Meet the Athlete: Kassandra Jansen

Published 9:00 am Thursday, September 3, 2015

Kassandra Jansen holds a volleyball before practice Monday at Albert Lea High School. Jansen made the transition from libero to setter for her senior season. - Micah Bader/Albert Lea Tribune

Kassandra Jansen holds a volleyball before practice Monday at Albert Lea High School. Jansen made the transition from libero to setter for her senior season. — Micah Bader/Albert Lea Tribune

Albert Lea senior makes the transition from libero to setter

Q: What grade are you in?

A: 12th.

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Q: What town do you live in, and which school do you attend?

A: I’m from Albert Lea, and I go to Albert Lea High School.

 

Q: Who is your immediate family?

A: My mom and dad. I have a brother, Dylan Jansen, and Luke Jansen, who is 5 years old.

 

Q: Which sports do you play?

A: Just volleyball.

 

Q: What is your favorite part of playing volleyball?

A: I enjoy playing with my teammates, having fun with them on the court and winning.

 

Q: What has playing volleyball taught you?

A: It’s taught me how well you have to work with other people to accomplish a goal.

 

Q: What’s your favorite sports memory?

A: I don’t have a specific one, but the bus rides are a lot of fun. We’re always laughing. The tournaments are a lot of fun, too.

 

Q: Which game are you looking forward to most this year?

A: Austin. That’s our first home game (at 7 p.m. next Thursday) and they’re our rivals. We’re really hoping to beat them.

 

Q: How did you get started in volleyball?

A: In seventh grade, I wasn’t involved in any sports, and all of my friends were playing volleyball. I thought, “Why not?” I’ve been playing ever since.

 

Q: What sports did your family members play?

A: Dylan plays soccer, my mom ran cross country and my dad was in band.

 

Q: What position do you play?

A: I was libero last year, but I’m a setter this year. It has changed quite a bit.

 

Q: How’s that transition been for you?

A: It’s hard going from defense to offense, and working with everybody is a lot different.

Q: Who is your favorite professional athlete? Why?

A: No. I’m just a Gophers fan.

 

Q: What are your college plans? Major?

A: I’m planning to go to the University of South Dakota in Vermillion with a psychology major.

 

Q: What is your favorite school subject? 

A: History.

 

Q: Who is your favorite teacher? 

A: I have a lot of favorite teachers, but I’d say Jim Haney and Kurt Barickman.

 

Q: What is your dream job?

A: I’d like to be a criminal psychologist. I really like that field.