Getting to Know Mary Pursell
11/2/2012 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 2, 2012
Mary Pursell has played in 20 matches and started 11. She has six aces and 97 digs. The Kenner, La., native played her high school volleyball at St. Mary's Dominican High School where she was a four-year letterwinner. She earned 6-5A all-district selections and was named the 2011 6-5A Player of the Year.
Full Name: Mary Elizabeth Pursell
Nickname(s): Monkey
Birthdate: Nov. 18
Major(s): Forensics (CJ) Minor: Psychology (major may switch to minor and minor may switch to major)
Family members (parents + include ages with siblings): Father: Ricky Pursell; Mother: Susanne Pursell; Brother: Ryan Pursell - 21
Family members who competed in college or professional athletics (where and when): Father played baseball at Tulane in the late 80's. Brother played baseball at Delgado in 2008-2011
Hobbies/Interests: Volleyball, Playing the drums, Music, putting together clothes and outfits
Do you do any volunteer activities? If yes, what? No
Favorites
Athlete: Misty May- Treanor
Movie: Grease
TV show: Criminal Minds
Sports team: Saints
Food: Ice cream
Place on campus: The Rock
Cartoon character: Jerry from Tom and Jerry
Vacation spot: Gatlinburg
Volleyball player: Misty May-Treanor
First started volleyball (age/grade): 9/ 4th grade
Most memorable match: when my LAVB team beat A5 in the semifinal match at Big South in Atlanta my 17's year
My favorite thing about Southern Miss Volleyball are: my teammates
Best road trip: when I went to Memphis for volleyball
Before each match I ... (do what): build confidence within myself and focus on letting my skills, abilities and the things I've been taught take over
In off-season training, I worked on: my agility and core strength
This summer, I did (What are you doing now? - classes, working, etc.): I worked and worked out
The best thing about Hattiesburg is: The people are so friendly, and it's not too far from home
When I run out onto the court in the Coliseum, I think: I feel so blessed to be here
If I wasn't playing college volleyball, I would be ... (doing what): working a lot and going to school
My idea of happiness is: freedom from pessimism and negativity. Only thoughts of optimism and contentment ... even if it's only for a moment. Also, the feeling of being proud of yourself.
My role models are: Misty May-Treanor (my hero!) and my parents and my senior year religion teacher
What talent would you like to have? I would like to be able to break dance
Fantasy job/career: be a famous actress
One thing I absolutely have to do before I turn 40: Go sky- diving
Post-college/career plans: Work for some kind of government agency working with criminal behavioral analysis
If I could bring one thing from my hometown, it would be: the freeing, elaborating atmosphere
The most unusual thing the average person would not know about me is: I like to blow dry myself with a blow dryer when I'm cold
I can't live without: my family
Greatest invention of the last 100 years: Television
What is your greatest achievement or regret? Winning the biggest possible award in Los Angeles when I went there for an acting competition.
Which fictional or historical figure would you like to meet? Abe Lincoln
Most famous person I've met: Amanda Shaw
If you could have one superpower, what would it be? Fly
If you were Coach Sutherland for a day, what would you do? Take everyone out for ice cream after practice