The Volleyball Interview: Ashley Nordmann (2021)
It’s not easy to garner a lot of attention in the Michigan volleyball scene when you play in a Division 4 program in the Lansing area, but Ashley Nordmann has certainly found a way to keep eyes on her. The…
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Continue ReadingIt’s not easy to garner a lot of attention in the Michigan volleyball scene when you play in a Division 4 program in the Lansing area, but Ashley Nordmann has certainly found a way to keep eyes on her.
The 2021 middle from Lansing Christian has made her way into our top 10 rankings for the entire class and is having a great club season for Michigan Elite. In this edition of The Volleyball Interview, we chat with the 6-foot middle about playing for a small program, when she knew she’d be a hitter, and her goals for the Pilgrims in the fall of 2019.
Ashley NordmannWhat do you consider your strengths as a player?
One of my greatest strengths is being able to move faster than some of the taller middles, as well as seeing the court and predicting where the setter will go.
What do you consider your weaknesses?
One of my weaknesses is that I am a smaller middle, so hitting around a larger middle is harder to do.
What has been your favorite opposing gym to play in?
I like playing in larger convention centers because of the energy.
Who is your favorite player to compete against?
My favorite player to play against is Aubrey O’Gorman from FaR Out/Lakewood because we play each other in club and high school. We’ve played against each other since 8th grade so we have a healthy rivalry.
What was your favorite part of the recruiting process? Least favorite?
My favorite part of the recruiting process is that I feel more equipped for jobs and communicating with people compared to others my age. My least favorite is that it is stressful and can be difficult to start making decisions early on.
Who is your favorite volleyball player?
My sister, Lexi Nordmann, because she’s inspiring.
How would you compare high school volleyball to club volleyball?
I play for a small, Class D school, so the difference between high school and club is quite a lot. However, high school gives me the opportunity to work on being a leader and play different positions.
At what age did you feel certain you would play at the net in volleyball?
Starting from age 12 I was always a middle. I was pretty certain that I would stay in that position from the time I was 12 or 13.
Aside from shoes, what piece of equipment could you not play in a match without?
I couldn’t play a match without a hair tie. It would be hard to play without putting my hair up.
Any game day superstitions?
This club season I started chewing gum for every match and now I can’t play without it.
Go-to game day food?
I really like these peanut butter energy bites that my mom and a few of my teammates make.
What goals have you set for yourself or your team at Lansing Christian?
For myself, I am working on being a leader. For my team, I want us to work on playing as a team and giving 100% effort.
How have you seen volleyball in the Lansing area improve over the years?
What I have seen is that many in the Lansing area have been training at clubs to help improve their game.
What are you looking for from a university while making your college decision?
I like to see when a coach has a good relationship with the team and all the teammates have a good relationship with each other.
What are your favorite hobbies outside of sports?
I like to photograph areas that I travel to.
What is your favorite social media platform and why?
I use Snapchat to stay connected to my friends and teammates that are farther away.
What do you hope to do when your volleyball career is over?
When my volleyball career is over I hope to stay connected to those I have met through volleyball.