Sophomore setter Chandler Kinley saw action in just four matches for volleyball in 2014, but did enough work to earn more playing time this season.

Kinley posted 10 assists and three digs, ending with a serve percentage of .750. She has picked up 67 assists in 37 sets in 2015.

The Huskies are 12-10 and lead the MAC West division with six games remaining in the regular season. They have managed to go 8-2 in the conference, 7-5 at home and 5-3 away.

NIU will face off against Eastern Michigan (12-11, 4-6 MAC) at 6 p.m. on Friday in Ypsilanti, Mich. on ESPN3.

Q: What is your biggest motivation?

A: Personally, mine is my family back home. I’m like six hours away from home so just making everyone at home proud is probably motivation for me.

Q: Was there a specific experience or time frame when you knew volleyball was the sport for you?

A: Yeah, probably like between my sophomore and junior year. I got really serious with it, with like club and stuff. I pretty much knew I was going to play.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do during a game?

A: Setting I guess, but like cheering when my teammates do something good is I think my favorite.

Q: What kind of player do you see yourself as now?

A: Probably more motivational. So I help people out more.

Q: What kind of player to you hope to be in a few years when you’re a senior?

A: More of a leader, I guess.

Q: Do you have any idols or role models who inspire you to be the athlete that you are?

A: I guess I could say my club coach. He played college volleyball at Ball State. I guess it’d be him.