In Focus: Schwan Believes βThereβs Always Something We Can Get Better Atβ
October 06, 2016 | General, Volleyball
By Mason Kelley
GoHuskies.com
Courtney Schwan learned at an early age frustration is a pivotal part of success.
Back when the Washington volleyball standout was 12 she started playing in reverse co-ed adult 4-on-4 tournaments. With teams typically made up of two men and two women, "the guys have to attack from behind the 10-foot line if they're going to hit," Schwan said.
Because of that rule, utilizing roll shot was a particularly effective tactic.Β
"The guys would always roll shot and I would get so frustrated, because it was so hard to see," she said. "I wanted to do it just like them."
Like a pitcher who throws a nasty changeup, the roll shot can be devastatingly effective. Schwan wanted to learn the shot, opponents could share in her frustration. And now, years later, it is a particularly effective part of the outside hitter's game.
However, while it is a successful shot, it is only part of her game.
"We always talk about having a big tool box, being able to hit a lot of shots," she said. "That's just an effective one, because I feel like not many people at this level have figured out how to disguise it very well."
Like an elite pitcher, Schwan tries to keep opponents guessing.
"If you have a variety of different shots Ββ line, angle and sharp angle β they need to respect those, too, before they can come in and sit on a roll shot," she said.
This is the way Schwan approaches volleyball. She takes pride in her versatility. And, as an upperclassman, she works to set an example for her younger teammates.
"We're always working on new things," Schwan said. "We always have specific skill sets in every aspect of practice we're working on. We even write our names on the board and what we're working on for each part of our game. There's always something we can get better at."
Now in her third season, Schwan maintains a constant dialogue with Keegan Cook. The coach expects a lot from his outside hitter and Schwan appreciates his direct approach.
"He gets on me when I need it," she said. "I don't need somebody to sugarcoat it."
She also doesn't need any added motivation. A three-sport athlete growing up, Schwan picked up a strong work ethic at an early age. Her parents, Paula and Kurt, are police officers. When she was younger, they didn't give her much of a curfew. They didn't need to.
"Playing three sports (volleyball, softball and baseball) growing up, I didn't really have time to go and mess around," she said. "There wasn't really room for that."
As a bonus, "I felt very safe when I was at home," she said.
Schwan is such a gifted athlete she had the opportunity to join the Huskies' softball team as a freshman. However, between school, volleyball, beach volleyball and softball, Schwan's obligations were "overwhelming."
She has lofty goals as a volleyball player and knew she would have to make a sacrifice.Β
"I loved playing softball," she said. "I loved the girls, but I know this is where I need to be to get to where I want to go and accomplish my goals."
In addition to the daily drive to improve as a volleyball player, Schwan has also started to dabble in videography. She was inspired by a friend and found an old camera at her parents' house.
"Can I use this?" she asked.
Schwan is also into music, so she started to cut clips that matched a certain portion of a particular song.
"I just really thought that clicked," she said. "I really enjoyed it and made a couple. I showed some people and they enjoyed them."
The positive feedback pushed her to continue creating.
"It's like that feeling when you take a picture of someone and it makes them feel good, you're like, 'Yes!'" she said.
She has made a point to utilize the resources provided by the university, reaching out to Trenton Cotten, the athletic department's Design Director of Digital Media Content.Β
"Being here opens up a lot of doors for you," she said. "It's just fun to sit down and talk with him. He's so welcoming. It's awesome."
And, while she knows there are resources to further her growth as a videographer, her focus is currently focused on the Huskies' Pac-12 schedule, which includes a trip to Oregon and Oregon State this weekend.
Schwan wants to one day play professionally overseas. She wants to try out for the national team. She wants to be an All-American.
All of those goals require hours spent in the gym.
"Those are all things you've got to work for," she said. "I've got a long way to go."
Like learning the roll shot, there will be frustrations along the way, but Schwan is determined. She's focused. She wants to improve, while helping her teammates along the way.
There is "a lot of good stuff," in store for Schwan in the future, but the payoff will only materialize if she invests the required time and energy.
"I've just got to keep getting better and know there's always something to get better at," she said. "I also have to look at the people around me and focus on the things right now. I can't get to where I'm going in the future unless I work now."Β
