Joanna Schmitt Online Journal No. 3

NORMAN, Okla -- Oklahoma outside hitter Joanna Schmitt continues her player journal to take fans behind the scenes as the Sooners attack the 2004 season. The Sooners are off to a 8-1 start to the season. As for Schmitt, she has tallied two MVP awards through two non-conference tournaments this season.

Prior to leaving for Texas Tech on Wednesday, Joanna checked in with SoonerSports.com to talk about the season so far and answers questions from fans.

This is the third installment of Joanna's journal. There is a link at the bottom of the page so you can submit questions for Joanna to reply to in her next entry.

Joanna Schmitt
Journal No. 3 (Sept. 15, 2004)
The BYU Tournament this past weekend was huge for us. We definitely started the tournament a little slow, but we picked it up in every game that was important. Then we went up against BYU, we knew they were a good team coming in. I think the most important thing about that match was that we stayed aggressive throughout it. I think the BYU team actually got a little tentative and that allowed us to take the match from them. It was good that we stayed aggressive.

I think we have the mindset that we really haven't done anything yet. Until we get into the Big 12 schedule and win some matches, nothing really matters. I think everybody is ready to get into conference play. I'm looking forward to the Texas Tech game tonight. I think it's a game that we can win and it will be good for us to get a game under our belts, but Tech is a good team like every Big 12 team, so it will be tough.

Time to answer your questions...

What area of the team's game will have to improve for you to continue your run into the Big 12?
John from Dallas, Texas

I think our defense will have to pick up. If you look at every good team in the Big 12, the teams that are distinguished the most are the teams with the good passers and defense. Obviously, everyone in the Big 12 can attack, it's just a matter of being able to defend and pass the ball.

Joanna I love your emotion on the court. I was curious, what is a bigger rush...getting a kill with your hardest swing or digging your opponent's best effort?
Sarah from Arcadia, Okla.

That's a hard question, I definitely like hitting the ball, but coach would probably want me to say getting the dig. They are both pretty equal, it's awesome to get a great dig but it's unbelievable to peg somebody in the face.

Which Big 12 venue do you enjoy playing at the most?
Amy from Norman, Okla.

It would probably have to be Baylor. I think it's because we've had a lot of success there and their fans really get into it. I don't know what it is exactly, but I really like playing at Baylor.

Hi Joanna I'm a new volleyball fan and am still learning about the game. Even a novice like myself notices your enthusiasm and hustle. You are a lot of fun to watch! Who are your sports heroes, and what about them inspires you?
Tracy from Oklahoma City, Okla.

I really don't have any sports heroes. Everybody usually says Michael Jordan as a quick answer, but I don't really have one. If I did, it would probably be Logan Tom (USA Olympic Volleyball player) because she is amazing.

What do you think of all the new additions to the team this year, and how have they helped the program?
Richard from St. Louis, Mo.

I think all of the freshman add a lot of much needed depth. They add a new edge each year and make the team a lot more competitive by forcing the older players to pick up their game if they want to keep their spots on the team. I think they will definitely be great players in the future.

I want to give another shout out to everybody in Wisconsin. Hey Smack maybe after we do good enough in the Big 12, we'll get to come play the Wisconsin Badgers.

Well thanks everyone for checking into my journal. I have to head to Lubbock for our first Big 12 game tonight. Don't forget that this Friday we open our home Big 12 slate with Iowa State at 7:00 at the McCasland Field House.

The first 300 fans receive free OU/Big 12 t-shirts, so there is no reason for you to miss out.
- #8 Joanna Schmitt

Ask Joanna a Question | Sooner Online Journals

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