Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Calia Cremascoli, New Trier volleyball

Calia Cremascoli is a senior middle blocker for the Trevians and is a four-year varsity player. She also competes with New Trier Rowing and will row for the University of Southern California beginning next year.

1. Do you have any prematch rituals or superstitions?

I would say one of my biggest pregame things is to always do my hair. It’s always a look good, feel good, play good thing. I love braiding my own hair but love doing the team’s too. I’m like the team braider.

2. Why USC?

I always wanted to go to California. I’m actually named after California, where my dad is from. I love the weather there and on top of that: very high academics; I love the rowing team; there’s a new coaching staff and that’s really exciting; where we row is really nice.

3. What would be your dream job?

If I could do anything, I would be a pediatrician. That’s kind of been a thing since I was little. I’ve always wanted to be a doctor and work with kids.

4. How did you get into rowing?

Freshman year I knew a few girls on the team. I had been playing a bunch of sports — I was a basketball player, a swimmer, a volleyball player for seven years. When I heard of rowing for the first time, it was a very new thing to me and I heard all good things and that people loved it. You get to travel, be on the water and be outside, and I picked it up in the spring season when I could also do club volleyball.

5. What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not competing?

My favorite thing is probably to spend time with family. Both of my brothers (Nevan, University of South Dakota; Miles, Ohio University) are now in college, but we really are family-oriented people. We do a bunch of activities together — mini golfing, board games, family dinners, explore new places.

6. Who is your favorite athlete?

I would say I’ve kinda always loved Harper Murray (University of Nebraska volleyball). She’s a big role model of mine. She’s a really hard worker and I really respect that about her. I also like Jordan Thompson (Team USA Volleyball). She’s been on the national team for a few years. I love the way she plays. She’s really aggressive and a right side.

7. What’s been your top sports moment so far?

Beating Loyola last year in the sectional final. That’s the biggest crowd I’ve played in front of, and I loved the team last year — I love the team this year too — but that was really a great way to lead the season on and really an important game for us as a group.

8. If you are in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

I would probably say an Alani energy drink; I love the peach one. And I would say probably like Goldfish; that’s always a good staple. Other than that, my favorite candy is probably SweeTarts Ropes.

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

A lot of people don’t know I am named after California, so that is one. Other than that, I’ve never been out of the country. That’s something I really want to do but … I will be going out of country this year (Punta Cana, Dominican Republic).

10. What’s the potential of this year’s Trevians?

I honestly think the sky is the limit. Our team is super tight knit and super hard working. Everyone is surprised by each other. We’re unveiling new talents and skills every day at practice and figuring out new things we can do and make this team successful. We love spending time with each other and I really think we can go anywhere and win any game we want to as long as we’re in it to win and in it for each other.

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