Volleyball has helped Mary Washington senior libero Christine Tran gain confidence in herself and her abilities.  Tran has been among the Eagles’ team leaders in digs for three-straight years, and has been a member of the CAC Academic Honor Roll. She recently expanded her interests to include doubles volleyball, and she is a fan of multi-Olympic Gold Medalist Misty May-Treanor.  INTRODUCING … Christine Tran.

Briefly, what is your background in the sport you play?  I started playing volleyball my freshman year in high school. During those years, I played for various travel teams in Northern Virginia. Now, I play for the University of Mary Washington. During the summer, I competed in numerous doubles tournaments (grass and beach).

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?  I am going to graduate the University of Mary Washington with a BS in Biology. The most important thing that I learned during my biology courses at the University of Mary Washington was that I should constantly expand my knowledge with fieldwork (studying abroad, etc.) and not just concentrate solely on laboratory work. There is so much out there in the field of Biology that cannot be experienced in the lab.

What is your favorite spot on campus?  My favorite spot on campus is Ball Circle, specifically during the spring. This is a wide and open field directly in the middle of campus that is bordered by on-campus housing. When it is particularly warmer outside, everyone is outside on the Ball Circle. Whether they are reading a book, sitting on the lawn chairs, or playing frisbee, everyone seems to be genuinely enjoying their time out in the sun.

Outside of your home and campus, where is your favorite place visit?  My favorite place to visit is the beach, any beach. Being from Northern Virginia, I would have to drive four hours to get to Virginia Beach or 2-3 hours to go to the closest beach up north. When I am at the beach, I get time to relax and have more leisure time- something that I do not get to appreciate when I am constantly working or running errands.

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)?  On campus, I am part of the UMW Pre-Med/Pre-Dent club. During my participation with this organization, I was the historian. Off campus, I am starting to volunteer with Children of Vietnam- an organization dedicated to providing aid to disadvantaged children in Vietnam. Along with Children of Vietnam, I am part of the Disabled Veterans & Widows Relief Association.

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career.  My most memorable experience during my college athletic career would be the game against St. Mary’s in 2012. I had the defensive game of my life. The emotions were high during this game. The St. Mary’s crowd was (loud) and I just fed off of that energy and focused on my job as the Libero. I had the most digs during that game in my volleyball career (not including this season)!

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?  The most important societal issue facing college students is acceptance. There are so many pressures that come with being a college student. Not only are there pressures in academics- a need for obtaining good grades, in athletics- a need for earning a spot to start, but with social pressures- there is a constant need to be accepted. College students are always faced with difficult decisions to make daily, whether it may be positive or negative influences.

If you could change any one item in the world, what would it be, why, and how would you do it? If I could change one thing in the world regarding volleyball, it would definitely be me getting into the mentality of “leading by example” and giving 100% effort to my sport, earlier into my volleyball career. I felt that I was able to embody this mentality after Kevin Foeman, our conditioning coach/older brother figure, gave me insight on this way of thinking during my sophomore year here at the University of Mary Washington.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?  Other than my family members, the most influential person in my life would be Mrs. Tinkle. She was not only my math tutor during in elementary school, Mrs. Tinkle was a person that constantly looked out for my well-being. During those years, she built my confidence back up through helping me in academics and showering me how to bake and knit, and teaching me about Christ.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?  My favorite form of entertainment would be watching movies or listening to music. Music and movies give me an opportunity to completely focus on something entirely different from what I am usually focused with in my life. If I wanted to watch the Step Up movies, I could do so without stressing out about anything else.

What is your favorite source of information (TV, book, magazine, website, friends in dining hall, etc.)?  I can honestly say that my favorite source of information would be from my teachers. Being at a liberal arts school, I was able to take classes with some of the most unique teachers. Along with my Pre-Med classes, I was able to take Anthropology, Art History, Global Issues courses, Psychology, etc. Each professor in each subject always had interesting facts and information about so many topics. Whether it was about history or current events, I always learned something new and exciting every single day.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?  This can also apply to middle school and high school but the one piece of advice that I would give to elementary school children would be to listen to your parents. At this age, your parents definitely know what is best for you, even when you do not see it. They only have your best interests in mind and nothing else.

Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?  My favorite sports team would be Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh during the Olympic Beach doubles tournaments. They have been the reason why I started to compete in outdoor doubles tournaments. I had a fear that I would not have many opportunities to play competitive volleyball after my college career ended, but after I started playing doubles, I had nothing to worry about!

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with (and why)?    
Misty May-Treanor: She is an amazing volleyball player. I would love to have the time to hear about her experiences throughout her volleyball career. I would love to learn about any tips and advice about playing beach volleyball as well.

Grandpa Tran: Even though he passed before I was even born, I would have loved to meet him. Since I respect my father so much, I would love to know more about the man who raised him.

Mom/Dad: Since attending the University of Mary Washington, I have not been able to spend much time to talk to them. I know that they have so much insight and wisdom about all aspects of life. I would love to have the time to sit and talk with them more often.