Todd Rogers Answers Your Questions
- Category: Player Answers
1. "When did you first take notice of Ryan Doherty? Was it during/after the match when he and Casey upset you and Phil?" --Steve Karmazin
Yes, it was. I had watched him a bit while he was playing in Baltimore and had heard about this 7 footer before. Then he and Casey played great and beat Phil and I in the finals. Ryan loves more than anything to bring that into the conversation. :)
2. Do you still drive your Saturn, and if so, do you still keep your gold medal in the glovebox? --Marc Rodriguez
Yes, I do still drive my Saturn along with my SmartCar. I kept the medal in my glovebox for about 2 years or so but now it is in the house. :)
3. What is the number one characteristic an athlete should look for in a coach? --CoachGrader.com
There is a lot to look for but if I absolutely had to pick one, I would say Attention to Detail. This to me means someone who must be knowledgeable of the sport in terms of technique and tactical skills, organized and be able to communicate his/her thoughts in a manner that the athlete can understand.
4. How tall were you at age 16? --Stefan Milosavljevic
I was roughly 5'4 at the start of my freshman year but at the beginning of my junior year, when I turned 16, I was closing in on 6 feet tall.
5. What was it like to practice and play with the greatest big man in the game today while practicing at east beach with the greatest view in your home town of Santa Barbara? --Brian Guajardo
Pretty tough to beat! :) As Phil always likes to say, "the beach is my office." Really doesn't get much better than that. The only thing I have ever wished for at East Beach was a good surf break. Jump in the water for an hour of surfing after a good hard practice would have been the only way to make it better
Kerri Walsh Jennings Answers Your Questions
- Category: Player Answers
1. For those aspiring pro beach players, what are your top 10 list of "DO's" and/or "DON'Ts" in reference to training, getting sponsored or just "making it"? -- Heather
- give it all you've got!
- learn that discomfort is where the growth happens
- good footwork and a good attitude are vital in our sport. In all sports!
- listen to your body & treat it well. Sometimes less is more. Sometimes double days are needed. Be mindful and purposeful in all you do.
- fundamentals are KING!!!! Control before power.
- play, play, play & play some more. Learn the nuances of the game through live situations.
- watch & learn from the best. Then take what you learned and make it your own
- be patient. Beach volleyball is not for the weak minded. Work hard, push yourself out of your comfort zone, work your way up ... It will be worth it! The AVP is back & will be better than ever! Trust me, you want this job ;)
- essentials: a bag of Wilson AVP balls, a good sunscreen, Oakley shades, a hat/visor, a water bottle, cute suit. You'll be good to go!
- set goals. Envision where you want to go and work like mad (and enjoy) till you get there.
2. When do you do your approach jump, when you take a second look or do you rely on your partner to call out the placement? -- Craig Telljohn
I obviously always prefer to see the court myself. Waiting and keeping the ball in front of me allows me to do this. Passing well helps this as well. Your partners call should be plan B, and it's important that she/he takes pride in giving good calls.
3. When Misty first asked you to partner up, what were your expectations? And at what point did those expectations turn into something more? -- Steve Karmazin
Our expectations were to be the best team in the world. Truly. From there we worked our buns off and gave our hearts to make that goal/dream a reality.
4. How do you stay motivated to stay on top and keep competing? -- Oren Zyndorf
I LOVE my job! I LOVE getting better! I LOVE winning! My heart is fully in it & this provides motivation & inspiration enough for me. I have so much more and so much better in me ... It's my job to always work toward the best I have to offer.
5. We know that you can't spike the ball on every play. What is the most difficult shot for you to execute? Jumbo shrimp, high line, cut shot or short dink over the block? -- Grant Johnson
For me, a good fast cut shot has been elusive. I will continue to work on this.
6. What kind of hope can you give a junior player hoping to make it professional later on in life? There isn't many junior programs and ways to make money. What would be your advise? Thank you :) -- Christian Honer
Work hard consistently. Master the fundamentals. If there isn't any programming around you be a pioneer ... Or grab your buds and play play play. Save your money and chase your dreams! NCAA is a DI and DII sport now. The AVP is back! Opportunity abounds!
7. How much time do you plan on missing this season, due to the expansion of your family? -- Mark Heller
Our baby is due early April. I plan on taking a month totally off then I will hit the beach, the Pilates studio and the weight room hard. I'll also be working on my mental game as that has been the toughest part of my "comebacks" thus far.
I will be playing this summer. When?!?!? I just don't know. I want to come back ready to win! That takes time ;)
8. What is your biggest pet peeve?? -- Charlene Gray
In sport: it's when I'm ineffective.
In life: tough one! People who manipulate ... Can not stand this!
Also, when people slurp or smack when eating. ;( yikes!
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