Freshman volleyball player Kristin Hoffman’s eyes are set on a glowing future.

In recent weeks, Hoffman has become the Huskies’ starting setter. Along with establishing her new team role, she has also settled into her new home in DeKalb. Family plays a big part with Hoffman, who has a sister who played volleyball at UIC and a father in whose footsteps she wants to follow.

Hoffman sat down with the Northern Star on Monday to talk about her past successes, future goals, and a recent birthday.

Northern Star: How has the dorm life been so far?
Kristin Hoffman: I live in Stevenson and I think they’re really nice compared to the other options on campus. I really like the suite that I’m in. I have a lot of fun with my three roommates. The food is not too bad. I guess I get sick of it, but a sandwich is always safe.

NS: Has it been difficult balancing your schoolwork and volleyball?
KH: It hasn’t been too difficult. I’m used to the schedule from high school, with high school volleyball practice or in the off-season with club volleyball. It’s kind of similar with going to school and homework and then going to practice at night. It hasn’t been too big of an adjustment.

NS: What differences have you noticed between living in Batavia and living in DeKalb?
KH: In Batavia, there’s a big community aspect, which I feel is kind of the same at NIU. DeKalb is a big part of the college here and in Batavia it was the same. The fans consist of the families from the town and there’s a big community support. I like that a lot about NIU.

NS: How have you adjusted to your starting role?
KH: My team has helped me out a lot in practice and throughout the games. We couldn’t have done anything without everyone playing and helping each other out. I think I’ve learned a lot whether it’s in practice or during the games. I’ve just had to get adjusted to our offense and how the college game works.

NS: How do you feel when you hear coach Ray Gooden say that you are the “future of the program?”
KH: I don’t think I’m the future of the program. He’s been recruiting very well. Allison is the leader in aces for the MAC. He’s bringing in awesome girls to play with. Everyone on the team is really focused and we just want to go out there and have fun.

NS: What do you see yourself doing when college is over?
KH: I’m hoping to go to law school. I want to be a lawyer. I like helping people and I like to research and write. I feel like that profession has so many opportunities to get involved with politics and the government. My dad’s a lawyer, so that has a lot to do with it too. I’ve been able to see what being in the law profession is like.

NS: Who’s the better volleyball player: you or your sister?
KH: It’s hard to compare because my sister was a hitter, so she’s a much better hitter than I am. I feel like we both play the same. We both play with a lot of energy. My sister’s really good, but I can’t really compare.

NS: Did you do anything fun for your birthday last week?
KH: No. My roommates brought me ice cream from Dairy Queen. That was about it.

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