Marymount University sophomore volleyball setter Melissa Warren, this week’s CAC INTRODUCING … featured student-athlete, ranks third in the conference in total assists and fifth in assists per game.  She has been around the game her entire life and is a leader for the Saints.

What is your background in the sport you play?   I have been around volleyball for 19 years.  My mom was a high school coach and I would always go to practice with her and practice with the varsity team.  The game grew on me and in middle school I made the "A" team in seventh and eighth grade. I continued to play throughout high school and also played in winter leagues. I couldn't give up playing volleyball after my senior year and knew I wanted to play in college.  I am blessed enough to be playing here at Marymount University and continue to learn and love the game.

What is your favorite spot on campus?   My favorite spot on campus would be the cafe.  I always go with friends and spend hours after eating, talking and hanging out.

Other than your teams, what organizations do you participate in?   Other than the team I am involved in, I participate on the "BLUE CREW" and the Interior Design club.

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career.    The most memorable experience would be starting as a freshman.  I remember my first game so vividly.  We were playing Salisbury in their home gym and my stomach was in my chest. I was extremely nervous, yet excited to play.  They were a tough team to beat.  We hung with them for most of the game and even though we didn't leave with a win, I will never forget that night. I remember every little thing that was going through my head and the way I felt walking into that gym.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?  The lack of moral judgment.

If you could change any one item in the world (in your personal life, school, community, amateur or professional sports, national/international issue, etc.), what would it be, why, and how would you do it?   I would eliminate childhood obesity.  It all starts with education and wanting to learn more about this issue. Providing nutritional meals in schools and in homes is important, as is making them affordable and easy to grab-and-go.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?  I am an Interior Designer major and I am learning that communication is key; in Interior Design and in everyday walks of life.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?   The most influential person has been my club coach, Coach Bill Grey.  He was very enthusiastic during the games and always believed in the team. That meant a lot for me.  He never underestimated the team.  His encouragement, tactics and trust in us created a sense of unity and that made the season memorable and fun.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?   Pick a goal/dream and never give up on it until you reach it. No matter what road blocks you are faced with, they will make that end goal/dream that much more worthy in the end.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?  My favorite form of entertainment is movies and hanging out with friends.

Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?   I am a super fan of the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Cubs!

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with?    The Apostle Paul, Cinderella, and Babe Ruth.  The reason I would like to have dinner with these three people is because Paul was such a devoted disciple of Christ and had gone through so much on behalf of the Gospel. I would want to just listen to all his knowledge, experiences and battles he's gone through.  Cinderella is my favorite Disney princess and I love the fairytale ending.  How she handled her situation with being so patient and having a good attitude about it without asking questions amazes me and makes me think of how much we complain about the little things in life.  I'm a huge baseball fan, but for the same reason I'd like to have dinner with Cinderella goes for Babe Ruth.  The battles he faced; yet he worked hard and made a name for himself. That determination and drive makes me want to become the best.