First Year Feature: Vivian Vandergaag

The transition from high school to university athletics is significant. We're highlighting first year athletes from all varsity teams this season who are on the path to achieving greatness here at Dalhousie University.

This week we would like to introduce Vivian Vandergaag, a first year middle on the women's volleyball team. Hailing from Vancouver, British Columbia. Vandergaag is studying Commerce.

How long have you been playing volleyball?

I have been playing volleyball since grade 7, so about 7 years now.

How did you start playing volleyball or get into it?

I started playing volleyball on my elementary school team and some of the older girls were playing club volleyball, so I thought I would try out the next year.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

I played soccer starting in grade 1 until 10th grade.

Who is somebody in the volleyball community you admired growing up and why?

Someone in the volleyball community I admired growing up was Jayde Robertsen. She played as a middle blocker for UBC and she coached me in beach for a few years. I admired her because she was always so fun to be around and she always had so much confidence and resilience on the court.

What is the most memorable moment in your career so far?

The most memorable moment of my career so far was when my club team won Best of the West for the first time. It was such a fight the whole game and I can remember everyone rushing the court and it was just such a fun thing to experience with my teammates.

What made you choose Dalhousie University?

I choose Dalhousie because I love Halifax and wanted a change of scenery from Vancouver. As well Dal’s strong academics mixed with a dynamic student life makes it the perfect fit for me. What really made me want to come here was how welcoming everyone on my team was, I knew that even though I would be moving away from family, I’d have a new one waiting here for me.

Did any of your family members attend Dalhousie University?

My mom attended Dalhousie and played on the women's soccer team 1993-95.

How has the transition from high school sports to university sports been for you so far?

It's been great. It took some getting used to, practicing every day, but it has been a fun challenge. The pace and intensity have shifted from high school to university sports; everything feels faster and more competitive, which has been an exciting environment to be a part of. All the girls on the team are so talented, and I have loved being surrounded by athletes who push me to get better every day.

How do you balance academics and sports?

Keeping the school to sport balance can definitely be hard at times, especially when we have to travel. I have found that trying to get my work done early and setting aside specific times to study or do assignments is helpful. Making sure to keep track of assignment due dates and have a clear agenda helps me to be successful.

What are some of your interests outside of sports?

Outside of sports I love to bake and hike.

Any pre-event superstitions/routines?

One of my pre-event superstition's is that I always have to have mentos in my bag or on the bench, I have been doing since my first year of club volleyball and will be continuing with over the next few years. As well I always like to have two baby braids in my ponytail with coloured elastics on the end.

Favourite food?

Pasta

Favourite movie?

The Notebook

Favourite warm-up song or current favourite song?

Bad Bad Bad or currently Like a prayer

Favourite professional athlete or team?

The Atlanta Vibe playing in the PVF

If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?

Italy