Air Force Academy

Aug. 29, 2007

This week on "Off the Court with the Falcons", Air Force fans get the chance to meet Nichole Stilwell, a 6-0 freshman from Divide, Colo. Stilwell not only made the starting rotation in her collegiate debut against Chicago State on Aug. 24, but she also registered a match-leading 12 kills and helped guide the Falcons to victory

GETTING TO KNOW ... Nichole Stilwell

How did you get started in volleyball?
-- Camps at Coronado High School put on by Joan Powell.

Who are the biggest influences in your life and why?
-- Mom. She's been my biggest support, role model, and fan through every up and down in life.

How do you balance your athletics, academics and military duties?
-- Multi-tasking, and using every extra minute to my advantage.

Who is your favorite professor/AOC/etc. and why?
-- Major Thompson, my AOC. He ran the assault course with us in Basic, and has been there encouraging us through everything.

What is your favorite place on the Academy grounds and why?
-- The Gym. It's my sanctuary.

How do you feel that you are developing into a future Air Force officer?
-- I am gaining more and more confidence, and learning to lead by example.

What are some disadvantages of being tall/short?
-- Finding clothing that fits, especially jeans.

Who are your biggest fans?
-- My parents and closest friends.

What do you want your legacy to be?
-- I was a force at the net, and always a positive team leader.

What are some of the favorite classes you've taken at the Academy?
-- Russian, Engineering 101.

Who have been some of the players to help in your transition to college volleyball?
-- Jasamine Pettie, Kristina Stewart, Katie Batchelder and Jessica Stewart.

Do you prefer a great kill or a big block?
-- Both produce the same energy and momentum, so it doesn't matter to me!!

What is the best thing about getting a really good dig?
-- To be able to look the hitter in the eyes and ask them if that's all they got.

A LITTLE MORE INFORMATION

Favorite pre game meal
PB&J

Hobbies
Playing the viola, hanging out with friends, the outdoors

Favorite professional athlete
Kerri Walsh

Favorite book
A Bend in the Road

Favorite movie
The Notebook

Person in history you'd most like to meet
Sally Ride

Favorite inspirational quote or phrase
"The first thing is to love your sport. Never do it to please someone else. It has to be yours." Peggy Fleming

Craziest ambition
Cliff Diving

Most noteworthy thing about your hometown
Elevation: 9,100 ft.

Best personal moment in volleyball
Winning a bid to Junior Nationals

Favorite band/musician
Rascal Flatts

Favorite TV show
ER