Conversation: Brandy Magee
In her middle blocker position, sophomore Brandy Magee has been one of the most consistent players for the Longhorns this season leading the team in blocks and service aces. The 6-2 Californian is calm, cool and collected - and poised to help lead UT towards a conference title run in 2004. She recently took some time out of her day, managed to pry her headphones off, and talked about her consistent play, the Colorado come-back, and life in the O.C.
The team and yourself have been on quite a tear to start the season. Is there anything in particular that you can attribute to the successful start?
Brandy Magee: Our great start probably stems from our team unity that we have developed during the preseason and even the first few weeks of the season: the way we have grown as a team, bonded, and learned more in our relationships with one another. That interaction has really contributed to our team chemistry on the court this season.
You have been named to two all-tournament teams (SMU Invitational and Time Warner Texas Invitational) already this season, what is it that keeps you playing so consistently, as you always seem to have brought your game every single match? What gives you the drive to work as hard as you do to keep that consistency?
BM: I always want to help the team out as much as possible. Playing middle blocker is a difficult job because you have to work hard on every play, and I feel that if I am going as hard as I can every time that I am on the floor then the team will ultimately benefit in the long run.
This past weekends match against Colorado was a true test and an exciting victory. After losing the first two games of the match the team came back to win three exciting games. Talk about what that win means and what the team's effort says, in general, as you all were able to pull together for a big win.
BM: Our match against Colorado was our first real challenge of the season. Colorado is a great team and with us being down 2-0 going into the locker room, we knew that we had to come out, work hard and give our all to win the fight. I think we came out and showed that we were competitive enough to stay in the match and then finally win the match. After being a little down on ourselves we realized that we needed to bring up our energy and intensity level, and once we did our attitudes changed and we got really fired up, and came back to win.
If someone were to describe Brandy Magee on the court, what would they say? How would they describe you off the court?
BM: I am pretty calm on the court, as I get a little excited and a little frustrated, but for the most part I am a calming factor on the court. I never get over-excited, angry, or frustrated on the court and I think my demeanor helps everyone else to relax. Off the court I am kind of weird (laughs). I am a little shy, but once people get to know me they think I am kind of funny, sarcastic and, generally, a fun person to be around.
So you are from the O.C. (Orange County, Calif.)? Tell us what life is really like in the O.C when Ryan and Seth (television characters from the The O.C.) aren't busy getting in fights?
BM: I have never actually watched the show, but I have heard a lot about it, and I do not think the real O.C. is as drama packed as the show. The O.C. is a very relaxing place where you can go to the beach when you want, and people can just hang out and relax without a lot of drama.
It is a long way from Israel to the O.C. How does someone who was born in Israel end up in California, and then at the University of Texas? Talk a little about your life journey.
BM: I was born in Israel because my Dad was playing basketball there at the time. Although I was born there, my mother and father had a home in California, and I have lived there my whole life. As far as coming to Texas, I never really thought that I would ever even come to the state of Texas because I didn't really think anything was here. It is ironic that I chose The University of Texas since I never wanted to come to the state, but I really do love it here, even though it is very different from California. The two places cannot really be compared, but they are both great places to live.
You are the self proclaimed locker room D.J., and always seem to have headphones in your ears. Talk about your affinity for music and what spinning in the locker room these days?
BM: I really love music and wherever I go I have my music playing. On my way to class I have my headphones on and in my room my roommate (Jessica Curtis) and I always have our music blasting. I guess the teams sees me as the D.J. and whenever we go in the locker room before a game the team always gets me to put on one of my CD's to get everyone pumped up. Right now we are spinning several hip hop mix CD's, but before every game we always have to listen to “We Ready” by Archie.
Fact Attack: Brandy Magee
Favorite Place in Austin? My dorm room
Volleyball: In the sand / On the court: Definitely on the court, it is too hard to jump in the sand.
If you're not on the court you're… Still in my dorm room listening to music, or watching music videos
Which reality show would you be on? The Real World
The Real World / Road Rules: The Real World
Dinner for four. Who is there, dead or alive? My mom and my two brothers
What did you eat for dinner last night? I had a pepperoni and sausage pizza from Domino's
What is in your CD player right now? A mix of Ludacris, the Ying Yang Twins, Cassidy, and other popular songs
Neat / Messy: Very messy
When you think of the University of Texas, you think? Pride and tradition
