This November we will be featuring junior Aiden Pazier, who is a varsity volleyball player. We will be discussing how COVID-19 has affected the sport.
What is it like practicing this year with the current conditions? It can be annoying at times because of all the necessary regulations, but I’m honestly just glad that I can get some touches with the ball and practice with my teammates even if it’s a distance.
Do you have to wear a mask? Yes, we have to wear a mask at all times along with only being able to touch our own designated volleyballs.
How do you spend your time practicing? Our first practice back we were just running sprints and serving our own volleyballs but our second practice our coach (who is COVID tested) was allowed to wear gloves and set the balls to us for hitting lines.
What is the most challenging part when you are playing? Definitely wearing the masks, because we’re not allowed to take it off at any moment so trying to breathe while working out is by far the most challenging.
Who do you look up to the most in the pro volleyball world/your inspiration? I probably look up to Jeremy Casebeer (Pro AVP athlete) the most in my life just because he is the most relatable and grew up here in Santa Barbara playing on the same courts I am.
What are your academic interests? I’m really interested in something along the lines of sports medicine most likely sports psychology.
What are your plans after high school? My plans after high school are to live in Brazil for 1 year, comeback to city college and get my associates degree. After my 2 years there I plan to get a degree at a 4 year college for sports psychology and see where that takes me.