Vogel
Editors note: Press Pass Sports will profile a West Texas A&M student-athlete each week from various sports.
Chandler Vogel, West Texas A&M volleyball
Year: Junior
Position: Libero
Major: Marketing
Hometown: Hereford
About Vogel: The junior has established herself as one of the top Liberos in not only Lone Star Conference, but the entire South Central Region.
After racking up 63 more digs during the Lady Buffs three wins to open the year last week, the Hereford graduate has 1,286 career digs as she continues to chase Lauren Beville’s school record of 2,423.
Vogel is the reigning LSC Libero of the Year, and has started 72 career matches in the back row.
Vogel took time out her schedule to speak Press Pass Sports about her career, the upcoming season and new head coach Kendra Potts.
How would you define up your career so far?
“Thats a hard question. I‘d say intense and fun all at the same time. But I think this is exactly the place I need to be, and my career is exactly where I need to be. It’s had its ups and downs for sure, but I think my experience here so far is setting me up for success in my future.”
How did you feel you and your team did last weekend opening the season with three wins?
“It was a really good for us, and we played really well. It was the first time we saw a new opponent. That was so refreshing. It’s hard playing against each other all the time. It’s nice to not know what’s coming since we all know each other tendencies.”
What were you most impressed with from your team?
“I really liked the fight we showed over the weekend. We started off slow and got down against St. Mary’s. We were able to come back to win. I think that shows how much heart we have on this team.”
First-year WT coach Kendra Potts talks to her team against St. Mary’s last Friday. [Bailee Barber/ For Press Pass Sports]
How do you like coach Kendra Potts’ coaching style on the sideline?
“It was exactly how I expected. There were no surprises. Coach Potts is very steady in games, and she’s very uplifting. She’ll get mad when she needs to, but then compliments when she needs to. I like the way she handles herself.”
Being from Hereford, do you like playing close to home?
“It’s awesome. I can be home if I need to be but I make it far away as I make it. But my family doesn’t miss games. I love that.”
Did you go check out the new on-campus football stadium on Saturday?
“I did. It was so awesome. Coach Potts got us on the field to sit. We sat in the back of the endzone and it’s cool place. We had so much school spirit there. We had a huge crowd and a great vibe. It was unbelievable.”
Do you have any hobbies other than volleyball?
“I watch a lot of Netflix. I love Greys Anatomy and The Office. But volleyball is my main hobby.”
What do you and your teammates do when you’re not playing volleyball?
“Well, Lindsey Smith, Taylor Kress, Selena Batiste and I get together on Monday nights and watch The Bachelor. We order Thai kitchen. It’s a tradition. Also, we always have a puzzle going in their room.”