My Rice Journey | Carly Graham
11/13/2020 10:30:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Rice setter Carly Graham enters her junior year as one of the leaders on the Owls and has helped lead the team to 41 total wins over her first two seasons. The Spring, Texas native is our second entry in the "My Rice Journey" series as the team prepares for the spring season.
Q: Why (and when) did you start playing volleyball?
A: I started playing around age 10. At the time I played multiple sports but was really into softball. I specifically remember a girl on my softball team brought a volleyball for us to play with in between our games and I was like what the heck is that. I started playing, just passing a ball around, and instantly loved it. After that, I got into a little local league which then led to playing club volleyball. My sister, Emily, also played and I always loved watching her games and going to her tournaments! Growing up my sister was the coolest person ever so I wanted to do everything she was doing! Don't get me wrong though, she still is the coolest person, sorry Matthew and Trevor (my two older brothers).
Q: Did you always dream of playing collegiately?
A: Yes, playing in college was always one of my biggest dreams. My mom played college basketball at New Mexico State, so I always thought college sports were so exciting and fun. As a family we were very competitive, I am the youngest of four so growing up I was always playing with my older siblings and they would NEVER take it easy on me. Actually, we did have a family rule that you have to be nice and go easy on younger siblings until they are eight years old. So it was all fun and games until then! Also, growing up I went to several volleyball Final Four's with my Dad to watch the NCAA national championship. I would watch in awe of these college players and always dreamed of getting to play in the NCAA. Those were some awesome memories I have going there with my Dad.
Q: What made Rice University the place for you when deciding to sign here?
A: I would say both the competitive academics and volleyball really makes it the best of both worlds. When I visited and came to campus I always felt at home. The team is like a family, with the players and staff, and that was something that was also very important to me. Being close to home and getting to see my family more was also one of the biggest reasons. I love spending time with them.
Q: What makes the Rice volleyball team special?
A: I think what makes us special is our team chemistry. We all hangout outside of volleyball and always have fun and laugh together. We all cheer each other on and want nothing but the best for each other. I think this team chemistry is what makes our group really special. Another thing is our work ethic. We work hard for one another and all work well together. Being close and having great team chemistry really pushes everyone to work hard for one another. It really is a special environment and team.
-RiceOwls.com-
