JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Nov. 14, 2014) – Each week during the season, members of the ETSU volleyball team will be featured in a "Q&A" segment on ETSUBucs.com.

The next student-athlete profile is senior Katie Muey (Alexandria, Ind.). Muey, a 2013 Atlantic Sun all-conference selection, has played in all 128 matches for the Bucs since her freshman year in 2011. Muey also holds ETSU’s career digs record with 1,788 and ranks third nationally in total digs this season (626). This season, Muey has totaled four Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors and was tabbed SoCon Defensive Player of the Month in October.

During the preseason, the players came up with the questions, which can be found below, and each of them submitted their answers. Below are the responses by Muey:

If you could witness any event (past or present) what would it be? Why?

I would want to witness Karch Kiraly win all of his gold medals in indoor and beach volleyball. He is the only person to have won Olympic gold medals in both beach and indoor volleyball. He is such an inspiration and is a great coach… a lot of my mental toughness comes from his words of wisdom.

What is your favorite thing to do off the court with your teammates?

My favorite thing to do with my teammates when I’m off the court is relax. Meredith (Hardy) and I have already had some pool days after class. We usually like to play music in our apartment as well and sing and dance obnoxiously – or maybe that’s just me. I just like hanging out and not doing anything serious or stressful!

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I would really enjoy a trip to Alaska. I think it’s a place that is mysterious and beautiful. Plus, two of my bucket list activities could be completed on my trip to Alaska!

What is a non-athletic accomplishment that you are most proud of?
When I was in high school I was a part of TATU/Voice (Teens against Tobacco use). I helped Anderson, Indiana become a smoke-free city, and passed an ordinance in my town (Alexandria, Indiana) that made our park smoke-free. I also changed our school tobacco policy – Alexandria Monroe High School – to be completely tobacco free! It took four long years, but it was well worth it!

Who is the best dancer on the team?
If we are talking about a real dancer… nobody. If we are talking about hours in the locker room spent on practicing in front of the mirror with Khadijah and Eryn watching – I’d have to say myself. But in all honesty, we don’t care what people think, and we just get jiggy with it 24/7.

What is your favorite quote?
“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.”

What is something that not many people know about you?
I will only eat one type of cottage cheese. Whenever my mom comes to visit, she has to take a trip to our local market, pick up two containers and haul it to Tennessee in a cooler. It’s the best cottage cheese, but it’s only in Indiana – Hoosier cottage cheese!

What movie can you watch over and over and never get tired of?
“The Lucky One!”

If you could have hung out with anyone dead or alive who would it be and why?

I would give anything to have both of my grandpas back with me, and I would take the entire day hanging out with them. I would take them out to lunch, get some ice cream and just talk. I miss them both very much!

If you could pick any profession in life (regardless of education, money, judgment, or training) what would it be? What's stopping you?
Marine mammal trainer… I know training mammals in captivity is quite cruel and unnatural. However, this dream of mine is still alive and graduate school is calling my name. Perhaps a degree in coastal marine and wetland studies!

What do you think is an important rule to live by?
“What ifs” are BAD!

What is your favorite holiday? Why?
My favorite holiday in Halloween!!! I absolutely love October. It’s my favorite time of year… I love orange and black, black cats, pumpkins, fall leaves/trees, candles (that smell good), and caramel apple suckers! Not to mention ABC Family’s “13 Nights of Halloween. 

What are the top three things on your bucket list?
1) Whale watching in Juneau, Alaska

2) Experience the Northern Lights

3) Travel to every state before I’m 30!

What is a talent you don't have that you wish you did?
I wish I could sing really high notes!

What is one piece of advice you would give a young athlete who aspires to be a college athlete?

You might be a mommy and daddy’s girl, but believe me – mommy and daddy will always be there for you no matter what. Go experience life! Don’t be afraid to go far away and do your thing... That’s what growing up is all about! Being a college athlete is the best thing ever.

If you had not pursued volleyball, which sport would you have pursued, and why?
I would have been a gymnast. I had been a gymnast and a dancer up until I was about ten, and then I started playing volleyball at the club level. I was very good, and I still have some tricks up my sleeves when it comes to a floor routine.

Muey and the Bucs are in action this weekend as ETSU plays at The Citadel Friday night and at Mercer Saturday afternoon.

For more information on Buccaneer volleyball, visit ETSUBucs.com and click on the volleyball link.