Women's Volleyball Q&A: Blossom Sato

Senior setter Blossom Sato has spent the last two years making a lasting impression on Pepperdine's women's volleyball team. Volleyball runs through her blood so her excellence and passion for the game is no surprise. We discussed her family's historical volleyball background, how she maintains calm in a hectic position and her reaction to being awarded WCC Player of the Week:

Q: Compared to last season, this season has had more achievements. What would you attribute this season's success to?

A: Yes! This season has been awesome so far and I think a big part of that is just the way we all get along so well. About half of the team is new this year and it isn't easy on either side -- returners and newcomers -- to come into a new season and play well with a totally new team. We came in early during the summer and spent a ton of time together on and off the court so we were able to bond in that way and it didn't take long for us all to realize that this was going to be a special season. I think that the returners did a really great job of immediately including all of the incomers and in setting the standard for training, volleyball and expectations for this year. With that, the new girls were awesome too! Right off the bat, they worked hard with great attitudes and I think that the coaching staff does a really great job of recruiting for that. We have a unique culture at Pepperdine and the coaches always do a great job of bringing girls in who are going to succeed within this culture.

Q: Being a setter is such an important position. How do you see your role?

A: I think that my role has really grown, especially from last year. Coming in as a transfer and being a setter is tough because in this position, you're supposed to have good relationships with pretty much everyone on the team in regards to being on the court. When I came in, everyone was so welcoming and it was really easy for me to feel at home. Last year I was in a leadership role as well, but this year I feel like I've become more of a leader, more so off the court.

Q: How do you handle the pressure of your position?

A: I've played a lot of volleyball at a really high level and I've definitely learned some do's and don'ts of how to handle pressure as a setter. I've been lucky enough to have some great teammates who I can trust and rely on so that I don't feel like I have to be perfect all the time, which I am definitely not. Being able to have people around you who love and support each other makes it a lot easier to handle tough pressure situations.

Q: What was your reaction to being announced WCC Player of the Week on October 15?

A: I was so happy, shocked and grateful. I wouldn't have been able to do it without the help of my teammates. I can only do so much in this team sport and my passers and hitters have been so great, it makes my job a lot easier to do.

Q: You spent two years at Mississippi State University before you transferred to Pepperdine. What made you pick Pepperdine and how did you plan to continue your success as Wave?

A: Pepperdine has always been home. I grew up coming to men and women's volleyball games. My cousins and I all went to Marv's (Dunphy) camp and we always dreamed of coming here to play. During my transfer process, when I got that call from the coaches I just knew that this was where I was going to end up. I was confident that I was coming into an environment with a high volleyball, academic, and personal standard and I was excited to be close to home at a place that I've been so familiar with.

Q: Being the daughter of a famous volleyball player (Liane Sato), how did this influence your volleyball career?

A: Having a family that played volleyball and growing up around it obviously had an impact on my decision to play volleyball. It was always just something that was fun at family gatherings and when I started to play competitively in high school, my mom was a big influence on if I wanted to continue playing in college. She was my coach – LOL, shocking -- and she did a really great job at separating volleyball life from family life. Yes, she was hard on me, but isn't that what mothers are for?

Q: Not only did you have an athletic mother, but your uncle Eric was a member of the U.S. Men's National Team and your uncle Gary was a coach for the U.S. What words of motivation or advice have they given you throughout your career?

A: My uncles have been great. All of them played at high levels and have been a huge part of my life just growing up. They've always encouraged me and pushed me to work hard and do my best. I definitely wouldn't be where I am without all of their support.

Q: Your senior season is coming to an end, what are your plans after college?

A: My plan is to graduate with my psychology degree and seize any opportunities that may arise after that.

Q: Out of your two years here at Pepperdine what has been your favorite memory on and off the court?

A: There have definitely been so many great memories my past two years at Pepperdine. One of the highlights was last summer's trip to Europe with the team. It was phenomenal and we got to play a couple of international teams as well as just explore different parts of Europe with each other. Being able to travel to a whole different part of the world with your teammates is something that not many people get to experience and it's such a special experience, I'm so thankful that I was able to be a part of this trip at Pepperdine.

Q: Any words of advice to the freshman, sophomore and junior teammates that you will be leaving behind?

A: I want to tell them thank you. Thank you for being the best teammates and being the best people. Each and every person is so special and has added something to my life. I am beyond grateful to have experienced a part of this journey that is life with you all. You'll forever be in my heart.

Players Mentioned

Blossom Sato

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