Get To Know Makenna Browne

Oregon State defensive specialist/libero Makenna Browne is a freshman who hails from Conifer, Colo.

Do you have a nickname? If so, what is it and who gave it to you? And why did they give it to you?
"The nickname Mak was given to me by my high school best friends."

What do you like most about playing volleyball?
"I love how mental the game is. It amazes me how your mind can determine your level of play."

If you could change one thing about volleyball, what would that be and why?
"I would allow liberos to contact the ball above the tape in the back row."

At what age did you know you wanted to play volleyball in college? And what made you realize that?
"I realized I wanted to play college volleyball when I was 13. When I was 13 I went to my first college volleyball match at the Air Force Academy and was instantly in love with how fast paced the game was and the level of passion all the girls had when playing. I knew that one day I would want to experience those same emotions as a collegiate athlete."

What does your uniform number mean to you?
"Besides being one of the available team numbers, No. 9 is the day my sister was born. Its a nice reminder of her when I play."

If you could meet one volleyball player, who would it be and why?
"If I could meet any volleyball player, I would choose to meet Natalie Hagglund. Natalie played at USC and is the most tenacious and inspiring libero I have ever seen. I continue to watch her as she competes on the USA National Team, and look to her for inspiration when I play."

If you weren't playing volleyball, what sport would you play and why?
"If I weren't playing volleyball, I would choose to play rugby. Not only is rugby a tough sport and super fun to watch, it's a big sport in South Africa which is where my dad was born and raised."

Who has had the biggest influence on your volleyball career?
"Judy Peer, my coach when I was 16 years old, taught me that no matter what the circumstances, with enough hard work, any goal you have is possible. I wouldn't be here today without the Peers."

What is the last movie you saw?
"Bad Moms. Very funny."

What actress would play you in a movie? Why?
"I would choose to play Beth in the Lucky One because who wouldn't want to play the girl that Zac Efron falls in love with?"

If you could play in any band, or take over for any singer, who would that be and why?
"I wish I could sound like or be even remotely close to Beyonce. Beyonce's voice is the most soothing and beautiful sound I have ever heard."

What is the best part about living in Corvallis and the state of Oregon?
"Oregon State is a big school with a lot going on but is located in Corvallis making it feel like a safe small town."

What is your personal goal for the 2016 season?
"My personal goal is to contribute to the team in any way possible, and help spread and maintain the team's values of trust, respect, commitment, competitiveness and pride."

What is your team goal for the 2016 season?
"To make it to the postseason tournament."

What was your first thought when being recruited by Oregon State?
"My dream is coming true, all that hard work was worth this moment."

What is your major? And what led you to choose it?
"My major is biology. I love the sciences, particularly the study of the connections in the human body."

After your playing career is over, what profession do you want to go into? Why?
"After college I plan to attend medical school in an effort to become a neurologist. My grandmother passed away with dementia. Watching her suffer has motivated me to help find a solution to neurological problems similar to the ones she suffered from."

What match do you look back to and remember fondly through your entire volleyball career?
"I look back to winning the championship match at a qualifier my 16's year of club volleyball. It was a close three-set game, our team needed one more point to win. Even though we were tired, the team worked so hard and had the most amazing energy. Winning that match was the most rewarding feeling."

What makes you the most excited, day in and day out, about being an Oregon State student-athlete?
"What makes me most excited day in and day out is that I get to be part of the best team. All my teammates are so supportive and inspiring. There isn't a group of teammates I would rather work hard for."

Community service ... list some events you have done. What has driven you to do them?
"I have participated in children's hospital carnivals, forest clean up, food drives, the financing and rebuild of schools in Nepal, as well as a number of different Rotary sponsored fund raisers. Being raised by two Rotarians, community service was a regular activity in my family."

Players Mentioned

Makenna Browne

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