Meet the Athlete: Kassandra Jansen
Published 9:00 am Thursday, September 3, 2015
![Kassandra Jansen holds a volleyball before practice Monday at Albert Lea High School. Jansen made the transition from libero to setter for her senior season. - Micah Bader/Albert Lea Tribune](https://www.albertleatribune.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2015/09/0903.mta_.1.jpg)
Kassandra Jansen holds a volleyball before practice Monday at Albert Lea High School. Jansen made the transition from libero to setter for her senior season. — Micah Bader/Albert Lea Tribune
Albert Lea senior makes the transition from libero to setter
Q: What grade are you in?
A: 12th.
Q: What town do you live in, and which school do you attend?
A: I’m from Albert Lea, and I go to Albert Lea High School.
Q: Who is your immediate family?
A: My mom and dad. I have a brother, Dylan Jansen, and Luke Jansen, who is 5 years old.
Q: Which sports do you play?
A: Just volleyball.
Q: What is your favorite part of playing volleyball?
A: I enjoy playing with my teammates, having fun with them on the court and winning.
Q: What has playing volleyball taught you?
A: It’s taught me how well you have to work with other people to accomplish a goal.
Q: What’s your favorite sports memory?
A: I don’t have a specific one, but the bus rides are a lot of fun. We’re always laughing. The tournaments are a lot of fun, too.
Q: Which game are you looking forward to most this year?
A: Austin. That’s our first home game (at 7 p.m. next Thursday) and they’re our rivals. We’re really hoping to beat them.
Q: How did you get started in volleyball?
A: In seventh grade, I wasn’t involved in any sports, and all of my friends were playing volleyball. I thought, “Why not?” I’ve been playing ever since.
Q: What sports did your family members play?
A: Dylan plays soccer, my mom ran cross country and my dad was in band.
Q: What position do you play?
A: I was libero last year, but I’m a setter this year. It has changed quite a bit.
Q: How’s that transition been for you?
A: It’s hard going from defense to offense, and working with everybody is a lot different.
Q: Who is your favorite professional athlete? Why?
A: No. I’m just a Gophers fan.
Q: What are your college plans? Major?
A: I’m planning to go to the University of South Dakota in Vermillion with a psychology major.
Q: What is your favorite school subject?
A: History.
Q: Who is your favorite teacher?
A: I have a lot of favorite teachers, but I’d say Jim Haney and Kurt Barickman.
Q: What is your dream job?
A: I’d like to be a criminal psychologist. I really like that field.