The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/197085
tracking the PACK Getting To Know: Brie Merriwether ■ Volleyball NC State senior volleyball captain Brie Merriwether has played a crucial role in helping the Wolfpack turn around the program the last four years. Merriwether entered NC State's match against Maryland Oct. 25 with 139 kills, 80 blocks and 35 digs for the 15-5 (6-2 ACC) Wolfpack. The 5-10 native of Orlando, Fla., had 271 kills, 96 blocks, 41 digs and 17 service aces her junior year, and she recorded double-digit kills in 10 matches. NCSU finished 22-10 overall and 12-8 in the ACC, which was four more league wins than in 2011. Merriwether complemented her play on the court by earning a spot on the AllACC academic team. The biology major is set to graduate this May. Merriwether recently took some time to talk about her senior season and hopes for the future. How has the volleyball season been so far? "It definitely is really great … last season we started off really well, so now it would be a letdown if we didn't have the same start this year, not only to ourselves but to our fans. That was important because we had such a great season last year, so we are trying to replicate that." Do you feel the team has built off the momentum from last year, or is this year's group a unique squad? "It's definitely not the same team because we lost some valuable seniors. It is definitely different, but we do have some core people that were here last year and know what it feels like to be successful." What are some of the different aspects and nuances of being a team captain? "The biggest thing, and not that different from last year, is making little team decisions on what we wear, when we travel, or choices on organizing stuff and scheduling things we have to do. It's not that much different from my role last year. It's just administrative stuff." Any family coming to your road matches at Miami or Florida State in early November? "My mom and my sister always come to one event, and being in Florida is my backyard, being from Orlando. My mom always comes to either the FSU or Miami game. I'll see family and it will be bittersweet because it is going to be my last time coming to Florida to play. "I think the drive to Miami is easier, so she's going to Miami [Nov. 1]." What got you hooked on volleyball when you were younger? "I started playing volleyball seriously in the eighth grade. My mom is from an island called Saint Vincent, and she played this game called netball, which is similar but different than volleyball. She kind of sparked my interest. Merriwether, a senior captain, had posted 139 kills, 80 blocks and 35 digs for the 15-5 Wolfpack through Oct. 20. photo by larry blankenship "She got me a ball and we went outside and started throwing it toward me. We started doing passing reps, and I tried out for the team and it went from there." What was the recruiting process like in picking NC State? "The recruiting process was extremely stressful and super difficult just because there were so many schools contacting you. As a senior and junior in high school, I didn't know what to expect or what would be a perfect fit for me in college. "After visiting State, I really felt something here that I didn't feel at other schools. It made that decision easy at that point." What kind of honor was it to earn All-ACC academic honors? "I work really hard in school and I always try to make sure I keep that balance between athletics and academics.That solidifies that, and our coach puts a lot of emphasis on grades, and that is important to him. I like being able to perform not only on the court, but off the court for my team and coach." What are your long-term career goals based on getting your biology degree? "After I graduate from college, I want to go to chiropractic school and be a chiropractor." Who inspires you? "My mom, Jacqueline Lindsay, is one of my inspirations. She has always put a lot of emphasis on hard work and dedication, and not taking short cuts. She has supported me a lot during my time here. "Being a student-athlete is really rewarding at some points, but also very difficult, strenuous and stressful to have that balance. I have always been able to lean on her when I'm down at times." — Jacey Zembal Quick Questions Who would you like to see in concert? Demi Lovato. Favorite place to eat back home in Orlando? P.F. Chang's. Universal, Sea World or Disney World? Sea World. Favorite volleyball player to watch growing up if you have one? Destinee Hooker. Favorite class at NC State? Intro to psychology. What is something that maybe not everybody on the volleyball team knows about you? I have two birthmarks. Android or iPhone? iPhone. Who has the best Twitter account on the volleyball team? I'm not on Twitter, so I'll go Instagram — Rachel Buckley. If you didn't pick NC State, what was your next choice? Maryland. If you could play a different sport, what would it be? Football. 20 ■ the wolfpacker 14-16,18-20.Tracking The Pack.indd 20 10/22/13 12:47 PM