UMBC Athletics Communications intern Maggie Franks sat down with junior libero Hannah Howard fresh off her seventh America East Defensive Player of the Week accolade this season.

What made you start playing volleyball?

I started playing volleyball in 5th grade. Before that, I did cheerleading, but my ankles and wrists were so bad I wanted to try something new. All my friends played volleyball, and I wanted to be with my friends, so I tried it and fell in love. 

What made you truly fall in love with/stick with volleyball?

I got to play with all my best friends from 5th grade through high school. I improved and got a lot better, and had so much fun with it; it brought me joy every time I played. Then I got the opportunity to play in college, and I took it, and I am thrilled I did. 

If you could relive one moment in your volleyball career over again, what would it be and why?

I would choose my sophomore year in high school, the state championship game. We won the 4th set after being down 14-21. We had to win the 4th set, and we did; we also went on to win the 5th set. 

Of your many accomplishments, what is the most meaningful to you?

Gatorade player of the year or libero of the year, my freshman year in college. 

If you played another sport collegiately or professionally, what would it be?

Actually, if I didn't play volleyball, I would probably choose tennis. I play pickleball occasionally. I played some tennis when I was young, and I wish I had stuck with it because the opportunities with tennis are really good. 

Which position do you most enjoy playing in volleyball?

So I played outside my entire life until I got to college, when I switched to libero. I like playing libero a lot more. If I could pick a different position, it would be setter. They get to run around, touching every ball, and get to play defense. 

What went into your decision to commit to UMBC?

Our coaching staff. When I visited, I felt like they were a special group of people; there was no one else like them. They really sealed the deal for me to attend UMBC, plus it was only an hour and a half from home, and I have a lot of family in the area. 

What is the hardest part about balancing school and a sport?

Coming in as a freshman, school was 10x harder, and volleyball took up even more time than before. For me, I really had to set aside time every day to sit down and do schoolwork. My coach also helped me calm down and reminded me that this doesn't define who I am; I need to try my best, and that's all there is to it.