Delaware Sports Blitz Interview: Delaware Tech’s Hailey Grotegut

Photo: Delaware Technical Community College

The Delaware Technical Community College student-athletes interviews are back!

The student-athlete we are featuring this week comes from Delaware Tech’s volleyball team, which is Hailey Grotegut.

Grotegut talks about everything from the best part of being an outside hitter and why she chose to play volleyball at Delaware Tech.

Check it out below!

Related:

Delaware Sports Blitz Interview: Delaware Tech’s Ashley Kelly

How did you start playing sports?

“I started playing sports in middle school, and during that time, I ran track. Once I got to high school, I started playing volleyball and lacrosse.”

What adjustments did you have to make from the jump from high school to college, regarding the sport you play?

“I feel like the transition was very easy. I love being able to make my own schedule with my classes and still have enough time for myself outside of classes and my sport.”

How do you keep yourself in game shape in the off-season for your sport?

“During the off-season, I really focus on things that I need to improve on from the season. On top of that, I do different workouts every day, such as lifting, plyometrics, and running.”

What is the best part of playing your particular position?

“The best part of playing outside hitter is when you get a good dig or good pass in serve, receive, and then your setter sets you that perfect ball, and then you crush it. It’s probably one of the best feelings in the world. The connection during that play is amazing, and it really gets the momentum going for the team.”

What has a former or current coach taught you, that you still use today on or off the playing field?

“My current coach has really taught me to remain patient and disciplined. She has also taught me to never give up and to always move on from mistakes. I really can’t thank her enough, honestly.”

What is a typical day for you when the season is in full force?

“A typical day for me throughout the season is to wake up, go to work, classes after work, then either have practice or a game. After practice or a game, I do my schoolwork and get ready for the next day.”

What do you feel is your greatest strength?

“I feel like my greatest strength is always having a positive attitude, no matter what.”

What do you feel you are weakest at and what do you work on to improve it?

“I feel like I am weak with defense and covering. I can improve on this by working on it during practice.”

Describe some of the highlights of your athletic career.

“Throughout my athletic career, I think the biggest highlight was being able to play at a higher level after high school.”

What is the best part of playing on a team?

“The best part about playing on this team is being able to really be yourself and always have someone to lean on. Honestly, this is one of the best teams I have been on. We have so much chemistry, and all our different personalities mesh so well together.”

How do you stay motivated during the highs and lows of a season?

“I stay motivated by always keeping a positive attitude on and off the court.”

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced and how did you overcome it?

“One of the biggest challenges I have faced was when I sprained my ankle last season. I overcame it by staying positive and looking forward to the next season.”

In what ways, does playing a sport, help you with your studies?

“It helps me have a very structured schedule. I think I do better in school while I’m playing a sport.”

How would you like to be remembered by your teammates and coaches?

“I want to be remembered as someone you can always come to, someone who is always respectful, and coachable.”

Why did you choose to play at Delaware Tech?

“I chose to play at Delaware Tech to be closer to home, and I wanted to attend a college with a good biology program.”