Senior prepares for Big Sky matchup against two tough opponents 

Allison Reinstein of the Eastern Washington University volleyball squad was named Scholar Athlete of the Month for September and intends to use her smarts not only in the classroom but also on the court, as the Eagles take on Northern Arizona on Friday (Oct. 15) at 7 p.m., and Northern Colorado on Saturday (Oct. 16), also at 7 p.m. 

Having just started her senior year, the Livermore, Calif., native is on track to graduate after the fall 2010 term, at which point she will enter graduate school at Eastern. Reinstein holds a cumulative GPA of 3.73 and has been named to the Academic All-Big Sky team for three consecutive years.  

Q: What has been your favorite class so far at Eastern? 
A: "I really love all of the graphic design classes; the artsy ones." 

Q: Who is your favorite professor? 
A: "We're supposed to bring our favorite professor to our game this weekend and I'm bringing Tom Trulove, the mayor of Cheney. He teaches economics." 

Q: How are you able to juggle your school and volleyball schedules? 
A: "It's tough during the fall, but the winter is pretty lax. Since we travel so much, there isn't much to do on the bus or plane rides beside study and do homework, so it forces you to be more diligent. Keeping in touch with your professors helps too." 

Q: You guys take on two Big Sky teams at home this weekend. How does it feel to play at home and what are some of your goals heading into those matches?
A: "It's definitely more comfortable playing at home. We have always had a really good record at home. I expect to take two wins this weekend. My personal goals are to hit constantly and to get a few more blocks." 

Q: Who has been your most influential person in your playing career?
A: "When I first got here, there wasn't really anyone in the middle position to look up to because Kerri Beck had just left, which created an open spot in the middle for Chenoa or myself. Hayley Hills and her aggressiveness were very inspiring to me. Chenoa has progressed into a really great middle and I really look up to her now."

Q: Who has been your favorite opponent to play against?
A: "Portland State has always been a tough opponent. It's always pretty ruthless when we play them, which makes it more fun when we win."

Q: What is your most prized possession?
A: "I don't know. I always have my cell phone with me, so probably that."

Q: If you could meet anyone, who would it be?
A: "Meeting Misty May and Kerry Walsh would be really cool."

Q: What is your hidden talent?
A: "I can kind of carry a tune, so probably singing."

Q: Do you have a pregame ritual?
A: "I don't really do anything -- I don't have to eat anything special or listen to a certain song but music in general does help. I always look through the game plan right before the game. As a team, we pray. Praying gives the team a calming effect."

Q: If you could be really good at any other sport beside volleyball, what would it be?
A: "I played varsity basketball my freshman year but gave it up to play volleyball ... so, probably basketball."