Quinn Stands Tall on the Volleyball Court

Cathryn Quinn has enjoyed three successful seasons on the volleyball court at Princeton University. She hopes her fourth year will be her best ever.

Quinn is one of the top players in the Ivy League and a fixture for the Tigers at her middle blocker position.  Besides being one of the top players on the team, she is the emotional leader for the Tigers on and off the court.  With her senior season underway, Quinn is excited about what lied ahead for both herself and her teammates.

“I have some personal expectations and personal goals,” said Quinn. “I know that this is my last chance to win a championship. I’m going to do everything in my power to do that. I couldn’t be more excited about the season. We have a great group and there is a lot of positive energy.”

Quinn was a first-team all-Ivy selection a year ago and appears well on her way to another successful season. She leads the Tigers in kills (86), and blocks (29) through the first eight games of the season.

However, Quinn’s focus is on bringing an Ivy League title to Princeton.  

One of the reasons for the extra jolt of confidence for Quinn and her teammates is the return of Sabrina King.  The former Tiger standout worked with Quinn when she first arrived at Princeton and is now serving as the Tigers’ head coach.

“Sabrina was the one who recruited me at Princeton,” Quinn said. “She was my assistant coach my freshman year.  It kind of comes full circle with her coming back.  She encourages us to keep a positive energy and wants us to focus on getting better.”   

The Tigers are 5-3 through their first eight games and opened some eyes across the volleyball world with an upset win over St. John’s.

With the start of the Ivy League schedule on the horizon, Quinn and her teammates are settling into their roles at the right time of the season.

“We’re still trying out different lineups,” said Quinn.  “We have five freshmen and we’re incorporating them into the lineup.  I’m happy with what we did in the preseason.  The season is about getting it all figured out and finding the perfect lineup for us.  We have a deep team this year.”

Quinn first started playing volleyball when she was in sixth grade.

The Pacific Palisades, Calif. native was inspired to pursue the sport after seeing the success of one of her siblings on the court. 

“Watching my sister play in high school really turned on the drive for me to be as good as I can be,” said Quinn.  “She won a championship during her sophomore and junior year of high school.

Watching that and seeing that really drove me to be the best that I could be.”

It is hard for anyone to turn down the chance at a Princeton education.  For Quinn, Princeton also provided the perfect opportunity to play her favorite sport.

“I really wanted to play in the Ivy League,” Quinn said.  “I thought it was a good level for me to play at with a Division I school and it offered me the opportunity to get my degree from Princeton.  It was something I could never pass up.  The team also has a great track record.”

It did not take long for Quinn to settle in with the Tigers.  She moved into the starting lineup as a freshman and gained valuable experience.

“I’ve been so fortunate to have the chance to play all four years,” said Quinn.  “I’ve been able to make an impact on the court.  We play the same Ivy League teams every year.  Knowing your opponent makes it easier to adjust over time.”

As Quinn and the Tigers set their sights on an Ivy League title run, Quinn continues to provide inspiration for her teammates.

“I’m a very vocal person,” Quinn said.  “I play better when I’m cheering for my teammates.  I think that energy is contagious.  By bringing as much energy as I possibly can, I think it rubs off on people.”