George Washington University Athletics
10 Questions With... Jessica Vesey
8/30/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Aug. 30, 2005
Jessica Vesey is a senior captain on the Colonials volleyball team. Prior to her freshman year at GW, the AVCA instituted a significant rules change allowing teams to add the position of Libero, a defensive player who can substitute freely. The criminal justice major from Poway, CA, has been the Colonials' starting Libero ever since.
1 - Growing up near San Diego, what made you decide to come all the way to GW?
JV: Growing up in Southern California, volleyball is just a way of life. I told myself when I first started playing that someday I would play for a Division I school, and set out to accomplish that. I came to DC my junior year of high school and really fell in love with the city. Things just fell into place, and I ended up on a great team at a school where I can get a good education. Plus, I'm really short to play volleyball on the West coast. Haha.
2 - How has the addition of the Libero position influenced your playing career? (Vesey has the distinction of being the Colonials' first and only Libero)
JV: Adding the libero has given defensive players more opportunity to be involved in the game and allows for a more solid back row. Everybody always knows who the big hitters are and who jumps out of the gym, but now liberos get recognition because everyone asks them why they are wearing a different color jersey. No, we didn't forget our jersey.
3 - What's on your iPod?
JV: Music is a huge part of my life. I constantly create little soundtracks for my day. My ipod is filled with everything from Snoop Dogg and Mobb Deep to Frank Sinatra and Count Bassie. I have a very eclectic taste and am always looking for new music to enjoy.
4 - You were elected unanimously as captain by your teammates. In that role, are you more aware of how the team goes about its business on and off the court?
JV: I think I have made a conscious effort to be more aware of how the team goes about its business and to help things run smoothly. But when push comes to shove, we have a whole team full of leaders, and for the most part, everyone keeps everyone in check. We are all working towards the same goal, and everyone is pushing to acheive it. Being chosen by my teammates is a huge honor, but all I really do is call heads or tails at the beginning of the game, we all take care of each other.
5 - It's still early in the season but how do you see the team improving in 2005?
JV: Our goal as a team is to be known for our defense. I think focusing on that is going to help improve all aspects of our game. In order to have good defense we have to have sound blocking, and once our defense is up to par, then we will be able to get quality sets and put balls away. I think having such a large team this year gives us an advantage over other teams in that we can have a full scrimmage every day in practice, and we are continually competing with one another and pushing each other to be better.
6 - In your bio, you state that you were a member of the Die Lieders for two years in high school. Is that some sort of cult?
JV: Haha no. Die Lieders is german for "The Singers." It was the top choir group at our high school. We competed all over California and even internationally sometimes.
7 - What types of music/songs do you sing?
JV: Well, unfortunately I don't have much time to sing anymore, but all through high school our choir competed in festivals that usually required that we sing at least one foreign language song. I've sung in tons of different languages including French, German, Italian, Spanish, Swahili, and even Bosnian. We also got to have some fun every year at our final concert and sing more contemporary pieces.
8 - After graduation, what are your long-term plans?
JV: I am really interested in the Justice system. I ultimately want to get my masters in criminal justice, and then attend law school. I worked for the San Diego District Attorney's office one summer and really enjoyed the court setting and knowing that as a DA you are getting people off the streets that have hurt or harmed others.
9 - What do you usually eat before a match?
JV: I don't really have a set regiment. If we stop at the Delaware House (where we always stop) I usually get mashed potatos at Popeye's. But otherwise, I'm not going to lie, I'm a huge candy fan. If I can get my hands on gummy bears, I'm all over it.
10 - Tell us something about you that no one else knows.
JV: I have a secret obsession with online shopping. I could spend hours a day on Craigslist or Ebay. I buy the stupidest things, just because they are a good deal. I've had to cut back recently due to a lack of funds, haha. Abby (my roommate) had to have an intervention.
