By James Howey
Sports Editor
jhowey@jccc.edu
As a freshman volleyball player here at the college, Maren Mair has been a lynchpin in what is a 21–2 season for the third-ranked team in the nation right now. Mair leads the squad in kills, hitting percentage and blocks. She is top in the nation in hitting percentage. Mair was also selected as KJCCC player of the week from September 7–13.
James Howey: Why did you decide to come to Johnson County to play volleyball?
Maren Mair: I knew Johnson County had a really good program. I came on campus last year to here and lots of other schools, but the girls here just got my attention because they were so nice, welcoming and wanted to get to know me. I wanted to go to somewhere I could play as a freshman, and since there’s only freshmen and sophomores, I had a better chance to play at a junior college.
JH: What’s it been like to have the impact you’ve had as a freshman?
MM: It’s been exciting, and I’m just enjoying it and having fun. I’m definitely not doing it on my own with Stevie and all my defense. That’s how I get to do what I get to do.
JH: With how close you guys are as a team, what do you guys do for team bonding?
MM: Before the games we like to dance around in the locker room, and we have classes together. We’re just together like all the time, so that’s how we bond.
JH: What has made this team so dominant?
MM: I think everyone just puts in all their effort and we’re a really excitable team. Teams that I’ve played on before have always been quiet, and we’ve had effort, but not like Johnson County. Everyone goes all-out for every ball.
JH: What has always motivated you to do your best on the court and get better?
MM: I want to do the best I can do at everything I do because I don’t want to have regrets. I want to give everything my all. Alongside with that, I’m also very competitive, even if it doesn’t show because I’m quiet. I always want the ball.
JH: What is your favorite movie?
MM: Forrest Gump
JH: What is your favorite food?
MM: Peanut butter and apples
JH: Who is your favorite music artist?
MM: It varies, but I like a lot of songs from Maroon 5.
JH: Who is your favorite athlete?
MM: Becca Henderson
JH: What is your dream job?
MM: I want to be a nurse and anesthetist.