Air Force Academy

Sept. 19, 2007

This week on "Off the Court with the Falcons", Air Force fans get the chance to meet Caroline Kurtz, a 5-10 native Albuquerque, N.M. The freshman, who celebrated her 18th birthday by helping the Falcons to a pair of victories at the Lady Panther Invitational on Sept. 15, returns to her hometown on Sept. 20 for the first conference road match of the season. Heading into the showdown with New Mexico, Kurtz is averaging 2.68 kills and 2.20 digs per game.

GETTING TO KNOW ... Caroline Kurtz

How did you get started in volleyball?

-- I started to make friends and fit into a new school.

Who are the biggest influences in your life and why?

-- My mother is my biggest influence, because she is behind me 100% and is always there no matter the outcome.

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

-- I love the library because it is peaceful and time slows down.

Do you have any game-day rituals?

-- I have always had a couple of rituals: I always pray, my old team and I had a tradition and secret called "rain", and I always put on my warrior eyes (dark eyeliner).

What do you like best/least about playing on the road?

-- I love the feeling when I walk into something much bigger than myself. I love the family that a team becomes and the release from everyday life.

How do you feel that you are developing into a future Air Force officer?

-- I am learning to time manage and work in pressure situations.

What is your advice for young volleyball players?

-- Have fun and learn to love the game (ability will follow), because when the going gets tough, that is going to be the only thing that pulls you through.

What are some disadvantages of being short?

-- People don't believe that you are capable to accomplish certain things, so you surprise them.

Who are your biggest fans?

-- My parents ... without a doubt.

What do you want your legacy to be?

-- That I played with passion and inspired those around me.

What are some of the favorite classes you've taken at the Academy?

-- Engineering 100

What has been your most memorable "welcome to college" moment?

-- The bus-ride at the beginning of BCT (Basic Cadet Training).

Do you prefer a great kill or a big block?

-- A great kill.

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

-- Knowing that you took away that player's fleeting moment of victory.

A LITTLE MORE INFORMATION

Favorite Pre-Game Meal

Pasta

Hobbies

Dancing, Skiing, Reading, Art

Favorite Book

"Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

Person in history you'd most like to meet

Queen Elizabeth I

Favorite inspirational quote or phrase

"Never never never give up!"- Winston Churchill

Craziest ambition

To become a professional dancer

Most noteworthy thing about your hometown

Green chili, beautiful sunsets and blue skies, and the International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

Why did you pick volleyball?

It is a sport that combines both the physical and mental talents into a very fast paced and intense battle that brings a team together as one.

Best personal moment in volleyball

In a packed home game against our school's rival and state champions, I played my best game ever and helped demolish the team.

What do you enjoy doing away from volleyball?

I enjoy everything, ranging from other sports to movies with friends to relaxing alone with music or a good book.

Favorite band/musician

I have a soft spot for Tim McGraw

Favorite TV show

The Tudors