Welcome to Saturday Spotlight, where we dive into the lives of Ohio State student-athletes and learn more about their journeys to Columbus, their love of the Buckeye traditions and who they are as competitors and students.
Audra Appold is a senior-to-be from Toledo, Ohio. A former Michigan fan, Appold decided she wanted to be a Buckeye when she first entered high school, and worked to make it happen.
We sat down with her to talk about her journey to Ohio State, her online shopping problem, and much more.
When did you realize you had a chance to play volleyball at the collegiate level?
Audra Appold: So I wasn't really sure if I wanted to play college volleyball for a long time. I started the recruiting process when I was a sophomore. I sat down with my club coach and we talked about some schools I was interested in. My dream school was Ohio State, being the Ohio kid its the dream for everyone. We kind of said, "oh ok we'll see if that happens." They saw my size and skill level at the time and it wasn't realistic. I grew a little bit going into my junior year and coaches started watching me play. Coach Geoff (Carlston) contacted me around then and I went on a visit and obviously loved it and here I am.
What drew you to Ohio State outside of volleyball?
AA: When I was in high school Ohio State was the place to be. Everyone wanted to go there and be there. I'm from Toledo so I grew up a Michigan fan, I will admit that. My dad was a Michigan fan and my grandma went to Michigan. I kind of grew up experiencing that but once I got to high school I realized that Ohio State was the place to be. The academics, the tradition, everything we're exposed to here is just so cool. The network of possibilities after college is so much bigger than everywhere else. A degree coming out of here is so beneficial.
What is your proudest volleyball moment?
AA: I think my proudest moment was this past summer. Every couple years, the Big Ten sends a group of girls overseas; they pick one girl from each team and I got to go for Ohio State. It was amazing getting to play with girls at that elite level. That whole week playing overseas was incredible and representing my school was amazing. we went to Prague, then we went to Slovenia, then Venice for a day trip and then Milan.
What do you like to do when you are not playing volleyball?
AA: I love online shopping, that's kind of a problem for me but that's ok. I love to be outside and spend time at the pool in the summer. I'm a big James Patterson reader. I love going home and spending time with my older brothers.
What are you studying? What has been your favorite class so far at Ohio State?
AA: I am studying strategic communications. I think a couple of my favorite classes have been my design thinking minor classes. It's cool to figure out different ways to solve problems and the process about how you find those solutions.
What is your favorite school at which you've ever played?
AA: I guess every road trip is awesome. The environment is always super cool because of the crowds that are pulled in. Illinois is great. The gym is compact so they always fill it up. I also love playing at Wisconsin because their fans just like good volleyball. Even if we win the point they're still cheering because it was a good point.
What is something about you that we wouldn't believe?
AA: I have a big sweet tooth. I absolutely love chocolate and eat it every day. I go through phases so for a while it was Kit Kat's, then Crunch bars, now I'm on to Snappers which are pretzels with carmel on top.
What is your favorite Ohio State tradition?
AA: I think singing Carmen after every game. Every sport does it and I think its really cool to see the unity of all that and when we're playing and seeing other student athletes out in the crowd. It's cool to get the honor of singing.
Audra and the women's volleyball team finished 15-16 last year. You can follow them on Twitter @ohiostatewvball and on Instagram @ohiostatewvball. Follow Audra on Twitter @AudraAppold.
