MIAMI (September 7, 2021) - We're continuing our Q&A series with FIU beach volleyball's Sophia Brandstetter. The Muehldorf, Germany native joined the FIU squad in 2020 after transferring from North Alabama.

Q: Why did you want to play volleyball at FIU?
A: "It was my dream to play volleyball and beach volleyball at FIU because the team plays at a high level, the university is top-ranked and it is in Miami. Ever since I played against FIU's number one team my freshman year, I knew I wanted to transfer to FIU."

Q: How was the transition to coming to the United States?
A: "The transition coming to the US was combined with positive and negative things. I was very excited to see this new country, learn the language, and get to know people from all over the world. It can get hard sometimes because my family is not there, but in those situations where you are on your own, that's when you grow and get out of your comfort zone."

Q: How does volleyball make you a better student or worker?
A: "Volleyball makes me a better student because as team players, we are used to working together in groups, lead and manage our time wisely to achieve great success."

Q: Who inspired you as a young athlete? Who are your role models now?
A: "My dad and my two older brothers inspired me to play volleyball and then later play for a Division I university. Coming from a volleyball family gives me a lot of strength, energy, and positive power."

Q: How do you manage to keep calm under pressure during a game?
A: "I tell myself that I can do it, I trust my experience and technique and I'm staying positive. Always have a plan in mind and focus on the ball."

Q: What is the best part of competing?
A: "For me, it is the adrenaline that runs through my veins when I serve a great ball, dig a nice defense or kill the ball with a swing. When it is show time together with my partner, it is like on a battlefield. You fight together until the whistle blows, and you don't let anything go to chance. On top of all that, competing is the most fun. It is when you show off all the hard work. Having in mind that there are no mistakes but only lessons on how to make it better next time."

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
A: "I see myself working in a big firm either in Miami or Munich, playing beach volleyball professionally and slowly creating a family. I want to visit all my friends from university in their countries like Brazil."

Q: At what age did you start your sports career?
A: "I started my volleyball career when I was nine, but I grew up in the gym watching my brothers play and peppering with their teammates."

Q: Favorite memory from this past season?
A: "Our win against ranked No.3 Florida State is my favorite memory from last season. We proved what great teams can achieve together through hard work and determination."

Q: What qualities make a teammate a good leader?
A: "It's all about respect. A teammate that earns everyone's respect consistently makes a good leader."

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Get all the latest information on the team by following @FIUVolleyball on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook or @FIUBeachVB on Twitter, @FIU_Beach on Instagram and @FIUBeach on Facebook. General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.