Women's Beach Volleyball | March 21, 2019
Meet Laurel Kujan, a freshman for the USC beach volleyball team. This spring, the Women of Troy added five newcomers to a squad of seasoned veterans who have their sights set on the school's fourth national championship on the sand. Get to know each of the newcomers a little better.
How are you liking USC so far?
I'm loving it. Everybody on the team is so supportive and the school is great. I love the people that I've met here.
Why did you decide to come here?
I decided to come here because USC is a great school and we have one of the best teams in the nation, and it just seemed like the right fit for me.
Do you have a favorite place to go in LA?
Not really… I haven't explored LA too much. I went to Venice earlier this spring and I really liked it. But other than that, nowhere else yet.
Is there anywhere that you're planning to go when you get the chance?
Yeah, I really want to go to Melrose and shop around there. I want to go to the Melrose Trading Post. That would be really fun.
What are your hobbies outside of volleyball?
Outside of volleyball, I love hiking and paddleboarding. I love to bake too.
What is your favorite class that you've had at USC?
I really like my French classes! I took one last semester, and I'm taking another this semester. I really want to try to become fluent in French, so I'm enjoying those.
What is the biggest difference between playing volleyball in high school and playing in college?
I think the level of competition. Everyone on the team is really good, so every day in practice, it's a challenge and a battle. So that's probably the biggest change. Oh, also the time commitment.
Do you have a favorite memory from playing in high school?
I was on an indoor volleyball team with all of my best friends, so when we won CIF my sophomore year, that was probably the best memory.
As a communication major, do you have any specific career goals for after graduation?
Well, my dream is to be a photo journalist for National Geographic. I really love traveling and being outdoors, and National Geographic has always been one of my favorite publications. All the photos that come out of the stories are really interesting to me. I also might take up a communication design minor, but I'm not sure yet.
What are you most looking forward to for this season?
I'm really looking forward to getting used to playing in college, and just being a part of the team and competing. I love everyone on the team, so it's a really cool experience.
