This week’s Farmer Focus is on sophomore Aubrey Dean, a sophomore making a name for herself on the varsity level. 

SNAPSHOTS

Favorite artist: Future

Favorite type of pet: German shepherd

Dream vacation: Russia or Hawaii

Favorite outdoor activity: Beach volleyball, walking/running the beach

Favorite breakfast item: Pancakes, eggs and bacon

ZOOMING IN

Q: Why did you choose to play volleyball?

A: “I chose volleyball because of the competitiveness I have in me, and it provided me structure in my life and meaning. I’ve always known what career I wanted to go in, but it gave me purpose and taught me discipline. It formed my character and gave me morals. I love the feeling of having a second family I could make lifelong bonds with, and it brings me joy.”

Q: What was the first big moment of your volleyball career?

A: “The first big moment of my volleyball career was actually this year in Duncanville; we won first in gold in the entire tournament, I won the [MVP] medal. The second we won game point in the last match, I started crying and I’ve never cried about winning. I knew at that moment this year I had something special happening to my team.”

Q: How did it feel getting to 500 assists?

A: “It felt nice to win the 500 assists, but honestly I want more than that; it’s not enough to me, and I love the recognition I receive from it, but I can only work harder for more. I want to hit 1,000 this season and break a school record. To me, 500 assists is settling for less. I want it even higher. I’m extremely grateful for the support I’ve been given, but I want to push myself harder even if it gets tough. I truly don’t think I’m done yet, and I probably won’t ever be until I’m satisfied.”

Q: When did it come to mind that you could go big playing volleyball?

A: “I don’t think I’ll go big right now at least because I have a lot of self doubt, and I don’t think I’m fully developed into the setter I want to be yet. It’s going to take time, but I hope and pray I find a great college to go to. My position is considered the QB of the team; I try to control my team and their emotions, I run my plays I produce, I give my team a strong person to lean onto, and I try to have great decision-making skills. Others may say I’m developed, but in my head I haven’t reached my peak and that’s just because I hold myself to a higher standard than everyone else around me. I’m harder on myself because I know what’s possible for me, and I know I can provide a stronger outcome.”

Q: Where would you choose to play volleyball at the college level, and why?

A: “I would choose somewhere close to home. I’m very indecisive, but I’m really focusing on moving to Oklahoma, most likely doing my undergrad year in volleyball and majoring in psychology or law. I wouldn’t complain about staying in Texas either. I haven’t found my ideal campus. I just have lists I’m considering. I want to play because obviously I love the sport, but it puts me in a position where I can push myself outside of my comfort zone to become a better person.”

Q: If you were to give any advice about playing volleyball to seventh and eighth graders, what would be your advice?

A: “My advice would be to stay true to yourself and others. I think it’s very easy to get sucked into what others think and not be able to have a voice in certain situations, especially as a young athlete, so I believe in always staying true to yourself and making mistakes allows yourself to feel them and learn and grow from them. Be coachable, set yourself standards that set you apart from everyone else and strive for greatness in them. And lastly, have patience; you can’t rush things, and coming from someone who’s a perfectionist, I learned you have to have patience to develop your physical and mental aspect of the game.”

Q: If volleyball wasn’t there, what would you pursue?

A: “If volleyball was never in my life, I’d honestly pursue business and law or being a sports psychologist. I absolutely love and enjoy helping others. I’m a giver kind of person, and it brings me so much peace and joy knowing I can help someone each and every day. I am looking at sports psychology more because I take on from my father of helping young athletes find their characters, morals and voices when it comes to on and off the court/field, etc. I love helping them develop a healthy mindset in their sports or in general; he’s built his entire life around it, and I enjoy it probably more than him.”

Q: When it comes time that you have to hang up the shoes, would you stay around the sport?

A: “I definitely would stay around the sport. I’ve had minor instances where I’ve had to coach little kids in volleyball, and it brings me a ton of joy to see young women athletes breaking the societal system of what women are expected not to do and just seeing them give every ounce of themselves to their sport because they want to see greatness out of themselves. I want to be part of that. I was thinking about coaching 12-13 year olds for club as just a fun side quest for myself. Sticking with the sport brings back core memories and makes me want to give the love and support I felt and still feel with my team to them. I want girls to have a safe place with their team and coach and turn them into something great.”