Winnetka, Sports

Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Molly Power, Loyola volleyball

Molly Power, of Winnetka, is a senior middle blocker for the Ramblers. She made the All-Tournament team at the Crimson Classic earlier this season.

1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

I honestly don’t believe in superstitions. Pregame, I’m more reserved. I don’t love to talk to people, so I’m just listening to music or mentally preparing. Moments before warmup I pick up the energy. 

2. What are your plans for next year?

I’m not committed yet, but I hope to continue playing. (What is your deam scenario?) I’d love to play at an Ivy (League) School. I take economics very seriously so I’d love a great education and great program at the same time. I’m not restrictive — anywhere that is a fit and a good environment. I don’t want to compromise anything. 

3. What are the things you don’t want to compromise?

I would want a smaller school, to have a smaller student-teacher ratio, for students on campus to have a bond with everybody else, a good class culture. At a large school that’s hard to do. I definitely value having a close-knit community. My siblings are in Boston. My brother went to Boston College, he’s a runner and super athletic; my sister (Catherine) is also at BC and is a junior majoring in economics. I also have a younger brother, Eddie, a junior at Loyola. So going out to the East Coast is something I want to do. That would be pretty ideal. 

4. What is your dream job?

I don’t know honestly. I don’t have a set idea. I would probably want to major in (economics). I think I would want to own my own business and see that side of things, being an independent woman and taking control.

5. What is your favorite thing to do off the court?

I am a big music person. So I am constantly listening to music, making playlists. I like spending time alone, whether winding down listening to music or just being in my room. I’m not introverted, though; I like spending time with friends and family. I value that as well. It’s a mix. … I like seeing people outside of volleyball because volleyball is a very tight schedule. I don’t get to see them all the time. 

6. If you could play another sport, what would it be?

Maybe basketball because of the height. I get asked a lot if I play basketball. I used to play hockey when I was younger. I always regretted stopping. Hockey girls are aggressive. Being tall with skates would be kind of cool.

7. If you are in Walgreens with a couple dollars, what are you buying?

Definitely a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. Maybe an Arnold Palmer and maybe like Munchies. 

8. What is something people don’t know about you?

I have a very large stuffed animal collection. Every time I make my bed I make sure to prop them all up nice and assorted on my bed. I have been collecting them since I was young. It’s nice to look back.

9. What do you have to do with your game to compete at the next level?

I definitely think I am a strong blocker, but I want to improve on closing the block and securing that. And when I hit, hit deep corners more. Sometimes I tend to hit sideline, and bounce it when I can, but trying to work on hitting the deep corner all day.

10. What is this Ramblers team capable of this season?

I think this is one of most talented teams I have ever been a part of. We are definitely capable of winning state. We have a lot of good pieces moving around. Everyone is able to do a little bit of everything. If we’re short in places, others are able to step up. Especially after last year, getting the weird season, we said ‘hey, this is it, this is the year we can win state.’ We’re super motivated. Everyone is motivated, everyone is working hard and everyone is happy to be there, which is nice to see. As unfortunate as last year was, it really shed light on the sport and had us realizing this is our time and we can really make this happen. 


The Record is a nonprofit, nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism.

Subscribe to The Record to fund responsible news coverage for your community.

Already a subscriber? You can make a tax-deductible donation at any time.

joe coughlin
Joe Coughlin

Joe Coughlin is a co-founder and the editor in chief of The Record. He leads investigative reporting and reports on anything else needed. Joe has been recognized for his investigative reporting and sports reporting, feature writing and photojournalism. Follow Joe on Twitter @joec2319

Related Stories