Q&A

• You have teamed up with the Oakley and the Young Survival Coalition in the fight against breast cancer. Why have you chosen to support this cause? As a sister, a friend, a daughter and an aunt to women and girls that have the possibility of being diagnosed with this disease is why I have chosen to support this cause. I support the Young Survival Coalition because they take the same aggressive stance towards breast cancer education and prevention as I do in my athletics. Being a professional beach volleyball player and athlete my entire life, I have been very determined and proactive in reaching my goals. It's important for women to take that same proactive approach with their health. My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer while I was in college and she passed away less than a year after her diagnosis. She was such an influential person in my life and even though she was in her seventies, she left long before her time.
• Hobbies: Traveling and cooking are two of my favorite things. Just get me an airplane and a nice kitchen and I am happy! I am the self proclaimed California girl.
• Favorite Breakfast: Egg whites scrambled, bacon & toast, I love a classic breakfast to get my day started, and some coffee to really get me going.
• What is your favorite aspect of volleyball? The competition and the feeling of accomplishment after winning a match.
• Where is your favorite venue to play? Chicago. I love playing in that city. It has the perfect blend of the beach life while still maintaining a great city life with amazing nightlife, shopping & restaurants.
• Confidence is: Not thinking too much, just reacting, when you are confident you don't have to over think anything.
• Who makes you laugh? Any movie with Ben Stiller or Will Farrel, even in the dumbest flicks, they always put a smile on my face.
• What’s something we don’t know about you? I am a quarter Japanese and my grandma was full Japanese and was 4'11, being that I am 6'1, I don’t think many people would guess that!
• What's the most extravagant purchase you've ever made? Besides a car, my most personal extravagant purchase was a Michelle watch. It has diamonds around the face, but I had to get it because it was named after me (ha ha). I don’t have anything too extravagant though. I like a variety so it is hard for me to splurge on just one thing.
• Most treasured possession? My family and friends, as long as I have them in my life, I am happy!
• Where would you like to live? I LOVE where I live, I can't imagine being anywhere else than Southern California, as long as I am on the coast anywhere from Santa Barbara to San Diego is where I want to stay. But I love traveling and I love seeing Europe, although I don’t think I would live there, I am a California girl!