Five Question Friday: Flight 18U’s Alisa Bengen

<p>We're quickly approaching the Iowa Regional Tournament, where some of the best players in the state will be playing! One of those players is Flight 18U's Alisa Bengen.  Bengen, a senior hitter/setter from Janesville, was a 1^st Team All-Conference, All-District, and All-State player.  She led Janesville with 588 assists, 357 kills, 211 digs, 38 aces, and 22 blocks.  She will be continuing her playing and academic career at D2 Powerhouse Southwest Minnesota State University this fall.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Q) What do you most look forward to in 2019?</p> <p>A) "In 2019, I'm looking forward to simply improving, whether it's in the gym, classroom, or just life. I think that going to college will help me develop my sense of self, because I won't have my parents with me. I'm also VERY excited to get on campus and begin training and practicing at SMSU!"</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Q) Who or what would you most contribute your volleyball success to?</p> <p>A) "I would contribute my volleyball success to many different people, but one of the most important of these would be my dad. He's been coaching me from fourth grade AAU all of the way through this year. He's been one of my biggest motivators and he's always pushing me to improve and be my best. He also used to play volleyball and actually won a national title as a setter, so he's been able to give me some personalized advice in my position as well. He's always been very helpful and positive, and he's really shaped me as a player.”</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Q)  What is your most favorite thing about the club volleyball season?</p> <p>A)  "Besides getting to see really good competition and traveling, my favorite part of club volleyball season is getting to see all of my teammates. I absolutely love spending time with my club teammates, and busy schedules and distance don't allow for us to see each other much outside of club season. I've been playing with most of my teammates for several seasons, and we've created awesome friendships over the years.”</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Q)  Biggest life lesson volleyball has taught you?</p> <p>A)  "The biggest life lesson that volleyball has taught me would be that determination and perseverance will get you a long way. In a volleyball aspect, determination and perseverance give you the drive to win–and the tools to do so. In both my club and school season, we've taken on some pretty tough opponents. Sometimes we walk away with a win, and other times we walk away with a lesson learned and a drive to beat that team should we match up again. These skills transfer to life, too. It's important to work hard and continue working hard so you can see results. It's a very common saying, but life will knock you down, and you just have to stand back up every time."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Q)  Best team bonding tradition you've experienced?</p> <p>A)  "Right before we go to state volleyball, our coaches will gather the varsity players in front of the stage. Everybody stands side-by-side and locks arms, and one player will go stand on the stage. You face away from the direction you fall, so you have to lean backwards for the team to catch you. I think the best part of this team bonding activity is that the coaches don't make anybody do it, as several have opted out in past years. This past year, every single player did, and that was really special.”</p> <p></p> <p>Bonus:</p> <p>Q)  You recently committed to Southwest Minnesota State, what were your deciding factors?  </p> <p>A)  "One of the biggest factors for me was distance. I want to be somewhere away from what I'm used to, but I also want to be able to make a visit home in a weekend. Another factor was definitely the coaching staff and players. I went out to eat with the players and coaches and got to know the team, and that really made a difference. I loved the family-feel I got from them in a very short amount of time."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>