Husker Q and A: Sarah Pavan

by Bonnie Ryan
Senior Sarah Pavan closes her volleyball career at Nebraska as one of the most decorated players in NCAA history. The three-time first-team AVCA All-American not only garnered 2006 AVCA National Player of the Year honors during her junior year, but was also awarded the prestigious Honda-Broderick Cup Winner for her outstanding season. Pavan talks about her favorite Halloween costumes among several topics.

Do you remember what your first Halloween costume was?
"It probably wasn’t my first, but the first one I can remember was a princess."

Did you have a favorite costume?
"I dressed up as a gypsy once when I was really little and I thought that was pretty cool. I wasn’t as hard core as some people were, but the princess was a good one."

What’s your favorite Halloween candy?
"I like all of them. Probably any type of chocolate bar would be my favorite."

 What is one of your favorite memories while playing for Nebraska?
"Winning the national championship by far. Nothing has compared to that."

Take fans through your typical game day preparations.
"Well, we have serve and pass and then we watch video and eat. I’ll usually do homework or have a nap after that. When I wake up, I have to call my dad and boyfriend just to talk to them. Then I pretty much just get taped and that’s about it."

What’s your favorite pre-game meal?
"If we have an afternoon game, I really like Misty’s brunch. It’s my favorite. Those scrambled eggs with ham and the coffee cake are my favorite."

How does your hometown compare to Lincoln?
"It’s pretty similar. It’s about the same size population wise. It’s a lot more diverse racially and ethnically though, so that’s kind of different. But as far as size and types of schools and stuff, it’s very much like home."

Why did you choose the number 9?
"I’ve had this number since I was probably 13. My number used to be 17, but then I played on a regional team or something and they didn’t have that number and number 9 was the only one left, so I took it. I’ve been stuck with it ever since."

Do you have a nickname on the team?
"People usually call me by my last name or they just shorten it to ?Pav.’ Those are the most common.

What is your shoe size?
"In women’s it’s a 12. They’re not ridiculously big. Other girls on the team have bigger feet than me."

What’s your favorite fast food?
"I don’t usually eat fast food, but if I do?Wendy’s."

Describe Coach Cook in two words:
"This is hard. Perfectionist and demanding."