Athlete Spotlight
Hometown
Tacoma, Wash. |
High
School
Wilson |
Year
Senior |
Major
Business / Marketing |
One of the veteran seniors on
this year's team, Stacie Matz has stepped up her game another
notch in helping to lead PLU to its third conference title since
2004. Recently named to the all-conference second team, Stacie
earned honorable mention all-conference honors last year.
Describe
your family. How have they helped you in your athletic career?
My family is the best family a girl could ask for. I
am the youngest of five children, and they are definitely my support
system. I wouldn’t be where I am without them. My parents
have sacrificed a lot for me to play volleyball, so I feel so
blessed to get to do what I am doing here at PLU.
Describe any hardships or
extenuation circumstances that you have faced to get to where
you are today.
Well, one of the hardest decisions that I have had make was finally
deciding to transfer from Western Oregon University. I knew it
was something I had to do, but was scared of such a big change,
and I just wanted someone else to make the decision for me. I
am glad that I took control of my life because coming to PLU was
the best decision that I have ever made.
What made you decide to come
to PLU?
There were a lot of factors that helped me decide that PLU was
the place for me. One of the main factors for coming here was
to be closer to my family. I realized when I was away from them
how much of an intricate part of my life they were and wanted
to be close to them. Also when I came to visit the campus I instantly
fell in love, it just felt right. I will have to admit that my
boyfriend being here and Megan Kosel constantly telling me to
come here helped a little bit in finalizing my decision.
What has been your favorite
class at PLU?
It is a toss up for me, either Business Law with Marlo DeLange
or Jewish Cultures with Dr. Guldin. They both actually made we
want to come to class and listen to what they were talking about!
Have
you had any trouble balancing athletics with academics?
Oh, absolutely, just like every other collegiate athlete, but
you come into collegiate sports knowing that. It is all about
time management, so cliché I know, but it is true. It is
funny though, I seem to get better grades during my season because
the extra little bit of time you have has to go to studying, but
out of season I have so much extra time that I put things off
until the last minute.
What are you plans after
college?
Such a good question! I am working on it. I will let you know
when I figure it out.
When your athletic career
is all said and done, what is it that you would want people to
say about you?
That I was a good teammate. When you play a team sport that is
really all it comes down to, not individual glory, but that you
gave everything up for your teammates.
Describe your hometown and
what you miss about it the most.
My hometown is a little town called Tacoma, you may have heard
of it!
What's your favorite spot
on campus?
In Olson (Auditorium), between the yellow lines.
What is your favorite restaurant
in Tacoma?
Sakura Japanese Steak House
What music is playing in
your ipod right now?
If my ipod hadn’t gotten stolen, probably Bob Marley. He
can take me out of a bad mood instantly.
You’ve had good crowds
this year, with special help from the crazies on the front row.
What does the crowd bring to the team’s performance?
Energy! They are the best fans ever. They are so supportive and
show their dedication to us every game. Look out for some good
costumes this year.
Read
more about senior setter Gina Di Maggio
Read more about senior
libero Megan Kosel
