QUICK Q&A KAISA MATTSON TARTAN, SR. VOLLEYBALL

As team captain, Mattson isn't concerned with wins or losses. The outside hitter simply yearns for consistent improvement and solidarity among her teammates. Achieve those goals and everything else, she said, will take care of itself.

QWhat do you enjoy the most about playing volleyball?

AYou are with five other girls on the court. You share the victory with others. You can come together and be a family.

QA captain is...

AA role model for others on the team; someone younger players can look up to.

QHow are you approaching the season as captain?

AI'm taking my role as captain and the responsibilities that come with it day by day. Every day won't be perfect, but you learn from the experience.

QWhat's one area of your game that you hope to strengthen by the end of the season?

AMental toughness. Mentally, I need to be better on the court during rough patches or down the stretch when the game is close.

QTo excel as an outside hitter, one must...

ABe a leader. You are the strongest hitter on the court.

QOne music artist you can't live without and why?

AEminem. I like to listen to the song "Lose Yourself" before games because it pumps me up. It's my pre-game control.

QWhat's a movie in your personal DVD collection that might surprise people?

A"Lord of the Rings"

CRAIG MALVEAUX