Junior Rachel Hausler is transitioning into her role as a defensive specialist on the Wesley College volleyball team after transferring prior to the 2013 season from The College of St. Elizabeth in New Jersey.  She led her team’s re-surgence as a freshman and sophomore, leading the Screaming Eagles in digs both seasons.  Hausler is helping Wesley to similar success as the 15-10 Wolverines have already broke the team record for most wins in a season.  INTRODUCING … Rachel Hausler.

Briefly, what is your background in the sport you play?  I began playing volleyball in a seventh-grade gym class, and began to work out with the high school team for extra practice. Since then, I played four years of high school, four years of club for Central Jersey Volleyball Academy and QuickSet, two seasons for College of Saint Elizabeth and now my first season at Wesley College. I also coached for Central Jersey Volleyball Academy and Atlantic Valley Volleyball Club.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?   I am a biology major, and the most important aspect I learned from this major is how to remain mentally strong to succeed in this major academically and emotionally.

What is your favorite spot on campus?  My favorite spot on campus is the tables outside the library because I enjoy meeting new people as I do my school work and bible studies there.

Outside of your home and campus, where is your favorite place visit?  My favorite place to visit is Charleston, S.C., because I love the climate, beautiful architecture and the city’s personality.

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)?   I am a student ambassador on campus in addition to being a leader in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). I was also an intern for FCA this past summer.

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career.   The most memorable experience of my college athlete career was at College of Saint Elizabeth, when we turned the program’s history upside down within two seasons by achieving a winning record.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?  The most important societal issue facing college students is successfully balancing academics, extra-curricular activities and having a respectable social life. As a student-athlete, sometimes it is very difficult to just take time just to rest from the “busyness” of the college life.  It is important to remain not only physically strong but also emotionally and mentally tough as well.

If you could change any one item in the world (in your personal life, school, community, amateur or professional sports, national/international issue, etc.), what would it be, why, and how would you do it?   This is very cliché, but I would attempt to have people truly grasp the understanding of working out issues amongst each other civilly. I would begin with young children, helping them not to gossip or be violent with each other. If everyone in this world realized that each soul has a purpose and emotions attached to it, I believe we would begin treating one another more positively.  I am not saying everyone necessarily has to love one another, but simply respect each other.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?   Right now, the most influential person in my life is Jesus Christ. I would not be in college, playing volleyball or even alive right now if it was not for the freedom in forgiveness I have found through Him.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?  My favorite form of entertainment is through music. The combination of words with songs releases an amazing amount of emotions either positively or negatively. Listening to a certain type of music can change a person’s mood tremendously.

What is your favorite source of information (TV, book, magazine, website, friends in dining hall, etc.)? My favorite source of information is the news application on my phone because I am able to stay in touch with national and international events at all times.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?   I would give elementary school children the same advice my grandfather gave my mother - seize every opportunity you can in life whether it be academically, athletically or simply learning a new hobby. Every time you learn something new, you are able to broaden your knowledge of everything so you can connect with people in the future.

Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?   My favorite sports figure is Tim Tebow. He truly inspires me to live out my faith not only in the church but on the volleyball court, in the locker room, or anywhere else I might go. Like him, I have been through adversity in the athletic world but after observing him, I learned to remain true to my faith for that can be never taken away.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with?   I would like to have dinner with my grandfather who passed away before I was born because I know he would be very proud of my accomplishments. Another person would be Tim Tebow because through his unabashed expression of faith, I have been influenced to be bolder as well. My final person would be Jesus Christ because I would like serve dinner the man who ultimately changed humanity forever.