Q&A with UMBC Athlete Allie Spaay

When it’s all said and done Allie Spaay may go down in history as one of the best setters the volleyball program has ever had.  Midway through her senior season Spaay has recorded 1,971 career assists, which ranks seventh all time.  She did this while not only missing significant time as a junior with a shoulder injury but also while splitting time her first two seasons with Kira Giles, who ranks third all-time on UMBC’s assists list.

But until her career comes to an end Spaay, a two-time captain, is in the middle of trying to lead the UMBC volleyball team to their second-straight America East championship game, aiming for their first conference crown.  So far this season Spaay leads the 12-9 Retrievers in assists (679), aces (20), ranks second in digs (201), and fifth in blocks (39).

Aside from thriving on the volleyball court, Spaay has wowed Retrievers fans with a stunning singing voice and has often times been called on to sing the National Anthem at other games, once before her own game when the audio system failed to play it.

Patch: You’re having a potential all-conference type of season; do you feel a bigger sense of urgency since it’s our last year?

Allie Spaay:  I think there is a sense of urgency to win conference. It's not about my individual season because that means nothing unless we achieve a championship.

Patch: When the team went through a three-game losing streak before bouncing back with a dominant win over conference foe Providence, as a senior and captain, what was the biggest message you were communicating to everybody to get back on track?

Spaay:  We hit a low in our confidence, so we had to bring everyone together and talk about some things to make sure the air was clear and that everyone was on the same page working towards the same goal of a championship. So fostering togetherness was the main point.

Patch:  This year’s team seems like it has an endless number of hitters that can step up any given night, how nice is that to have as a setter?

Spaay:  It is very nice to have depth in all of the hitting positions. There are many people we can count on and it is very relieving to know that we don't have to rely on one big hitter and anyone could get the job done.

Patch:  Do you feel more gratification from an assist or a dig?

Spaay:  It depends. If one of the hitters gets a huge, unbelievable kill it is so gratifying and exciting and I celebrate really hard. But, I've always been a wannabe libero, so anytime I get a dig its always gratifying. Especially when you keep making good digs and the hitter gets really frustrated with you.  It’s nice to make it look like they're easy.

Patch:  If you weren’t playing volleyball what would you be playing?

Spaay:  I'd play beach volleyball of course.

Patch:  Would you say you’re a better volleyball player or singer?

Spaay:  Volleyball player for sure. I don't claim to be a great singer; I just have the ability to sing the anthem once in a while.

Patch:  Have you ever thought about pursuing any sort of singing career?

Spaay:  I have.  I do not have the education for it though, so I stuck with volleyball instead.

Patch:  Do you have any other hidden talents?

Spaay:  I have a talent for the camera capturing some embarrassing things when we are filming our practices; I got the candid camera award last year.

Patch:  What kind of career will you be pursuing when you’re volleyball career is finished?

Spaay:  Who knows. I am applying to all sorts of management, psychology, and nutrition based career paths.

Patch:  Is there any one opponent you enjoy beating more than any other?

Spaay:  Albany, we haven't beaten them yet. So when we beat them in the championship, it will be the best win yet.