Aug. 4, 2012

BERKELEY - As the California volleyball 2012 season approaches, CalBears.com will be looking back at some of the former talented Golden Bears who have helped build the perennial powerhouse and the jerseys they wore. With 21 days remaining until the start of this year's campaign, CalBears.com caught up with Mindi Wiley, who wore the number from 2006-09.

Student-Athlete Spotlight - Mindi Wiley (MH, 2006-09) Wiley sat out the first 19 matches of her freshman year with a broken thumb, but she recorded 19 kills and nine block assists in the nine matches in which she did play. The next year, Wiley put up 85 kills in 179 attacks to hit .307 in 2007. As a junior in 2008, Wiley was an All-Pac-10, AVCA All-Pacific Region and Pac-10 All-Academic honorable mention. Her .337 hitting percentage in 2009 stands 10th in the all-time single-season record book and she was again named a Pac-10 athletic and academic honorable mention.

CalBears.com: What made you choose your number?

Mindi Wiley: I chose the No. 21 because Am'ra Solomon had my original volleyball jersey number, which was No. 8. No. 21 was my basketball number and my second favorite jersey number!

CalBears.com: What does it mean to be one of the Bears to have worn your number?

MW: It means that we were all, in one way or another, a part of an amazing volleyball program, and wore the No. 21 and the Blue & Gold proudly!

CalBears.com: What was your favorite Golden Bear memory?

MW: Beating the defending NCAA champs - Nebraska - in three to advance to the national semifinals. I still wear my ring!

CalBears.com: What does it mean to you to have played for Cal volleyball?

MW: Everything! I have experienced things, met people and have created incredible memories! I didn't only represent the Blue & Gold on the volleyball court, but everywhere I went during my four years at Cal! Just as I do today as a proud Golden Bear alum!

CalBears.com: What are you up to these days?

MW: I just finished my second season of professional volleyball in Europe. I've decided to retire and move on to pursue a sports marketing career! I currently live in my hometown of Sonoma, Calif., but plan on moving back to the Bay Area as soon as possible! I cannot wait to live and work closer to my Cal home!

All-Time Jersey No. 21 Wearers:
Mindi Wiley (2006-09)
Marty Martinson (1982)
Kelly McGarrey (1979-81)

By the Numbers
44
25
21

Are you a former California volleyball student-athlete and interested in participating in our countdown? Please email calsid_volleyball at Berkeley.edu.