November 01, 2002
| Sophomore outside hitter Carrie Moreira has returned to action after an injury kept her out for the first few months of the season. Now that she's back on the court, Carrie talked with AggieAthletics.com about dealing with the injury, appreciating playing the sport even more, dealing with everyday "drama" in her life, and golfing.
You started the season with a back injury and have just in the last few weeks gotten back on the court. How frustrating was that, especially because it seemed you'd have an increased role on the court this year? "It was very frustrating for me. But, I just looked at it (and decided to) take everyday slow and try to get back as soon as I can. It was frustrating but I did it, and now that I'm back, it's good stuff." Did you have to take on a different role on the team in that time frame? "Yes, I was out for about two and a half months. I took a role as (someone who's) just trying to be there for other players, make them understand every day on the volleyball court is fragile, and let other people in my life understand that when you're sitting out watching it's hard. But I also gave players observations that I saw and helped them out." Did it help you appreciate being on the court and getting to play even more? "Very much so. I was in a meeting with (Head Coach) Laurie (Corbelli) and I told her that people just don't understand that when you're injured, it's so great to finally go back on the court. I have a different look at volleyball now because of that." Talk about that, I guess you're really excited to be back out there, and you're getting some pretty significant playing time too. "Yeah, I am. All I can do now is back row, but I'm working towards playing front row again." You've said defense and digging is your favorite thing on the court to do, so getting to play just back row right now must be kind of fun... "Yes, I love it. It's kind of something that makes (the situation) easier for me because defense and digging are my favorite things to do. I like to do it." The team has had some struggles early on, but they seem to be playing better of late. Do you think you guys are primed for a big run? "Definitely. We have been talking a lot about attitudes, confidence, consistency, and being the best team that we can be. That's going to come out soon." Some of the other players have sort of labeled you as the team "clown", so to speak. You always have a lot of energy and are laughing and having a good time. Is that something that comes out of your personality or did that stem from being sidelined? "Totally from my personality. I'm such an outgoing person. I love to just have fun, and volleyball's supposed to be fun, so I make fun out of it. It's just the way that I am!" Why would A.D. (Achilefu) say that acting was your best non-athletic talent? "I'm a drama queen, that's where that comes from. Everything's drama in my life, I'm always stressed out about little things, and I make them a big deal." Any recent examples of that? "I have this little cut on my hand. It's just a little tiny scar, right? But I had this scab on there for like two weeks and I was flipping out! Jodi (Wotowey, the head volleyball trainer) told me it was no big deal, and I was fine. And it's fine now. Everyone calls me a hypochondriac, because of my back, and because I always think something's wrong if something little goes on like that. Oh, and Jodi's my favorite trainer, by the way." So you've spent a lot of quality time with your "favorite trainer" of late. "Yes. She's absolutely the best." You said in the media guide you were a good golfer...is that true? "Well, my boyfriend (Mark Schultz) is a golfer (at Texas A&M), so that's why I put that. But I really am kind of good! He teaches me and we go out to the driving range. The only thing is that when I am hitting the ball it goes to the right every time. And I don't know what to do." So you've never out-driven him or anything, huh? "No. But I am good at putting." Are you a better putter than he is? "Definitely. Oh yeah." |
