Husker Q&A: Lindsey Licht

by Jessica Schwager

Freshman Lindsey Licht makes quite an impression. At 6-5, she is the tallest player in school history and one of the cornerstones of NU’s top-five recruiting class. Licht lived in Montana until she was 12 when her family moved to Denver and she began to play club volleyball. Licht discusses the benefits of enrolling early, her experiences of playing in the NU Coliseum and the people who influenced her volleyball career.

What was it like to play in the Coliseum for the first time in the 2007 season?
“I played in the spring match at the Coliseum and I was pretty nervous then, but there weren’t near as many people. It really helped me prepare for the actual sellout. I was still nervous, but it wasn’t as bad.”

What was it like to graduate high school six months early and join the Huskers for spring practice?
“It was the best thing I’ve ever done and the best decision for me. Coach Cook and I talked about it.  I had a foot injury, and he told me if I wouldn’t have come here I’d be so far behind and I’d be just getting out of surgery, so coming those six months early was the best thing I did for myself.  I also got a semester of school under my belt so I wouldn’t be too overwhelmed this semester.”

What athletes did you look up to growing up?
“I’m a big Michael Jordan fan. I definitely looked up to him. I remember one story my grandma told me. She went to one of his games where he played sick with the flu and right after the game he just fell because that’s how hard he played. I definitely admired him for it. Even if you’re sick you have to go out and play. So I’ve really taken that with me. I mean if I’m sick, who cares? My team is still looking at me to do my part and I have to be there to help the team.”

Who influenced your volleyball career most before you came to Nebraska?
“Probably Steve Huntingdale. He was my first club coach. I moved to Colorado from Montana when I was 12 and there were no basketball teams, no softball teams, but there was volleyball and I tried it. He came and watched and wanted me to come try out for him. He was just so patient with me because I didn’t know what volleyball was. I still credit him for helping me get to where I am today.”

Where are you look forward to traveling to this year?
“Just everywhere. Since this is my first time to go places, I don’t really know much about anywhere else besides Montana, Colorado and Nebraska.  I’m really excited to see what other gyms have and experience other atmospheres.  So I don’t really have a favorite yet, but I’m really excited to see everything.”

What are your personal goals this season?
“Just to get better at everything.  There is always room for improvement. I really want to get better on my hitting and my blocking because that’s what I’ll be used for.  I want to work on getting on the court and making an impact when I get the chance.”

Last semester you roomed with Kathryn Howard, who is the shortest person on the women’s gymnastics team at 4’11”, and you’re one of the tallest on the volleyball team at 6’5”.  Did anyone ever crack any jokes about it?
“Oh, of course. Everyone wondered who my roommate was and if she was another volleyball player and I was like, ?No, she’s a gymnast.’ And they’d always ask, ?Are you serious? What, does she come up to your hip?’ We’d be walking together and I was like a giant and she was a little tiny person. Oh yeah, we definitely got a lot of jokes. She’s great, I love her.”
 
Why did you choose to come to Nebraska?
“I really, really enjoyed the atmosphere here.  I loved the coaching staff and I loved the girls and the fans obviously. I just liked the small-town feeling because I was from Montana. When I got moved to Denver, it was a culture shock.  So when I was doing my visits and I came here, this feels like home and is where I want to be.  When my mom and I were discussing where to go, she said, ?Let’s say you get injured for a year, where do you want to live? Where would you feel most comfortable staying that year of volleyball?”  That really made me think, so I chose to come here.”

What’s your favorite thing to do in Lincoln?
“I like to go to movies, but my roommate and I go bowling a lot. Bowling is the thing to do.”

What do you plan to study at Nebraska?
“Elementary education. I’m already in a practicum right now. I’m really excited because I get to work with my third graders. It’s a lot of fun.”

Since the semester just started, do you have any favorite classes?
“It’s definitely the practicum.  I love working with kids and I love interacting with them, so that right now is my favorite because I can do what I love to do.”

Do you have any superstitions or rituals you have to perform before games?
“Not really. I’m not really a superstitious person.  I have a routine that I go through, but I don’t wear the same pair of socks or anything like that. I do a routine every time, but no big superstitions.”