Oct. 2, 2011

BERKELEY - Though she's not playing this season, freshman Michelle Neumayr should be a familiar face to the fans at Haas Pavilion as she cheers on her teammates while recovering from a torn ACL. While she cannot showcase her abilities on the court this year, Neumayr owns an impressive volleyball résumé. She was PrepVolleyball.com's No. 27 Senior Ace, and the American Volleyball Coaches' Association had her on its To-25 Underclassmen to Watch and 2010 High School Players to Watch lists. CalBears.com caught up with the San Mateo, Calif., native to find out more about Neumayr.

According to Rich Feller:

"Michelle Neumayr got injured, unfortunately, on the second day of Junior Olympics. Her team was one of the top-ranked teams in the 18-open category, and she tore her ACL. She had surgery in early August. Everything is great. She'll be at practice every day with us, learning the system, doing rehab and supporting her teammates. We're disappointed that she can't play with us this year, but we're very excited about her long future here at Cal. The fact that she was able to have the surgery early and do rehab here at Cal is incredibly promising."

CalBears.com: What made you chose Cal?

Michelle Neumayr: Its excellence in academics, as well as the strength of the volleyball program and the coaching staff.

CalBears.com: What's your favorite part about Berkeley and/or the Cal campus?

MN: The diversity and the weather.

CalBears.com: When you were a little kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

MN: A kindergarten teacher.

CalBears.com: What is the best thing about being a part of Cal volleyball?

MN: Playing with such dedicated and hard-working players.

CalBears.com: Do you have a hidden talent?

MN: I can my wiggle ears.

CalBears.com: Did you grow up watching Cal athletics?

MN: I occasionally watched Cal athletics, and it is an honor to represent them.

CalBears.com: What has been your favorite part about college life so far?

MN: Being independent and meeting new people.

CalBears.com: What has been the hardest, most surprising aspect about transitioning from high school to college?

MN: The time commitment and balancing school and volleyball.

CalBears.com: What class are you most enjoying this fall?

MN: My Italian seminar on the mafia.

CalBears.com: Now that you're a couple of weeks into your first semester of college, what advice do you wish someone had told you about college or would you give to incoming student-athletes?

MN: To be ready to be pushed and challenged but to embrace it and know you have people there to support you.

CalBears.com: What characteristic in people do you most admire?

MN: Dedication.

CalBears.com: Who would you want to be stranded on a deserted island with?

MN: My younger sister, Laura.

CalBears.com: What is one thing you can't live without?

MN: My baby blanket and family.