Lamarcardinals.com sat down with freshman outside hitter Cynthia McCollum before Thursday's practice. Here's a look at what she had to say.

Lamarcardinals.com: Since you're a freshman we'll start with a really tough question to break the ice. Rumor has it that you were a multi sport athlete in high school. What sports did you play? More importantly, were you any good?

CM: I played basketball my freshman year and I was pretty good. I played the wing and started. I also ran track. I high jumped and was on the mile relay. I was okay in track; my best high jump was 5-7.

Lamarcardinals.com: Now that you're here at Lamar and are a few weeks into your college career, what's the transition to the college level of volleyball been like for you?

CM: It's a lot harder, but I definitely think it's worth it. I feel myself improving and I can't wait to be better.

Lamarcardinals.com: While talking to coach Gibert earlier this afternoon, he told me you are a fantastic young talent that has one of the highest ceilings of any outside hitter he has recruited at Lamar. How does it make you feel to know that your coach thinks so highly of you?

CM: It makes me feel really good, but I don't really feel like I'm at the level I need to be at. I'm just trying to work hard so I can get up to his standards and my standards. I have pretty high standards for myself.

Lamarcardinals.com: Speaking of that, what are your expectations for this year?

CM: I don't know if I'll play this year, but I'm going to try my best to play. I'm going to do my best to get to that level and be good enough to play.

Lamarcardinals.com: What's it been like having two practices a day for the last week and a half?

CM: It's like eat, sleep and breathe volleyball. I don't really do anything else. It takes up my whole day right now, but it's worth it. I want to be here.

Lamarcardinals.com: Are you excited that the first tournament of the year is at Baylor?

CM: I'm really excited! All my family is coming. They have hotels and everything, so I'm looking forward to it.

Lamarcardinals.com: Alright Cynthia. I'll let you go get ready for practice. Thanks for stopping by and talking.