Editor’s note: Five minutes with is a weekly question and answer session with someone in NIU athletics. It is intended to show the lighter side of an athlete.

Sophomore middle blocker Kate McCullagh has emerged as an offensive force for the NIU volleyball team with a team-leading .248 hitting percentage, while ranking second on the team with 87 kills.

With her unusual hitting technique and competitive nature on the court, McCullagh looks to rejuvenate the Huskies during its tough road schedule.

Northern Star: Most players try spiking to the back line or work the cross-court angle. Where did you get the technique to spike the ball straight down into the ground?

Kate McCullagh: It’s not always a good thing, because someone from the other team might be there for the dig. I think it comes from my height and my jumping ability.

NS: So you aim for the 8-foot line?

KM: Right, I’m hoping someone’s there so I can hit them in the face (laughs).

NS: You definitely have the best jumping ability on the team. Did you ever play any other sports, like track and field?

KM: Yeah, I was a high jumper in track and field, and I set some record in middle school. But I didn’t have the right technique, and they tried to fix it, but it didn’t work.

NS: What do you do outside of volleyball? How much time does the sport take up in your week?

KM: When it comes to traveling, it’s a little harder to have a social life. It’s just practice, class and then sleep before the morning practice. But in the off-season, I watch movies, hang out with friends. I’m just normal.

NS: Do you think this will be your break-out season?

KM: I’ve thought about that, and I’m pretty happy with my progress. I’m hoping that I don’t have just one good season and peak out. I want to keep building up my ability and stay injury-free. Now that I’ve reached this point, I’m going to hold myself accountable to stay at this level and hopefully make progress.

NS: What do you see as your role on the team?

KM: I try to provide consistency, and I try to be the life of the team. I can read people on the court pretty well. I try to pick them up when they’re down and be funny. I was the class clown in high school, so I try to keep that.

NS: Who’s the most eccentric person on the team?

KM: My teammates would probably say me. But everyone’s weird in their own way. Marie [Zidek] has some crazy reactions sometimes after a big kill, and we all get a good laugh out of it later.

NS: What do you like better; a good kill or a good block?

KM: A good block, because I’m shutting the other person down. I’m competitive in everything I do, so I like to really stick it to the other team.

NS: What do you do to get ready for games? Any superstitions or traditions?

KM: I chew green Extra gum every match. Umm, I brush my teeth.

NS: So you want to make sure your opponents see you have good hygiene, right?

KM: Yeah, exactly. I don’t want to scare anyone away. (laughs)