Ten Questions with Volleyball’s Christine Skala

By UMBC Retrievers News
Major: Biopsychology and pre-physical therapy
Minor: Sociology
November 11 will be your last home match as a Retriever. What kind of emotions do you have heading into that night?
Honestly, I have been telling everyone how much I am going to cry. It’s sad because it has been such a big part of me. It’s been a lot of hard work and effort and I am going to miss it and all my teammates.
You were not recruited as a libero, or defensive specialist, when you came to UMBC but have really come into the position and have an opportunity to break the all-time digs mark this weekend. What is it like to be ranked among some of the best players in UMBC history?

It is really exciting, and I have really come to love the position. I have had the opportunity to go back to hitting the last few matches and it makes me realize how much I’m into my position. I am not a hitter any more and that’s my position. It is such an accomplishment for me to be able to do that for myself, my team and my school.
This season has had a lot of ups and downs. How have you been able to handle the change and stay focused on the task of winning?
It’s been tough because we keep heading on an upward track and than we seem to regress. It’s kind of hard ending my senior year this way because of all the ups and downs and because I thought my senior year was just going to keep going forward. I am disappointed but I am also glad for all the opportunities I got.
Two years ago you got to play for the USA Select Team and travel to the Czech Republic. What kind of experience was that to represent you county and see part of your ancestors’ home country?

I think the experience helped build me into the defensive player I am. It helped me realize that is the type of player I want to be and made me comfortable in the position. It was an amazing opportunity and I would love to go back there. It was great to represent our country and we did great.
For fans who don’t know that much about the sport of volleyball and the women’s game, what is it about your sport that is so great and exciting to watch and play?
I think it takes a lot of skills. It is not one of those things where anyone can go out and just hit a volleyball over the net. It takes a lot of time, concentration and hard work. It gets very exciting and with the sport changing over the past few years with the scoring, the positions and rules, it makes the game a lot more fast pace and fun to watch.
Do you plan to play volleyball after graduation?
I have considered playing overseas for a year. Not right now because I want to finish graduate school before I go. I still have another semester to decide what I want to do and where to go to graduate school, but I do want to stay active in the game playing competitively or in some coaching aspect.
What has been your favorite moment on the court?
I always like playing Albany because it seems to be a big game. The first year we played them I was a sophomore and got aced off the court. I have grown as a player and the past two years we have been much more competitive. It’s been a good feeling to compete against them the last couple of years and pass the ball instead of being aced.
Fill in the blank, “I am very thankful that ___________ has been with me while at UMBC,” and why?
Coach Cantor, because I have had three different head coaches since I have been here, but he has been here all four years. He is always there to talk to, listen to your problems and help out with anything.
People that don’t know me well, don’t realize what about me?
I am not a quitter. I follow through with everything I do and I don’t like losing. I am very competitive and will not quit on anything.
What is it that you like to do in your spare time when you finally get a break from volleyball or classes?
I like to be with friends and go out and do something entertaining. That is the best when you can spend some time with friends and family and just relax and have a good time.