20 Questions With Jennifer Witte
Oct 1, 2001 | Women's Volleyball
Oct. 1, 2001
NEW ORLEANS, La. - When scanning the Tulane University volleyball record book, it is easy find the player who has had the biggest impact on the Green Wave volleyball program over the last three seasons - senior setter Jennifer Witte.
Witte holds both the single-match (84 vs. then-USL in 1998) and career (4,300) assists records, and is No. 2 in the single-season assists record with 1,483 as a junior. She also holds the third and fourth spot on the single-season assists list, as well as the six of the top single-match assist performances.
Entering the 2001 season, Witte had started in all 96 matches the Green Wave had played over the past three seasons, and has 21 career double-doubles.
Below, Witte shares her thoughts on the remainder of the 2001 season as well as her friendship with fellow senior Erin Dobyanski in the latest installment of "20 Questions With A Tulane Volleyball Player".
Why did you choose to attend Tulane University?
I chose Tulane because it has a great academic reputation and it is located in a city where there is always something fun to do.
Last year, you set the Tulane career assists record. What does accomplishing a feat of that magnitude mean to you?
I've never paid much attention to stats, so I didn't really know that I was close to the record until the game that I broke it. But it's exciting to know that I have a record in the Tulane stat book.
As a four-year member of the Green Wave squad, what changes have you noticed since Betsy Becker took over the program in 1999?
Each year since Coach Becker took over the program, I have been able to see the direction of the program changing its route in a positive way. It's exciting to see what's happened in just a few short years, and I can't wait to see where the program is in another four years.
Where do you see this team doing this season and in the future?
I envision our team being one of the top teams in C-USA this year, and also reaching our goal of a conference championship. I know that Tulane volleyball will continue to improve and strengthen the conference in the future.
What studies are you concentrating on while at Tulane?
I am majoring in marketing and minoring in Spanish.
What has being a student-athlete at Tulane University taught you that you would not have learned otherwise?
Being a student-athlete at Tulane has taught me a lot about time management skills. Our weeks during the season are pretty strenuous- practice, classes, games and studying. It's hard to get everything done and still find some time for yourself.
What is your most memorable experience with Tulane athletics?
My most memorable moment was last year's Nokia Sugar Bowl Tournament where we beat both UNO and LSU in the same day.
If "Betsy The Genie" could grant you one wish, what would you wish for?
I would wish that people could all learn to get along with each other and take care of our environment.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on going to grad school after graduation. But first, I want to do some studying and traveling abroad so I can have a chance to get refocused on school before I get back in classes.
You and Erin Dobyanski were rookies at Tulane together, and you now share an off campus apartment. Describe your relationship with your fellow senior.
It feels like just yesterday that Erin and I were freshmen, and now all of the sudden we're seniors. I can't believe how quickly school has flown by. We've had a lot of fun these past four years with a lot of fun memories.
You've played with a number of talented players in your three-plus years here at Tulane. In your opinion, who has been the easiest person to set?
I can't really pick out one person that has been the easiest or most fun to play with. I've enjoyed playing with everyone that has been on our team - even those who have given me the most grief about the not so perfect sets.
What is one of your favorite restaurants in New Orleans?
My tastes seem to change every month and I find a new restaurant that I like, but lately I've been addicted to Lebanon's Caf?- they have great falafel sandwiches.
What is your favorite movie?
Right now, I'm really into the teenybopper chick flicks, so I have to pick "10 Things I Hate About You" with Julia Stiles.
If you had to sum up your personal philosophy in life into one sentence, what would it be?
I tend to be pretty laid-back and relaxed, so one of my favorite sayings is to 'go with the flow'. Even if things don't seem to be going your way all the time, eventually things tend to have a way of working out in your favor.
If you could have dinner with any three people in the history of mankind, who would they be and why?
Brad Pitt- I think he married the wrong Jennifer and maybe over dinner he would realize his mistake. Dave Matthews- I think he is an incredible musician and songwriter. The cast of Beverly Hills 90210- although they took it off the air, it's still one of my favorites.
When you're playing days are done here at Tulane, how would you like people to remember you?
Hopefully they won't just remember me- they better give me a call because I want to keep in touch with the friends I've made here once I've moved form New Orleans.
What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever done since you've been at Tulane?
I know there are countless embarrassing things that I've done since I've been here, but one of my favorites that happened on the court was form my freshmen year. I had torn my ACL the year before, so I had a pretty large knee brace on. Well, we were jogging to get warm for practice and my knee brace got caught on my ankle brace and I fell flat on my face.
What is the best advice you were ever given?
Always remember who you are today, and keep an idea of who you want to be tomorrow.
Who has been the most influential person in your athletic career?
In high school, I had a coach who really got me interested in playing collegiate volleyball. I haven't been able to see her in a while since we live so far apart, but now she coaches a team in our conference, so I should get to see her more often.
If it weren't for volleyball, what would you do with your free time?
Once the season ends I want to take scuba diving classes and get certified, and maybe take some horseback riding classes.
