Volleyball Senior: Liz Schnelle

Liz Schnelle

By Tegan Ellis

What is your major, and how did you end up at ONU?

I’m a double major in accounting and finance. I came here because it’s close to home but mainly the volleyball program. Plus, the new Dicke College of Business really drew me in.

How have you managed to balance such a busy volleyball season with an intense academic schedule?

The quickest thing I learned was developing time management skills; keeping a planner and a log of things to come. That’s pretty much what I have been doing. By senior year you are so busy, but volleyball keeps me focused so I don’t mess around. I realize I need to get right down to what needs to be done.

What will you miss most about playing volleyball at Northern?

I’ll miss my teammates the most. Even outside of volleyball season it’s weird not seeing them everyday. The bus rides, the practices and just being around them, plus all the fun memories we have made along the way.

How does it feel to be the all-time career kills leader?

It was never really a goal and I never really keep track of stats. I read it was going to happen, but our whole team is dedicated to team success, so I hadn’t really focused on it. I was excited, but I’m more excited about our team doing well.

Recently you were named OAC player of the week as you helped your team defeat John Carroll in a 3-set victory. What does this accomplishment mean to you as you near the end of your volleyball season?

It’s always good to be acknowledged in that sense, but going back volleyball is such a team sport. I know individuals can't excel without the team. It’s definitely a team effort in all aspects. I couldn’t hit the ball without amazing passers and setters.

You’ve won awards in nearly every 2009 tournament. What can you accredit to this success?

Our team chemistry and work ethic; they are the two most important things. It’s important that everyone knows their role and what they need to bring to the court. The emotional energy, being excited, cheering on the team, and bringing intensity to the court are essential parts of our team dynamics. We have worked so hard to come into the program at top shape. We wanted to start there and begin to tweak and work on our other skills. We all get along so well and we all want to be around each other. It helps us work as a team and helps give us that extra edge over our competitors.

You have accomplished so much on the court. Is there any one goal you want to achieve before you graduate?

Not necessarily individual goals but more team success. Obviously, it would be great to win the OAC tournament, go to regionals, nationals and elite eight, just like last year. We want to have as much fun as possible while making the most memories as possible. When I look back, I remember the fun times just as much as the wins and the losses.

What advice can you leave for the underclassmen?

Have as much fun as possible everyday. Obviously, since they are here at Northern, they already know what they need to do.  If they go out there and do their best everything, else will fall into place. Don’t take anything for granted, and don’t overlook any teams because you never know what they are bringing to the table. Just enjoy your time because it all goes by so fast.

For the last three years you have been a leader on the team, lettering each time. Do you feel any pressure to lead your team to victory as a result?

Being a 3-year captain and someone people look up to, there is pressure, but I don’t feel it as a responsibility. Its’ something I am privileged to be a part of. With that privilege comes excitement, not fear. I enjoy the opportunity, and I try to take advantage of that each time I get on the court.

Anything else you want to say about the 2009 season?

This year more than any other has had a lot of ups and downs. We just need to move on and keep looking towards our end results; we have all the keys we just need to put it all together in one night. I know we have the potential; it’s just putting it together, keeping the excitement and keeping things positive.