Janelle Lam is one of two seniors returning to the starting lineup for Apple Valley’s volleyball team in 2013. She is a defensive specialist and libero for the Eagles.

Lam is looking to help Apple Valley bounce back from its first losing season in the past five years. The Eagles finished 7-19 in 2012.

Here is a closer look at Lam:

The best movie I’ve seen in the last year? “Monsters University” for sure. I went and saw it in theaters three times. It was so good.

Three songs I never skip on my iPod are … “Express Yourself” by Diplo, “Cookie’’ by Chanel West Coast, “Cannibal” by Ke$ha.

What are your three favorite apps? Twitter, Candy Crush, Pinterest.

Who do you like to follow the most on Twitter, and why? Tweet like a Girl. It’s funny and relatable, and tweets my exact feelings about subjects.

Three words or phrases my friends or teammates might use to describe me? Loud, talkative, controlling.

How did you get started playing volleyball? I played soccer with my twin sister, Julia, but she was always better than me. I didn’t like that, so I decided to switch to something that was totally different and I loved it.

At my first varsity practice, I felt … very overwhelmed.

What did you work on most in the offseason? I don’t really have an offseason due to club volleyball, but I did work on getting faster and stronger to be a better all-around athlete.

What are your goals for the volleyball season? I’m aiming to have a better record than we did last year. We have good team chemistry this year, so I think we will be successful.

What is your favorite meal before a match? A Turkey Tom from Jimmy John’s and a pickle.

To get ready for a match, I … usually listen to music to pump myself up. I also like to watch some volleyball before I play.

What is your most memorable moment as a high school athlete? Kicking a ball over the net to win a point last season.

How do you balance school and sports during the year? I usually have to focus hard in class in order to get homework done quickly or I have to stay up late. I’m not that good at balancing my schedule.

If you could change one thing about high school sports, what would it be? That each season be the same length. Winter sports get a longer period of time along with spring. Fall only gets about a month and a half.

Who is your favorite college or pro sports team and why? The University of Minnesota volleyball team. I grew up going to their games and being surrounded by the Big Ten, and now it’s weird to think I’ve played with some of the girls on the team.

Do you have a secret talent — and if so, what is it? I like to think I can rap, but my team says otherwise.

In 10 years, I hope I’m … married and have a job as a physician’s assistant.

What is the best sports advice you ever received? Mistakes will happen. You just have to shake it off and learn from it.

RON HAGGSTROM