This summer, we'll be taking the time to highlight each of our 15 volleyball student-athletes. Get to know your Rocket volleyball squad and come out to Savage Arena this season, which kicks off with a home exhibition match against Indianapolis on Aug. 24.

Abby Erickson | Freshman | Middle Blocker | Powell, Ohio
 
When did you first start playing volleyball?
I started playing volleyball in third grade, when my mom sent me to a camp to see if I'd like it. I did, and I've been playing ever since.

What is your favorite thing about being a volleyball player?
I love being part of a team and building relationships. I've made some of my best friends through volleyball. I also love the competitive nature of the game.

Why did you decide to come to the University of Toledo to play volleyball?
Toledo could offer me everything I wanted academically, and also had a great atmosphere that felt like home.

Who are your role models?
My parents! I'm very thankful for the opportunities they worked to give me and I hope I can be like them one day when I have my own kids.

What is your major and why did you choose it?
I chose to study chemical engineering because I've always been really interested in math and science, especially physics and chemistry.

Aside from volleyball, what is your best sport?
Basketball. I played pretty much my whole life up through high school.

What are your hobbies, outside of sports?
I love spending time with my friends and family. I also like to draw and paint in my free time.

Do you have a favorite professional sports team?
I really like all the Cleveland teams: Browns, Cavaliers, and Indians.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever gotten?
To be myself and not worry what other people think of me. Also to not bite my nails.

What is your dream vacation spot?
I'd love to visit Italy someday and go swimming off the Amalfi coast.

What celebrity would you choose to play yourself in a movie?
Anne Hathaway! She seems so confident and beautiful. Maybe she could play the grown-up version of me.

What is your favorite:
Movie: Clueless
TV Show: The Office
Musical Artist: Frank Ocean
Book: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Holiday: Christmas
Comfort Food: Mac & Cheese