20 Questions With Erin Dobyanski
Sep 13, 2001 | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 13, 2001
NEW ORLEANS, La. - On a team made up of six freshmen, four sophomores and only three upperclassmen, senior middle hitter Erin Dobyanski will be counted on to be an integral member of the 2001 volleyball team. Dobyanski, the only senior in the starting line-up, was voted team captain and is providing leadership to the Green Wave squad both on and off the court.
As a junior, Dobyanski finished second on the club in kills (329), kills per game (2.938) and service aces (24), earning first-team All-Louisiana honors by the LSWA and second-team All-Conference USA recognition as voted on by the league's coaches. So far in 2001, Dobyanski is third on the team in kills per game (2.23) and digs per game (2.87), while pacing the Green Wave with 37 blocks (nine solo).
Dobyanski is also a standout in the classroom where she has earned C-USA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll recognition in each of the past two seasons, and is a member of the Tulane 3.0 Club. She is also an active member of the Tulane Student Athlete Advisory Board and Girls First, a non-profit organization to help New Orleans area youth.
Below, Dobyanski shares her thoughts in what will become a weekly event, "20 Questions" with a Tulane volleyball player.
Why did you choose to attend Tulane University?
I chose Tulane University for its academic reputation, the chance to play volleyball, and because it's not too far from home!
The team chemistry and philosophy has changed during your time with the Green Wave. What has it been like going through the change of coaching staffs and philosophies?
Well, it was a difficult transition when I first got here because my senior year in high school, we had an all-round great team - chemistry and winning philosophy - then I got here my freshman year and it was like the team was very estranged and used to losing. Then Coach Becker came and brought back the same philosophy I was used to playing for. Plus, this year the team chemistry is awesome.
You're the lone senior in the starting line-up, and at times in the rotation, you are surrounded by four freshman. What is it like to be a leader on such an inexperienced team?
Granted, we are a very young team this year. However, each and every one of my teammates wants to win, and when everyone has that drive, they're willing to do what it takes to win which makes my job easier and more fun.
What does being voted team captain mean to you?
Being voted team captain is a great honor because it was my teammates that voted for me.
Where do you see this team going this season and in the future?
The sky's the limit for this team now and for the future. This year, I see us as being one of the top teams in the conference.
What has being a student-athlete at Tulane University taught you that you would not have learned otherwise?
I believe that being a student-athlete has well prepared me for the real world. As a student athlete you have to learn great time management and recognize what's really important and what you can look over.
What is your most memorable experience with Tulane Athletics?
Beating Houston last year, because it was the first time for Tulane to ever beat them.
If "Betsy the Genie" could grant you one wish, what would it be?
Peace and happiness for everyone.
What are your plans for after graduation?
Get a job?
As a student-athlete, a lot of your time is devoted to both athletics and academics. How do you find the time to be involved an organization like Girls First?
Girl's First is more of a fun activity for me! And there's always time for fun!
What cartoon character most resembles you?
She-Ra Princess of Power! The "Princess of Power" part explains it all!
What is your favorite movie?
Clueless! It's a classic.
What is your personal philosophy?
If you believe you can, you can. It's pretty self-explanatory, but often people don't believe it enough.
If you could have dinner with any three people in the history of mankind, who would they be and why?
-George Strait because he's just great.
-My grandpa's great grandmother because she traveled to the U.S from Poland back in the day.
-Julia Roberts because she seems so nice and down to earth.
When you're playing days are done here at Tulane, how would you like people to remember you?
I would like to be remembered as someone who is fun, outgoing, responsible and a good friend.
What is the most embarrassing thing you've ever done since you've been at Tulane?
I was walking home one day and I tripped, fell and scraped my little toe. But no one saw - Thank God!!
What is the best advice you were ever given?
God doesn't give you anything in life that you can't handle.
Who has been the most influential person in your athletic career?
My mom, she went to college (UNLV) on an athletic scholarship as well (track and field), but she was never the pushy kind of parent, which is why I think I still play.
If it weren't for volleyball, what would you do with your free time?
Sleep!!
What are your goals for the 2001 season?
I just want to be a good team captain, and help lead the team to its first conference championship.
