Air Force Academy

Oct. 25, 2007

This week on "Off the Court with the Falcons", Air Force fans get the chance to meet junior Kristina Stewart, a 5-10 junior from Glendale, Arizona. During her third season with the Falcons, Stewart has averaged 1.87 kills and 1.74 digs per game, while accounting for 16 total blocks.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU ... Kristina Stewart

How did you get started in volleyball?

-- I used to be obsessed with basketball when I was younger. Luckily, my fifth grade teacher had a daughter playing volleyball for Arizona State University.  Their family was big into volleyball and she noticed my athletic ability and suggested I play for a volleyball club. Off I went, and here I am now...

 Who are the biggest influences in your life and why?

-- I would say the biggest influences in my life are my close friends here at the Academy. Without them, I wouldn't be able to make it through this place. They carry me when I'm down and celebrate with me when I am up. They have become my family, and my main support system. And the ironic thing is that the majority of them are my teammates. 

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

-- Kim Kreke, who plays on the women's basketball team here at the Academy. She was my freshman roommate and is one of my best friends. We took a picture while working graduation our freshman year of us practicing our very own graduation hug for 2009. That black and white picture sits on my desk and I look at it everyday to remind me of my main goal, graduating, knowing that Kim and I are going to make it together. It's become both of our motivation. She has always had my back here. And the best thing about it is that she is Jasamine's roommate now, so I can visit both of my best friends at the same time!

Who is your favorite professor/AOC/etc. and why?

-- Maj Greenwood is my favorite AOC. He is new to the Wild Weasels of 35, but has done an amazing job thus far in his new job of AOC, in my opinion. I haven't been able to talk with him that much yet, but his first impression on me was an incredible one. I really idolize his values, especially his ones on family. I look forward to learning a lot from him in my next (and final) two years here. Our AMT's are amazing as well, MSgt McGowan and TSgt Anderson... together they make an amazing team.

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

-- My room! Because Kimberly is my roommate!

What is your favorite road trip story?

-- Did someone say, "ROBE PARTY?"

What is your advice for young volleyball players?

-- Love the game, be dedicated to what you do, and never let someone tell you your dream is impossible.

What are some disadvantages of being tall/short?

-- The taller you get, the smaller the dating pool becomes as a female. I always wanted to be 6'2", though it just wasn't written in the stars for me.

Who are your biggest fans?

-- Everyone who loves me. Whether I succeed or fail, they are always there to support me.

What do you want your legacy to be?

-- I want my legacy to be left with the girls I played with. I want to have made a difference in some of their lives. Legacy as a player comes and goes, but if you can touch someone's heart for the better, I feel like that is the real accomplishment.

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

-- Looking at the girl after she realizes you just owned her.