A few weeks ago, Falcon Media Sports Network’s Holden Ruck sat down for a one-on-one interview with BGSU volleyball junior setter Amanda Otten, which aired on the Zig Zone on WBGU 88.1 FM on Sunday.

Here is a look at the interview:

Holden Ruck:
Amanda, thanks for coming and joining us.  So Amanda, just talk to me first: how’s the offseason going for you?

Amanda Otten:
It’s going well. We had our first preseason practice with the coaches today. We’ve been practicing as a team for the past month and a half without the coaches, but today was our first practice with them. It went really well; very competitive, as always. We’re really excited for the season.

Holden Ruck:
The first practice with the coaches is always a big milestone. With the promotion of former assistant Alex DelPiombo to head coach at Bowling Green, talk about how that change feels in this early stage?

Amanda Otten:
Alex has been my personal setting coach for a while, so we’ve gotten really close. I think she’s doing a great job leading and showing us consistency. As an assistant, she already had a strong voice, and now as head coach she’s stepped into that even more. She also brought in two great assistants, Chelsea and Alexa, who we absolutely adore. Things have been going really well, and we’re excited.

Holden Ruck:
It would be silly not to acknowledge that coach Daniela left behind big shoes to fill. She’ll always be a BG legend. How are you noticing things that coach DelPiombo is doing differently, or the same, to make things work?

Amanda Otten:
Honestly, it feels pretty similar so far. Today was our first day back, but we also had them in the spring, which was more of a transition period. Since then, it’s really been about getting in the gym and competing. I think Alex had a voice even as an assistant. Now she’s stepped more fully into that role, which has been cool to see.

Holden Ruck:
You mentioned she was your setting coach. Last year you stepped into the primary setter role a lot more compared to your freshman year. Can you talk about the difference between those two seasons?

Amanda Otten:
My first season I was considered a setter/right-side, so I set and hit for BG. This past year, I focused more on being the team’s primary setter. It definitely took some adjustment, but that’s something I wanted when I came here: to be versatile and play wherever I’m needed. I’ve enjoyed being able to do both. Who knows, maybe next year it changes again. It’s fun that we can be flexible instead of just having two dedicated setters.

Holden Ruck:
Do you feel like being in that setting role plays more to your strengths than hitting, or vice versa?

Amanda Otten:
I think I’ve really grown into being a setter. My offensive game has developed a lot more in that role. Having my height helps me too; it allows me to impact the game in different ways. I still hit occasionally in practice, but overall I feel like my game has grown a lot in the past year.

Holden Ruck:
Looking at the team overall, even though it’s early in preseason, what kinds of things are you noticing, strengths and areas to work on?

Amanda Otten:
I think we have a really strong offense. We brought in a transfer, Avery Hobbs, who’s been doing great, plus a few new freshmen on the pins. Everyone’s stepping up and playing to their strengths, and the depth we have is exciting. Our back row has also been strong with really gritty defense. One thing we’re working on is trust. With so many new players, building that trust is important, and we’ve been working on it all summer.

Holden Ruck:
You lost players like Alexis, Mia and Lindsay LaPinta, who were big contributors. How do you and others work toward filling those roles?

Amanda Otten:
All three of them were great leaders, and we always knew they had our backs. Our current seniors, like Lauren, Jess, and Belle, have stepped into leadership. Belle especially has done a great job this summer while the others have been with Team Canada. Alexis’ offense and defense were amazing, and Lindsay was a strong libero, but I think we have players ready to step up. We have high hopes for what this team can become.

Holden Ruck:
On a personal level, you’re going into your junior year. Do you feel yourself naturally stepping into a leadership role?

Amanda Otten:
Yes, it’s felt natural. As a setter, leadership is expected, and I want to be that person teammates can go to. It’s something I’ve always wanted. There’s still growth to be done, but it’s been going well so far.

Holden Ruck:
The MAC Tournament will be at home again this year. Does that stick in the back of your mind?

Amanda Otten:
Definitely. Having home court at the Stroh is a huge advantage. Our fans are amazing, the student section is always strong, and the community support is incredible. Of course, we have to get through the season and conference play first, but our goal is that MAC Tournament title.

Holden Ruck:
Last year, fan attendance was unprecedented. How much does the team feed off that?

Amanda Otten:
A ton. We thrive on energy and support. The Ohio State match, for example, was insane; the Stroh was packed. Learning to use that energy to our advantage is still something we’re working on, but it makes a huge difference.

Holden Ruck:
Your teams at BG have always been resilient, with lots of five-set thrillers. How do you stay composed through those ups and downs?

Amanda Otten:
We’ve talked a lot about embracing hard work. In practice, we give 100% every day, and that translates into games. The mindset is this is difficult, but we’re doing it together. That’s what helps us stay resilient.

Holden Ruck:
You’ve got a tough schedule again: Purdue, Michigan State, others. Does facing that high level of competition help when you return to conference play?

Amanda Otten:
Absolutely. Our preseason schedule is very intentional. We want to play the best so we can be the best. Every match, regardless of opponent, we aim to play BGVB: our game, our way. That consistency is the goal.

Holden Ruck:
On a personal level, what are you focusing on improving this year?

Amanda Otten:
I’ve been working on being a more aggressive setter—attacking more instead of just sending the ball over. I’m also focusing on blocking and defense. Our new assistant Chelsea has been amazing at pushing us defensively, and I want to keep building that grit and consistency.

Holden Ruck:
Given your height, do you see yourself as more of an attacking setter than a finesse one?

Amanda Otten:
Yes, that’s my goal. I want to use my height and reach to attack and be categorized as a “category three” setter, basically treated like a hitter. But I also like mixing in finesse to keep opponents guessing.

Holden Ruck:
Some teammates have been playing internationally, like Lauren and Jessica with Team Canada. What’s that like to see?

Amanda Otten:
It’s really cool. They’ve been playing in Mexico this summer, representing their country, and that’s amazing for them and for our program. It shows the diversity and high level of our team. When they come back, they’ll bring that experience and make us even better.

Holden Ruck:
Where do your expectations stand for this season?

Amanda Otten:
I want to win the MAC and go to the NCAA Tournament. I fully believe we can do it. Falling short last year fuels us, and we’re determined to reach our goals.

Holden Ruck:
Does the disappointment of the past two seasons add even more motivation?

Amanda Otten:
Yes. Losing in five sets to Western last year really hit hard. We even went to watch the finals together, and that lit a fire. We’re determined to be in that final match this year.

Holden Ruck:
Is the whole locker room on board with that mentality?

Amanda Otten:
Definitely. We’ve been having team culture meetings, and everyone’s bought in. It’s about showing it in practice every day, not just saying it. We want every point to feel like championship point.

Holden Ruck:
How do you turn last year’s frustration into something constructive?

Amanda Otten:
We acknowledge that Western was the better team that day, and we learn from it. Instead of dwelling on the loss, we frame it as motivation to improve. It’s about taking responsibility and using it to get better.

Holden Ruck:
Do you feel like you learn equally from wins and losses, or more from one than the other?

Amanda Otten:
I think you learn more from losses. Wins are great, especially gritty ones, but failure forces growth. That’s necessary in sports.

Holden Ruck:
Looking at the MAC this year, do you feel like it’s more open with some key departures from other teams?

Amanda Otten:
I honestly think we’re better than every team in the MAC. We’ll always scout and prepare, but our mindset is that we’re going to win. We focus on being ourselves—BGVB—and putting everything we have out there.

Holden Ruck:
What are you most excited for?

Amanda Otten:
The MAC Tournament at home, for sure. But I’m also excited to see our growth as individuals and as a team throughout the season.

Holden Ruck:
You’ve also got a long road trip stretch this season. How do you handle being away from the home energy for so long?

Amanda Otten:
We actually travel really well. Sometimes we even have more fans on the road than the home team. Our supporters are incredible; they bring us cookies, treats, and constant encouragement. Being away just makes us appreciate home even more, but I think we can channel that same energy on the road this year.