Air Force Academy

Sept. 12, 2007

This week on "Off the Court with the Falcons", Air Force fans get the chance to meet sophomore Michelle Harrington, a 6-1 `Air Force brat' that lived in Colorado, Maryland and Texas during high school. Harrington was named to the all-tournament team of the recent Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldog Invitational, after providing support to the Falcons in nearly every statistical category. Playing in all 11 games, Harrington accounted for 24 kills, four aces, eight digs and eight blocks.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU ... Michelle Harrington

How did you get started in volleyball?

-- My height gave me a leg up.  I was registering for a new high school my sophomore year and the coach had me try out, even though I wasn't really skilled at all.

Who are the biggest influences in your life and why?

-- My parents raised me in many different environments due to moving and they worked hard to make me try everything, even if it was against my will.  I appreciate everything they taught me.

How do you balance your athletics, academics and military duties?

-- Sometimes it is a struggle, but I prioritize and do what is most important and complete that first. 

Who is your favorite non-volleyball athlete(s) at the Academy?

-- My freshman roommate, Ally Romanko (track and field/cross country), is an awesome person and excels in everything she does.  All of the basketball girls are awesome and supportive, too

What is your favorite place on the Academy grounds and why?

-- I really enjoy the chapel.  It is a place of peace and calming as a haven from all of the ongoing activities of cadet life.  A person has a place to think and get ready for whatever comes next

What is your favorite road trip story?

-- When we played in New Mexico, we decided, as a team, to explore a haunted house since it was close to Halloween.  Jocelyn was in front of me on a bridge when someone jumped out at her.  Her immediate reaction was to drop to the ground and kick, which is apparently the best defense and safest position to her.  Unfortunately, none of us realized that all of the items in her pocket fell out, including her ID.  We were lucky they called the hotel (they had her room key) and we were able to pick it up the next day.  She really scares easily.

What is your advice for young volleyball players?

-- Always work hard and give than you think you can.  It will definitely pay off in the end.

What are some disadvantages of being tall?

-- I don't like to shop, shockingly since I'm a girl, because I find it nearly impossible to find clothes that fit. 

Who are your biggest fans?

-- My family

What did you work on most in the off-season to prepare for the upcoming season?

-- I worked mostly on endurance to be ready to hit a grueling season hard and strong.  I also didn't want the return to altitude to be a shock, so I ran a lot.

Who have been some of the players to help in your transition to college volleyball?

-- Jazi was incredible the first year, and still is.  She provided a strong base for me through mentoring on and off the court.  The rest of the upperclassmen also helped by giving their encouragement and support.  Jocelyn also kept me entertained and was good to compete against.

What is the best thing about getting a really good block?

-- A good block feels awesome knowing that you were at the right place at the right time and the defense doesn't have to worry about the ball coming back. It also sends a message to the opponent that they need to change it up, because the blockers know their game plan and are succeeding in shutting the other team down.

Do you prefer a great kill or a big block?

-- A big kill is the best feeling because everyone on the team helped to earn it.  Even those who didn't touch it helped communicate and were where they needed to be in order to be successful.