Courtesy of Angelina Soulasinh
Elyse Gross is a freshman libero/defensive specialist from Santa Monica, California. During her high school career, Gross helped lead her high school to back-to-back undefeated conference seasons as a freshman and sophomore, a second-place finish as a junior, and a first-place finish as a senior. This year, Gross played in all 30 of Campbell's matches, including the Big South Championship title game against Winthrop.
Question: How did you get your start in volleyball?
EG: I started playing volleyball when I was in the fifth grade. I played on our after school program team, and it was the first sport I really enjoyed enough to keep playing after school. I played for the school team until seventh grade then my mom found out about club volleyball. I was very nervous and didn't want to try out but she forced me to go. I made the team and I never looked back.
Q: Did you play any sports other than volleyball, and why did you choose to continue volleyball instead of the other sports?
EG: I tried tennis, soccer, gymnastics, and swimming. Volleyball stood out to me because I seemed just to be better at it than any of the other sports I tried. I also really liked the team aspect, and I seemed to have the physicality needed to play. When it comes down to it, though, I had the most fun playing volleyball.
Q: Was volleyball always your plan when you were younger? Is this what you wanted to be when you "grew up?"
EG: I definitely did not always know I wanted to play volleyball. My mom told me I either had to play an instrument or a sport to keep me from sitting around doing nothing. I chose to choose a sport and volleyball was the one that fit. However, when I was really little I wanted to be a donut maker, but when I got older, I wanted to work in forensics or be a lawyer. I have now figured out I do not want to do either of those things.
Q: Why did you choose Campbell University to continue your educational and athletic career?
EG: I chose Campbell University to continue my educational and athletic career because Campbell is close to where my dad, siblings, and grandpa live and I wanted to be close to family. I also wanted to play Division I volleyball, whether or not I received a scholarship. When I visited, I loved the "homey" feel of the school, the very personable people in the community, and the team. The team has a lot of people from California, which impacted my decision a bit. The team here had a spot available for me if I chose to take it, and after my visit, I called the coaches and committed.
Q: What has been your greatest volleyball achievement at Campbell?
EG: My greatest volleyball achievement at Campbell would have to be every award and recognition I have gotten, but if I had to choose one thing, it would probably be receiving the most "weekly honors" in program history. I thought that was really cool.
Q: What has been your fondest memory with Campbell volleyball?
EG: My fondest memory with Campbell volleyball would have to be winning the semifinals against High Point. It was a great game, and in the end, it felt like we were all so close, and everyone was beyond happy.
Q: What has been your biggest challenge so far athletically or otherwise, and how did you overcome it?
EG: My biggest challenge so far has been the mental aspect of the sport. It's very hard to keep a positive attitude when everything possible is going wrong. I definitely have not overcome that fully, but I have improved in that area a lot. To improve, I have made an effort to always come into anything volleyball related with a positive attitude, and I try my best not to think negatively about my play or anything else. I have also come to accept that not every day is going to be my best, but if I try my hardest, there's nothing to regret.
Q: How do you recover from a loss?
EG: I recover from a loss by trying not to be too upset about it, which is very difficult, but to just focus on what can be changed and how I can improve the next game and help my team win.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self? Your future self?
EG: The advice I would give to my younger self would be to stop being super sensitive and to grow some thicker skin and be confident in your abilities. To my future self, I would say do not let your emotions get the best of you.
Q: What has been the best advice that you've ever received?
EG: The best advice I have ever received was from both my mom, dad, and uncle, and it was to "always put forth your best effort no matter what and eventually it will pay off."
Q: What advice would you give to anyone younger that looks up to you?
EG: The advice I would give would be never to give up, and no matter what, always put forth your best effort, whether it is in a game, practice, or anything else.
Q: How has your family and friends helped you along your journey?
EG: My friends and family have pushed me so much throughout my journey, but they have also supported me in every way. My mom always made sure I was getting private lessons when I needed them, and when I would have a bad game/day, she would tell me, but she would also make sure to point out what I need to work on next. She and my other family always emphasized not to get down about anything but to focus on what you need to do to get better.
Q: What is it like being so far away from your family? How do you keep focus when you get homesick?
EG: I am pretty close to my dad, grandpa, and other siblings because they are near the Cary area. But, my mom, uncles, aunts, and other family friends are in California, whom I miss all the time. It does feel terrible sometimes to be so far away from them and my dogs, but I make sure to always talk on the phone and share with them what I am doing. They send me pictures of the dogs and everything they are doing. To keep focused, I make sure to remember that I will see them all soon and that it is not forever.
Q: Describe your game-day mindset.
EG: On game days, I try not to overthink any technical things, but I always say to myself, "just do your best and work your hardest." I also make sure to follow any instructions given by the coaches and try not to take any criticism to heart. I do my best to stay calm, focused, but still excited to play and for my team.
Q: How do you balance your schedule between volleyball, academics, and personal life?
EG: Sometimes, it's very stressful and overwhelming, especially since, at times, you can be so exhausted physically and mentally, but what helps me the most is being organized. I write down everything I have to do in my planner, and that allows me to be less stressed knowing exactly what I need to do and when.
Q: What do you do to relax?
EG: To relax, I often sleep. I love sleeping, and it is definitely my favorite thing to do. I also enjoy painting. I like the focus it can require.
Q: What do you do in your free time?
EG: In my free time, I most often sleep since during season and off-season, my schedule is pretty busy, so when I am done, I love to take a big nap. I also enjoy golfing, fishing, and doing anything outdoors when I have enough time.
Q: What are your favorite TV shows and movies?
EG: My favorite TV shows at the moment are "Monk," "Grey's Anatomy," and "Naked and Afraid." My favorite movies are "Pitch Perfect," "Step Brothers," and "21 Jump Street."
Q: What is your favorite food? Favorite restaurant in Lillington?
EG: My favorite food is 100% sushi, and my favorite restaurant in Lillington is Bojangles.
Q: If you could switch lives with one person for 24 hours, who would it be?'
EG: If I could switch lives with one person for 24 hours, it would have to be Jefree Star. He lives such an extravagant and lavish life. I would be interested to see how that is. I also love makeup, and I think it would be so exciting to live life as a "beauty guru" and owner of a huge makeup brand.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
EG: As of now, I do not have any specific plans, but whatever I do choose, I definitely want to go to graduate school.
Q: You were just nominated for this year's Cammy for "Female Rookie of the Year." What were your thoughts when you first found out you were in the running?
EG: When I found out I was in the running I was very surprised. Although I accomplished many things this season, I never expect to get anything or feel like I deserve any recognition. Therefore, I was amazed and also very excited! I immediately called my parents and told them about my nomination.
