Introduction
Luisa Wiewgorra dreamed of one day working as a news reporter or TV anchor. It was her talent in volleyball, however, that would open the door for her to chase her dream. Born and raised in Potsdam, Germany, Luisa worked hard to become an accomplished volleyball player which led her to receiving an athletic scholarship from Madonna University. In Part 1 of our 2-part interview, Luisa opens up about her life in Germany, and the demands of a scholarship athlete in the U.S.
Episode Summary
- 02:33 - Luisa speaks on what it was like growing up in Potsdam, Germany.
- 03:26 - Why did Luisa decide to stick with volleyball over other interests like dancing?
- 04:04 - Luisa reflects on when she learned that volleyball could take her around the world.
- 05:26 - What were Luisa’s toughest adjustments when she first came to the U.S.?
- 06:46 - How did Luisa overcome her greatest obstacles in the U.S.?
- 08:51 - Luisa speaks on the impact that being part of a team had on her acclimation to life in the U.S.
- 10:25 - Luisa explains the difference between playing volleyball at university versus playing in Germany.
- 11:34 - What is Luisa most proud of as a volleyball player at Madonna University?
- 12:08 - What difference did it make having other international students on the volleyball team alongside Luisa?
- 13:29 - Luisa shares how her coffee-making abilities helped her connect with people.
- 14:47 - Did being on an athletic scholarship offer Luisa any additional programs or benefits?
- 15:44 - Were there any American traditions that stood out to Luisa?
- 16:37 - What’s the difference between German bread and American bread?
- 17:32 - Luisa gives a piece of advice for students coming to the U.S. on an athletic scholarship.
- 18:57 - Luisa speaks on working with an athletic ‘agency’, and how they helped with building her portfolio as a student-athlete.
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Potsdam, Germany
Madonna University
Thanksgiving
Lansing, Michigan
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