Q & A with Sophomore Ali Nichols

(PITTSBURGH, Pa.) – Sophomore volleyball player Ali Nichols is a two-year letter winner for the Tartans and a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council. Ali has appeared in every match as either a defensive specialist or libero since her arrival at Carnegie Mellon two years ago.  Following her first collegiate season, she recorded the third-most digs on the team with 227.  This past season, Ali was second on the team with 244 digs.  Find out a little more interesting information about the Business Administration major.

Why did you choose to attend Carnegie Mellon University?
I chose to attend Carnegie Mellon because of the strong academics and the volleyball program. Carnegie Mellon was the right fit in the classroom and on the court. Plus, coming from the West Coast, I wanted a new experience, and Pittsburgh seemed like a great place for that.  
 
What do you plan to do following graduation?
I'm only a sophomore, so I have some time, but either go into industry or continue school.
 
What is your favorite place or thing to do on campus?
My favorite place is Skibo Gym, of course (where we practice and play matches)! But I really enjoy hanging out in the University Center.

What are your goals for your team?
Our main goal is to have fun playing together and really enjoy the game, but every year we strive to make it to the NCAA tournament. And of course do very well in the University Athletic Association Championships!
 
As a team, what types of things do you do together away from the field/court?
Our team is very tight knit. We hang out a lot off the court; most of us even live together. But we usually have a team-focused activity once a week whether it's dinner or a gathering on Saturday night. We are definitely very close and love spending time together.  
 
What do you think sets Carnegie Mellon apart from peer institutions?
Academics, academics, academics. That doesn't mean we don't have fun too because of course we do! But Carnegie Mellon is a great school, and will definitely challenge you in the classroom.
 
If you could choose another sport to play, what would it be, and why?
I'm a golfer. It was actually a sport I had the opportunity to play in college as well, but I could not turn down the opportunities Carnegie Mellon had to offer. Unfortunately, we don't have a women's golf team here because I would have loved to play both.
 
What is your most memorable moment here at Carnegie Mellon?
My most memorable moment would have to be when as a team we came together without a setter (both were injured) and performed well. We really showed what it meant to be a team on and off the court during that time.

Who has had the most influence on your life?
My family by far. They love and support me, no matter what. And they make it possible for me to be a part of such an amazing community at Carnegie Mellon.