Athlete of the Week: 10 Questions of Kate Andersons, New Trier volleyball

Kate Andersons is a senior outside hitter for the Trevians. She is in her third year with New Trier varsity volleyball.

1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

I usually watch some of my film before a game to really gain some confidence and remind myself what I am capable of. It gets me into the mindset that I can get this kill or this dig. And then we have a bunch of team pregame rituals. We do our little dance, run around, sing.

2. What are your plans for next year?

I’m not super sure. I’m still applying to colleges now and going for biology as my major. I hope to become a physician in the future so I’m really interested in medicine. My top schools right now are somewhere warm, like the University of Santa Clara and the University of Floridan, and wherever I go I’d love to play club volleyball.

3. Why a physician?

Ever since I was little I thought doctors were super cool. I just think the human body is so interesting, and, this isn’t the reason why but, I am the biggest “Grey’s Anatomy” fan. I think the show is so interesting, learning about things in medicine. I also had an experience on a flight where the lady next to me was seizing; they called up doctors and I think having the power to save someone’s life is so cool.

4. How did you get started in volleyball?

I started club when I was 11 and played up until my 14s year when I switched to my age group. My dad (Andris Andresons) is a volleyball player so we used to do some peppering in the backyard. I really got into it when I was 11 and played on 12.

5. What is your top moment so far on a volleyball court?

It was probably my sophomore year when we beat Loyola, because they were really good that year and we had lost against them in the regular season. The game was at home and we had a bunch of fans and I remember them all running on the court when we won. It was such a cool moment to be a part of.

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

Spending time with my friends. I have the best friend group ever. They are so supportive and always want to do something fun. I love spending time with dog, Lulu, my best friend in the whole world. I also really like watching TV shows and movies.

7. Besides “Grey’s Anatomy,” what’s your favorite show right now?

Right now, I would say I love “Emily in Paris.” It’s a really good TV show. I’m a European girl so the fact that it takes place in Paris is so cool, and Emily is also so cool. Another one of my favorites is “Outer Banks.”

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

Usually I would go for the dragonfruit Vitamin Water. That’s my go-to. It’s so good — better than Starbucks to be honest. And then for a snack, I’d say something chocolatey, like a Twix.

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

Something that some people don’t know is that I’m Latvian. It’s a small country in Europe. I speak (Latvian) at home. It’s our first language. My parents are from there. It’s a huge part of my life. I go to Latvian camp (in Michigan); it unites Latvian people from across the U.S., brings us all together.

10. What has been key to this team’s success this seasons?

I think the key to this team’s success this year has been the depth in our roster. Our team, every single person is able to get playing team whenever needed. Every single person. Our scrimmages are super competitive and super fun, and it’s something we can’t take for granted, because not all teams can have that.

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