The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Ten Questions With Kate Palladino
09.09.2016 | Volleyball
Junior Kate Palladino selected 10 questions that fans submitted via @TexasVolleyball Twitter and Instagram to answer.
1. What advice would you give to young volleyball players?
KP: My advice for young volleyball players would be to follow your heart and never give up on a dream, even if it seems too big.
Volleyball is a tough sport mentally and physically and has the ability to wear you down over time. Always remember why you started playing volleyball and never lose sight of the dreams you had as a child. My advice is to enjoy the process. It won't always be fun or easy. You won't always feel like going to practice or competing in a game. Sometimes you'll be frustrated with your passing or hitting or serving or whatever it is.
Despite all of this, appreciate and be thankful for what the game gives you. Find joy and learn to be fearless in the face of challenges. Find motivation within yourself to push a little harder or give a little more. It'll all be worth it, I promise.
Lastly, and most importantly, think positively and never ever doubt yourself.
There is a quote that I love that says, "Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you're right."
Whatever this sport throws at you, the best thing you can do is believe in yourself. Don't be afraid to fail. Don't be afraid to try something new. Instead, believe and have faith that you can accomplish anything you want, because you can.
2.What gets you pumped up for game day?
KP: My teammates. There's nothing like being in the locker room before the game and preparing to go to battle with your best friends. Usually the locker room music is LIT thanks to Cat McCoy and her sweet playlist.
Each of us has our own routines that get us ready for the game. Mine usually consists of a brief prayer and thinking about what my responsibilities for the match are. The teams' pre-match rituals get me pretty pumped too, but those are top secret!
Lastly, I would say coming out to a packed Gregory Gym with my team and seeing all the fans in burnt orange cheering for us gets me very pumped as well. We have the best fans!
3. What song could you listen to for the rest of your life?
KP: This a hard question to answer since I'm always mixing up what I am listening to. I love all types of music and those who know me would expect me to say a song written by Taylor Swift. She is definitely one of my favorites, but that's not going to be my answer!
One song that I believe is timeless and lovely is "Clocks" by Coldplay. Regardless of the day or my mood this song brings good vibes. It's one of those songs that will always be on my playlist and I'll always enjoy listening to.
4. What's your favorite thing to do outside of volleyball?
KP: My very favorite thing to do outside of volleyball is spend time with my beautiful niece, Riley Garza! She was born on June 9th and I love being an aunt more than anything.
I also love to spend time with friends, family and my dogs. I love that my family is from Austin since it makes it much easier to for me to see them when I do have free time outside of volleyball.
Lastly, I love to travel and experience new places! If I had the opportunity, I would love to travel all over the world meeting new people and experiencing new cultures.
5. What has been your favorite volleyball experience or memory?
KP: I have two, and both involve beating Florida!
The first one was at the very beginning of my freshman year and we went to play Florida on their turf. We ended up winning the match, but my favorite memory was celebrating with my team every time Molly McCage got a block. I don't remember the exact number, but I remember Molly getting multiple blocks in a row and our whole team going NUTS!!
The next favorite memory was when Florida came to Gregory Gym for the Elite Eight last year. I remember the match going to five and both teams playing out of their minds. I remember Paulina getting the last kill to win the game and our whole team rushing towards the center of the court so excited that we would be returning to the Final Four. I remember the fans in Gregory Gym cheering so loudly and singing the Eyes of Texas at the end with so much pride and joy. There are so many memories that I cherish, but these are two of my favorite.
6. How long have you been playing volleyball and what's your favorite thing about it?
KP: I have been playing volleyball since I was eight years old and have been in love with the game ever since. Its hard to sum up all my favorite things about volleyball since it has blessed my life in so many ways. I love the way volleyball challenges me, and how it has taught me to overcome obstacles with hard work and dedication. I love the fact that it is a team sport and has allowed me to become close with so many wonderful individuals throughout the years. I love the happiness it brings me and the feeling you get while competing with your family.
I wish I could exactly pinpoint my favorite thing about this sport, but fortunately I can't because there are too many things I love about volleyball and the amazing things it has brought to my life.
7. What was your reaction when you found out you were going to be playing for UT?
KP: Finding out I was going to play for UT was a dream come true. I remember exactly what day it was and what I was doing.
Growing up I went to so many Texas Volleyball games and decided that Texas was the only place I ever wanted to play. For me, the recruiting process wasn't exactly the easiest. I always had my eyes set on Texas, however life had different plans for me and I ended up at Texas A&M my first year of college. I remember that year being one that challenged and tested me more than ever before. I knew my goal was still to play volleyball at Texas, and therefore worked really hard to make good grades in order to transfer.
I remember getting my acceptance letter in the mail from Texas literally a week before the volleyball team was required to report for summer class and workouts. I was sitting at my dining table and felt so nervous opening that letter since I knew either way my life was about to change. As soon as I read that I had been accepted, I immediately burst into tears and called the coaches to give them the good news! Best moment ever!
8. Do you have any pets?
KP: Yes, I do! I have two beautiful, loving, fun and crazy dogs. Emma, my 6-year-old Golden Retriever, is my best friend despite the fact that her hair is constantly all over my clothes. Dog lovers will understand. Penny, my 2-year-old Beagle, is my second best friend despite the fact that she is constantly stealing my socks and chewing holes in them. In fact, she has a passion for the long white socks we wear on game day and both Penny and Emma find it fun to play tug-a-war with them.
9. Who is the funniest on the team?
KP: This team is filled with so many unique personalities and characters that it is hard to pinpoint one individual.
However, in my opinion, I would have to say that Morgan Johnson is the funniest person on the team. Morgan is constantly smiling and bringing positive vibes each and every day I see her. She always brightens my day with her jokes and silliness. She knows how to make everyone laugh and I think she brings so many wonderful things to this team.
10. What's your favorite restaurant?
KP: This is also a hard question since Austin has so many amazing places to eat! However, I think I'm going to have to go with a place from my hometown in Pflugerville, Texas with the best Italian food around for the best price. It's small and quaint, but I love the family environment. My dad is Italian and from Boston, MA, and claims that the food is the closest you are going to get to authentic Italian food. It's true, and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the Pflugerville area!
