Athlete Spotlight: Abigail O’Connor
Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications
Salem, Mass.- This week our athlete spotlight focuses on reigning Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Volleyball Player of the Week Abigail O'Connor from Gilford, New Hampshire. The senior captain had a tremendous week as the Vikings began the season on a high note, sweeping both SUNY-Old Westbury and Albert Magnus during their tri-match in Connecticut.
The senior captain did not know what to expect heading into the tri-match this past weekend. "Last year's team was very different than this year's team, so I wasn't sure what to expect going into it. Nerves are huge for a lot of our freshmen, and it showed in the first set, but we pulled through regardless. I'm so proud of our team so far. We are doing great things."
O'Connor was impressed by her team's performance. "Surprised isn't the word. I think impressed is. We have had rough starts every year that I've been here so far, so it was an incredible feeling to start off my last season here on such a huge, high note."
Eva Haralabatos (Melrose, Mass.), who is O'Connor's setter was the first one to tell her about her winning conference player of the week.
As far as who inspired her to play volleyball, she was influenced by the players on her high school team. "I hated field hockey in middle school and that's kind of how I got inspired to play volleyball. I played field hockey in 5th grade and then switched over to volleyball in 6th grade and never looked back. Volleyball was big in my high school. We were Division 2 for volleyball and I looked up to those girls a lot. They were inspirations to me for sure."
She admires all athletes as she knows how hard it is as an athlete herself. "I respect all athletes. I know how hard it is to balance working, school, practicums/clinicals, and a social life on top of playing a sport. I have so much respect for the student-athlete population as a whole. We are pretty dope people."
Other than winning a championship, the New Hampshire native has a personal goal that she wants to achieve this season. "I am on four leader boards for all of SSU volleyball stats right now, so a goal of mine is to just keep moving up in the top 10 for each category."
Regarding how she can make a big impact that will change the outcome of a game. "I try to bring momentum when I sub in for the libero in games. I try to hype everyone up and create momentum plays, whether that be blocking, hitting, or controlling the net. Momentum plays are huge when we are down in points during sets, and I do my best to make them happen."
A big piece for athletes is to work hard during the offseason to stay in shape the best way possible, for when the season starts, they can have a productive year in terms of preparation. "I lift 4-5 days a week in the summer and did interval running and training throughout the summer too."
It seems she has the same routine before a game and after practice, she stated. "Before a game I listen to my hype up playlist and hang around with my teammates. I always put on my favorite sweats and sweatpants too. That's the key! Before practice and games, I always make sure I get the right amount of sleep and that I'm hydrated. The importance of proper sleep is hugely overlooked, I think."
Regarding her go to meal before a game "We always get bagels before morning games so half of a French toast bagel with plain cream cheese."
In terms of support for this accomplishment. "My teammates are my biggest supporters. They are the first ones to tell me when I am doing a good job or telling me that they're proud of me. They're the best. Same with my family. They always ask how my games go if they can't be there or live stream it. But they typically are always on top of my games and stats. They're my biggest supporters.
As for as pro and cons of being a student-athlete. "There are so many pros to being a student-athlete. The cons are just trying to manage all the other aspects of college along with a sport. I always have three running calendars and am constantly using my reminders app to stay on top of everything. Going week by week is how I get through it. One day at a time."
The word 'Vikings' means something to her. "I would say honor. It's an honor to be here, it's an honor to know my coach and teammates, it's an honor to know the game day staff and the athletics department staff alike. I'm just happy to be here!"
Next up for O'Connor and the Vikings is this upcoming Thursday for their home opener when they take on Rhode Island College. Game time 6:00 p.m. at Twohig Gymnasium.