UMBC Athletics Communications intern Maggie Franks sat down with sophomore Izzy Ostvig, fresh off another triple double in the win versus Howard last weekend.

What made you start playing volleyball/track?
My mom played volleyball and coached when I was little, so I was always around it during my childhood. My older sister started playing too, so I followed in their footsteps. My mom and dad both ran track in high school; my mom got me into it as well. I joined in 6th grade and continued participating every year, improving steadily.

What made you truly fall in love with/stick with volleyball/track?
 I'm a very competitive person, so I loved going out and competing at every meet (for track). I've also always had amazing coaches and teams. Volleyball is a sport that is just so much fun; every game and practice is enjoyable, and I've always loved my teammates. 

Who is your biggest inspiration overall or biggest inspiration within volleyball/track?
Through sports, my mom is involved because she participated in the two sports I do. She helped me stay competitive, and she enrolled me in various sports, including summer swim and middle school basketball. 

If you could relive one moment in your volleyball/track career over again, what would it be and why?
For track, during my junior year, my teammate and I, both high jumpers, would train together every day. That day, we both won regionals for high jump, and we both qualified for nationals, ranking number one in the state. There are many moments in volleyball, but my very first varsity game in high school, as a freshman, I got to play alongside my sister, who was a senior. 

Of your many accomplishments, what is the most meaningful to you?
In high school, I won Athlete of the Year for my area, and they did a whole news story, which was really cool, especially being a dual-sport athlete. In college, I'd probably say my triple-doubles. I was stepping into a new role, and it was something new to me, so being able to come in and still perform made me really proud. 

Which teammate of yours on either team could play your other sport best?
For track, I'm going to have to go with my teammate Za'Kayza Parsons; we'd play sand volleyball, and she definitely has the heart. For volleyball, I think Jayda James would be a really good jumper; she's got some hops. Helen Frankovich and Claudia Llamas have some strength, which enables them to be good throwers. For sprinting, I'd say Hannah Howard, who did track in high school. I think for volleyball, we could have everyone do an event. 

What went into your decision to play two sports?
I committed to volleyball in the fall of my junior year with the intention of just playing volleyball. I was still participating in track in the spring because I loved my team and my coach (shoutout to Coach Green), and it was a great way to stay fit. From winter to spring, I experienced a huge jump in my PRs. I qualified for states to be the top high jumper. I qualified for the nationals for the multi-event and high jump. College coaches started reaching out to me for track, which was crazy to me because I had always just done track for fun and never realized I had the opportunity to go to college for it. After that year of track, I really fell in love with the sport. I recall speaking with our head coach, Kasey Crider, and asking if it was even possible to participate in track at UMBC. He consulted with Coach Bobb, who was able to devise a plan that allowed me to do both. 

What went into your decision to start college early?
After my junior year, when I went to nationals, Kasey came to me and said he wanted me to redshirt and come to college early to train with the team and start college classes. However, I had just had a great track season, so this would end my track career early. It was a difficult decision because I was missing out on my senior year with my team after having a great season, but also the fantastic opportunity to come to college early and work with the UMBC volleyball team. That's when I asked if it was even possible for me to do both at UMBC, so Kasey talked to Coach Bobb, and they were able to work it out. 

How do you balance two sports while also being a computer science major?
The most challenging aspect is probably time management. I have volleyball in the morning, followed by classes, track practice, and then homework. You have to make some sacrifices. You must ensure that you keep up with your homework, even when you have practices. However, the coaches are great, and we have the Academic Center, which is very helpful.