ASU's Mattson Will Be Hard Not to Miss
By Luanne Muller ASU Sports Information Student Assistant
The ASU volleyball team will be ending its 1997 regular season on Nov. 22. At the same time, senior Kirstin Mattson's four years of ASU volleyball will also be ending.
A native of Arizona, Mattson went to McClintock High School in Tempe before deciding to come to ASU.
"I came to ASU," she said, "because when I realized it was time to make my decision, I wanted to play at a Pac-10 school.
"ASU was ideal, also, because it was extremely close to home, and my parents and family would get to see me play."
Mattson got what she wanted in that her parents and family have definitely been able to see her play. As a middle blocker, Mattson has started in all 27 matches this season, and she also started in all 24 matches last season. As a junior last year, Mattson topped four of her career highs tallying 19 kills at Oregon, six block assists against UCLA, four service aces at USC and 18 digs in Oregon.
Mattson ended the 1996 season with 215 kills and 163 digs. She led the team with 35 block solos and 72 block assists.
This year, Mattso's numbers have met and exceeded those from a year ago. She currently leads the team with 28 block solos and 105 block assists, which tops her career-high block assists in a season. She is also tied with Terri Cox for the lead in service aces with 23. Mattson is second on the team in kills (242) and kills per game (2.55).
She has also surpassed her career-high block assists in a game with eight against Oregon State. She had six service aces against Washington, which topped her previous career high set last year.
Mattson has been very visible through her volleyball accomplishments on the court, but she is also visible through her success off the court.
"My biggest accomplishment thus far," she said, "is that I have had the opportunity to compete and establish myself as a Pac-10 athlete.
"While doing this, I have obtained a degree in a field of study that I feel I have a natural calling for."
Mattson graduated in May 1996 with a B.S. in family studies with a minor in psychology. She is currently taking classes toward her teaching certificate.
Not only is Mattson hard not to notice on the court during matches, and off the court in school, but she has also made her presence known during practice and before matches.
During practice, Mattson displays her strong work ethic which translates into hard work.
"I am a firm believer of going hard all the time," she said.
Before each game, Mattson follows a particular ritual that allows her to be seen very quickly.
"I have to wear my maroon and gold striped socks," she said. "A fried gave them to me for good luck, and I always wear them during our team meeting. I take them off before we go to the floor to warm up."
So, whether it is before a game, during a game or at school, Mattson has been very noticeable on and off the court.
As the 1997 volleyball season is coming to an end, Kirstin Mattson's ASU career will also be ending. However, she has established herself as a key volleyball player, and her accomplishments will not be forgotten.