 |
Keith Kowal recently became the first Nittany Lion ever to record more than 500 career blocks. |
Senior Keith Kowal - Big Man on Campus By Jen Armson, Assistant Sports Information Director
Senior men's volleyball player Keith Kowal recently became the first Nittany Lion ever to record more than 500 career blocks.
GoPSUsports.com sat down with the Reading, Pa., native, a 2004 first team AVCA All-American and 2004 first team Academic All American, and here's what he had to say:
Why did you choose to attend Penn State?
I chose Penn State for its academic and athletic excellence.
How did you first get involved with volleyball and why?
My senior year in high school a buddy convinced me to give volleyball a shot.
As a kid what athlete or role model did you look up to and why?
Larry Bird because he was he was winner and a class act.
What are some of the things that you want to accomplish before your college career is over?
I want to win a national championship.
What do you do to stay calm and focused at critical times?
I filter out all distraction and focus on that task at hand.
What are some of the biggest challenges that you've had to overcome?
Learning to play volleyball at Penn State my freshman year after only playing for a few months.
What is your favorite moment during a competition and why?
Critical points at the end of the match. I love to compete when things are on the line.
What are some of the difficulties in competing in your sport at a high level that the average fan may not be aware of?
How high the ball is spiked and blocked at, which is usually around 10-11 feet.
How much do you rely on your teammates both during competition and in your life?
On the volleyball court I rely on my teammates very heavily, off more for friendship than anything.
What are some of your other favorite sports?
Golf, Ping Pong, Basketball
What do you do to kick back and unwind after a tough competition?
I like to go out for a nice meal.
What is the biggest thing you have learned during competition that will aid you in other areas of your life?
How to work in a team and how to be competitive.
What are your plans after graduation?
Work at Accenture, which used to be Anderson Consulting, in Center City Philadelphia, as a consulting analyst in the IT industry. I'll possibly go back to school and get an MBA in a few years.
What is one thing that many people do not know about you?
I am an Engineering geek.
