At a glance
Name: Kristal Tsukano
University: San Jose State
Sport: Volleyball
Number: 3
Year: Senior
Major: Biology Con. Systems Physiology
Hometown: Honolulu, HI
Q: When and why did you start to play volleyball?
A: I've been playing volleyball since I can remember, but I played for my first team in the 3rd grade. I started playing because my older sister played and I was always around it, so I learned the game at an early age and loved it.
Q: What other sports did you play growing up?
A: I've only played volleyball. I haven't put time or effort into any other sport.
Q: What has been your most rewarding experience off the court?
A: Off the court, I think my most rewarding experience has been working with kids and coaching them in the After School All-stars program and our SJSU summer camps. Granted I still am on the court, but I am on a different side of things. Sharing my passion for volleyball has been very rewarding especially when kids begin to share that same passion.
Q: Why did you choose to attend San Jose State?
A: I chose to come to SJSU for its cultural diversity, for its location, and to compete in the WAC (playing against UH).
Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A: I don't have one childhood memory that I favor over my others. They were all great memories.
Q: What do you consider your greatest accomplishment so far as a student-athlete?
A: I consider my academic accomplishments as an athlete my greatest accomplishment because I appreciate my education and want to make the most out of it. Getting to do what I love is a bonus.
Q: What do you still hope to accomplish as a student-athlete?
A: I hope to accomplish a lot as a student-athlete, which includes graduating, winning the WAC, going to the NCAA tournament, and being the best at what I do.
Q: What's on your iPod?
A: I listen to just about anything and everything.
Q: What do you like to do when you are away from the court?
A: I love going to the beach at home in Hawai‘i; it's just not the same here in the mainland.
Q: If you had to live on a desert island for a year and could only take three items with you, what would you take?
A: If I had to live on a desert island for a year, I would take a dog for companionship, a camera to record all of my adventures for as long as the battery will last, and the Twilight series to keep me busy because I can read those over and over again.
Q: Name your favorite class...
A: My favorite class is actually more than one class. I have enjoyed all of my biology classes so far, which is probably a good thing because it's my major.
Q: What is your game day routine?
A: On game days, I do whatever I have to prior to the game, whether it's classes, homework, or errands, and then once I'm in the locker room I just take in everything that is going on around me, which is usually my teammates doing what they do to get pumped or ready. Then I put one shoe on, and then the other, and then I tie the first shoe, and then the second. And then it's game time.
Q: What are your expectations for your team this season?
A: I expect to see a large amount of growth from my team as individuals and as a whole by the time the end of season comes. I also expect us to win! We have a lot of talent, so if we put all of it to good use we will do great.
Q: What is your favorite television show?
A: I like watching CSI when I have the time to watch TV at all.
Q: Who has had the most influence on your life?
A: I think my sister has probably had the most influence on my life because she was always a good role model for me doing what was right and working hard.
Q: What are you plans following graduation?
A: After graduation, I plan on going to pharmacy school somewhere in California, but other than that I just plan on going where life takes me.
Q: What is the best advice you have received?
A: Always do your best.
Q: Who is your favorite professional athlete?
A: I don't have one.
Q: If Hollywood were to make a movie about your life, which actress would play your role?
A: Briana Evigan would play me in a movie about my life.
Q: If you were to win a million dollars what would be your first purchase?
A: If I won a million dollars, I would purchase the construction of a new house right on top of where my old one is because I love where my old house is and a new one would just be so much better.
Q: Describe the perfect meal...
A: My perfect meal would probably be very high in protein and "good" sugar. I love steak, chicken, and shrimp, and I love fruits. That's all I would need to be completely satisfied.