Photo by: Ikeah Roque/Texas A&M Athletics
Q & A Session: Karly Basham
Oct 01, 2019 | Volleyball
Q: What has the transition been like from high school to college?
KB: "It has definitely been a big transition. Playing volleyball here is 10 times more intense and challenging than I have ever experienced before, but in the best way. I get pushed every single day by my teammates and coaches. The passion here is amazing and being surrounded by this great environment has made the transition easier for me. I've been able to adjust with school and time management."
Q: What teammate has been the most helpful with your transition to college volleyball? Do you look up to them?
KB: "I would say all the upperclassmen, Taylor Voss specifically. She has made the transition here so much better. She is always asking how things are going socially, how things are going academically and with sports. I know I can always go to her. She's the one I can trust the most and look up to in that sense of upperclassmen."
Q: What was your first experience like playing in front of the 12th Man for the first time?
KB: "It was nerve-racking at first and I was filled with emotions, but the majority of my nerves came from excitement. It was completely mind blowing and one of the best experiences I have ever had. It was super exciting."
Q: Your whole family has played a college sport…what sport did each of your family members play?
KB: "My dad played golf at Western Kentucky. My mom played basketball at Louisville and my brother currently golfs at Eastern Kentucky."
Q: Did you always imagine playing Division I volleyball?
KB: "Yes, I chose volleyball in fifth grade, because that's when I had to make a decision between basketball and volleyball. As soon as I made that decision, I told myself I was going to fully commit to volleyball. I was going to do whatever it took to play Division I because it was my goal."
Q: How important is it to you that you are playing collegiate volleyball at the highest level?
KB: "It is very important to me. All of my hard work and hours in the past have paid off. Knowing that I am finally here has been my motivation to keep going and just to never get comfortable. I know that I always have to be at my best. It definitely means a lot to know that I have made my family proud being here."
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time when you are not playing volleyball?
KB: "I like sleeping, and a big thing is going to get my nails done. They are horrible after volleyball because they are scraped up. Sometimes my roommates and I go shopping, which is fun."
KB: "It has definitely been a big transition. Playing volleyball here is 10 times more intense and challenging than I have ever experienced before, but in the best way. I get pushed every single day by my teammates and coaches. The passion here is amazing and being surrounded by this great environment has made the transition easier for me. I've been able to adjust with school and time management."
Q: What teammate has been the most helpful with your transition to college volleyball? Do you look up to them?
KB: "I would say all the upperclassmen, Taylor Voss specifically. She has made the transition here so much better. She is always asking how things are going socially, how things are going academically and with sports. I know I can always go to her. She's the one I can trust the most and look up to in that sense of upperclassmen."
Q: What was your first experience like playing in front of the 12th Man for the first time?
KB: "It was nerve-racking at first and I was filled with emotions, but the majority of my nerves came from excitement. It was completely mind blowing and one of the best experiences I have ever had. It was super exciting."
Q: Your whole family has played a college sport…what sport did each of your family members play?
KB: "My dad played golf at Western Kentucky. My mom played basketball at Louisville and my brother currently golfs at Eastern Kentucky."
Q: Did you always imagine playing Division I volleyball?
KB: "Yes, I chose volleyball in fifth grade, because that's when I had to make a decision between basketball and volleyball. As soon as I made that decision, I told myself I was going to fully commit to volleyball. I was going to do whatever it took to play Division I because it was my goal."
Q: How important is it to you that you are playing collegiate volleyball at the highest level?
KB: "It is very important to me. All of my hard work and hours in the past have paid off. Knowing that I am finally here has been my motivation to keep going and just to never get comfortable. I know that I always have to be at my best. It definitely means a lot to know that I have made my family proud being here."
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time when you are not playing volleyball?
KB: "I like sleeping, and a big thing is going to get my nails done. They are horrible after volleyball because they are scraped up. Sometimes my roommates and I go shopping, which is fun."
Players Mentioned
L/DS
/ VolleyballMedia Availability: Jamie Morrison
Monday, December 22
Media Availability: Logan Lednicky
Monday, December 22
Media Availability: Ifenna Cos-Okpalla
Monday, December 22
NCAA Championship Postgame: Morrison, Cos-Okpalla, Lednicky, Stowers
Sunday, December 21
