This fall, the South Alabama volleyball program will welcome six newcomers to the Jaguar roster.  Leading up to the start of the 2016 season, USAJaguars.com will provide fans an opportunity to get to know the newest Jags a little bit better away from the court.  The first newcomer in the series is Lauren Hartman, one of two twins on this year's roster.  

Hartman signed with USA back during the fall after lettering the past four seasons at Sequoyah High School in Sequoyah, Ga.,  for head coach John Edwards.  The 6-1 outside hitter recorded 531 kills, 306 digs, 156 total blocks and hit .265 over her final two prep seasons and was a first-team all-state selection as a senior after posting 242 kills and 228 digs, while helping guide the Chiefs to a runner up finish at the GHSA Class AAAAA state tournament.

In this sit-down interview, Hartman talks about her goals for this upcoming season, what she feels the team needs to do in order to be successful this season and why she chose to come to South Alabama, among other topics.

Q:  What are your goals and expectations for the season?
A:  I want to become a better all around player.  At the end of the season, I hope to be confident playing at the next level.  I hope to form a close relationship with the girls on the team, while working hard and pushing each other to win as many games as possible. I also hope that we win conference and compete in the tournament at the end of the season.

Q:  What do you feel is a strength that you bring to the team and why?
A:  I feel that the strength I bring to the team is effort and attitude.  I always try to give 110% in everything that I do, whether it is practice, weights, or conditioning.  While working hard, I also try really hard to have a positive attitude, because having a good attitude radiates off of other people.  It creates a chain reaction of positive thoughts and outcomes, which is important for any successful team.
 
Q:  What area do you feel you can improve on this season and why?
A:  I feel that I can improve defensively.  I think I need to work on having a better platform and surrounding the ball.  I also think I can improve on blocking.  I want to get better at reaching over with strong hands, rather than reaching up.  I thinking having a powerful block is something that I need to have to become more successful.

Q:  What do you feel is going to be the biggest thing for you and your teammates to do this season to be successful?
A:  We need to come into practice and weights every single day with a great mindset. We need to make every rep count and to push each other to be the best that we can be.  I want us to walk into practice with the mindset that we are going to improve and grow as a team every day.

Q:  Is there a teammate of yours who you look up to?  What about them makes you feel that way?
A:   Arrisa Chappell.  She seems very enthusiastic and passionate about what she does.  She's always making everyone laugh, while pushing the team equally as hard to become better athletes.  I also like how she is focused on the team image and doing everything the right way.

Q:  What does it mean to you to be a Jaguar?
A:  Being a Jaguar is being a role model for others and setting a good image for the school and those surrounding you.  It also means have good qualities, such as leadership, commitment, dependability and sportsmanship.  One of the awesome benefits that comes with being a Jaguar, is that you always have a second family to go to if you need a laugh or someone to talk to.

Q:  Who on the team do you feel will take on the biggest leadership role this season and why?
A:  Nikki Gittens.  I feel like a lot of people look up to her.  She seems very mature and confident in what she does.  I also think she will take on the biggest leadership role because she pushes others to become better.

Q:  Describe South Alabama volleyball in a word:
A:  Family.

Q:  Why did you choose to come to South Alabama?
A:  I loved everything about South Alabama from the minute I walked on campus.  I love the coaches' positive outlook and how the players are so enthusiastic.  I love the campus set up, the location and how the team is so focused on relationships, bonding and the off-the-court aspect of volleyball.  I love how close the girls are on the team, as well as how the coaches recruited both Kelley and I.

Q:  What are you majoring in at South Alabama?
A:  Communications or marketing.

BEHIND THE NET WITH…
Lauren Hartman
Ashlyn Roberts
Kellyn Reeves
Kelley Hartman
Iva Djurdjanovic
Alahna Diaz

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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