is a priority to me, so I wanted to play at a school that had a good balance. I was drawn to Rochester for its size, location, and research opportunities.
Why did you choose Chemical Engineering as your major?
I chose Chemical Engineering because I want to go into renewable energy and environmental fields. Chemical engineering has many applications and different opportunities, and I wanted to have a lot of options.
Are you involved in any campus groups tied to your studies?
I am involved in Grassroots, which is an environmental and sustainability club on campus. I was Co-president last year and I have really enjoyed getting to know people who share my passion.
