As the 2012 Big West volleyball season comes to a close, we take a look at five prominent seniors who are concluding their collegiate careers. Find out what their experiences have been like and what's in store for these student-athletes.
Name: Kayla Neto
School: Cal State Fullerton
Major: Communications/Advertising
Sum up your Big West/College Athletic Experience:
My athletic experience has been an unforgettable one that has shaped me into the person I am today. It has been fun, exciting and crazy....life changing. Overall, it has been the best part of my life so far.
Most memorable collegiate moment:
It’s a three-way tie between beating UCLA, winning the Big West title in 2010 and being named Big West Freshman of the Year.
What’s next (after graduation):
I’m either going to start working towards my master's or play overseas.
Name: Janisa Johnson
School: Long Beach State
Major: Sociology
Sum up your Big West/College Athletic Experience:
It has been so much fun and different than anywhere else that I’ve played, like in club or high school. The level of intensity is so high, you really wouldn’t expect some of the things I’ve done. I can’t really explain it but I have liked it a lot.
Most memorable collegiate moment:
During my sophomore year I had a huge kill that I bounce in my first Big West match against Cal State Fullerton. I was like, Okay, now I know I’m ready.
What’s next (after graduation):
I’m on track to graduate this spring and then hopefully I will play some beach volleyball or maybe play overseas.
Name: Amanda Vialpando
School: UC Riverside
Major: Global Studies
Sum up your Big West/College Athletic Experience:
It was a privilege to be able to play Division I college volleyball under the watchful eyes of amazing coaches and teammates. The perk of playing in the Big West is that all of the schools (except for Hawai'i now) reside in California, so my parents were able to come to all of my games. The college athletic experience was sometimes a challenge balancing volleyball and school, but it taught me hard work, dedication and discipline. These past few years will truly be missed.
Most memorable collegiate moment:
My most memorable college experience was last season when we beat Long Beach in five sets at our 'Dig Pink' match. It was a constant battle between both teams, but my team kept grinding and fighting throughout the entire match. It was also a huge deal for us because this was the first time that we hosted a breast cancer awareness match.
Personally, it was a great accomplishment when I was named to the Big West First-Team All Conference. I want to thank my teammates and coaches for that because no matter what accomplishments I make, somebody is always there to help me along the way.
What’s next (after graduation):
I still have a strong love for the game of volleyball, so after graduation I would like to pursue playing overseas to continue my volleyball career for a few more years. After that, I would like to start a clothing company with my mother.
Name: Kristin Winkler
School: UC Irvine
Major: Business Administration
Sum up your Big West/College Athletic Experience:
Playing in the Big West has been a wonderful experience. The conference has excellent volleyball programs, providing the fierce and rewarding competition characteristic of larger schools and conferences. I have been lucky enough to be a starter all four years and as a result, have been able to develop continually as a player. The difference between myself as a player my freshman year and now is amazing. I feel that I have not only improved my technical skills, but my overall knowledge of the game as well. The Big West has provided me with an unforgettable experience that I will never forget. I will miss playing in it greatly.
Most memorable collegiate moment:
My most memorable collegiate moment came my freshman year when our team beat Long Beach State in five games at home. Not only was the experience magnified because I was a freshman, but also because the rivalry between the two teams was almost tangible. Both teams played with undeniable fire and passion. To this day, I have never been in a match that was played with so much emotion. I will never forget the crowd, packing Crawford Court with its rowdiness and support for both teams, intensifying the already heightened sense of rivalry. UCI fans would later storm the court as the last ball dropped. It was a moment that I will never forget.
What’s next (after graduation):
After graduation, I hope to find a job in the consulting industry. I would prefer to live in San Francisco due to my being a northern California native, however I am amenable to whatever opportunities arise and adventures that I am presented with!
Name: Allison Whitson
School: UC Davis
Major: Managerial Economics
Sum up your Big West/College Athletic Experience:
My collegiate experience has all gone by very fast and I have loved every minute of it. Being on a team in college is like being in a giant family and the girls on the team are a huge reason why I have had such a great experience. In terms of volleyball, freshman year I made the Big West All-Freshman Team, as well as all-conference honorable mention. My sophomore and junior year I was selected to the first team all-conference. I definitely feel that the volleyball program at UC Davis has significantly improved every season since I’ve been here and I can only imagine that the it will continue to get better.
Most memorable collegiate moment:
My most memorable moment at Davis was probably getting to play against my younger sister when we played Pacific this year. I literally played opposite the net from her which was such a strange/exciting feeling, definitely something I will never forget.
What’s next (after graduation):
Not really sure what the plan is yet. I do know that I want to go to Europe and travel. I have been thinking about playing volleyball overseas as well and eventually I want to go to grad school, but there’s no plan set in stone yet.