Amy Palash is a junior outside hitter on the Illinois volleyball team. A transfer from Valparaiso, Palash has played in all six matches this season and recorded 10 kills last Sunday in a win against Loyola-Chicago.

Question: Why did you transfer to the University of Illinois?

Answer: “I looked around a little bit, but Illinois has great academics, great athletics, great volleyball and a great social atmosphere. Everything here is awesome, so it was an easy decision.”

Q: What’s your favorite part of Big Ten volleyball?

A: “I like the intensity and I like the speed. It’s a lot different from my old school and it makes matches more exciting.”

Q: What is your favorite part about Huff Hall?

A: “The students. That first real match we had was awesome. I was just dying. I looked around and there were thousands of people. It was great.”

Q: If you weren’t playing volleyball, would you be playing another sport?

A:“Basketball. I played in high school; I played for eight years and until my senior year. When I came to college I chose volleyball; I’ve always liked it more than basketball.

Q: What do you do when you’re not playing volleyball?

A:“Shopping, I love to shop. I also listen to music and sleep.”

Q:Who is your favorite athlete of all time?

A:“That is a hard question. I don’t want to say MJ because that’s so generic, so I’m going go with D-Wade.”

Q:Are you pro or anti-chief?

A:“I’m Pro-chief. Well I haven’t been here so long but it’s such a cool symbol. It’s known worldwide and throughout the nation.”

Q:What is your major and how did you choose it?

A:“I’m going to be a high school math teacher. I’ve always wanted to be a math teacher. I know that’s really nerdy, but I’ve always liked math and I’ve known that since I was in seventh grade.”

Q:What is your favorite Coach Hardin trademark?

A:“I’m going to say his magic tricks. He has these really cool magic tricks that he does. He has these two-sided cards and it’s all really quick hand movements, so he’ll tell you pick a card and then really fast he’ll just go to the two-sided card you chose.”

Q:Do you like MTV, or hate it with a passion and think it’s the root of all evil?

A:“I like MTV.”