Liz Pollock

Pollock thrives on determination and perspiration

By: Elyssa Brogdon

Posted: 10/29/07

Driven by a love for all things athletic, crafts and hobbies, and a particular interest in money and business, junior Liz Pollock never has too little to do.

Pollock is determined in both volleyball perfection and crafty motivations whether inside or outside in nature. Pollock is a fisherman, scrapbooker and quilter.

"Yes, I am Laura Ingalls Wilder," Pollock giggled. "I'm making a quilt right now and I'm 90 percent done, which is really exciting."

Beyond Pollock's "Little House on the Prairie" fetishes, she is very athletic. Pollock's passions include volleyball and basketball, but she also jogs, with a soft "j" according to Ron Burgundy, Will Ferrell's popular character in the movie "Anchorman."

"My favorite movie is 'Anchorman,'" Pollock said. "There are too many good lines. I just love Will Ferrell … I love him. He cracks me up so much."

Besides day-dreaming about becoming a member of Burgundy's Channel Four News Team, Pollock focuses on her dream car, more to the point, her jeep.

"I want to own a Jeep Grand Cherokee someday," Pollock said. "I'm obsessed with them. I've never had a car that I wanted. I always got the junkers that the parents give you."

Also on Pollock's list of "wants" are a managerial job and an office with a door. She is a business major who is looking forward to big payoffs in money and public relations.

"I definitely love money and people and they are a great combination to work with," Pollock said. "I had a great internship over the summer….It was probably my favorite three months of my life. It was great experience and great exposure."

Her internship helped assure her career, but volleyball helped transform her into the person she is today.

"Volleyball allowed me to mature and grow," Pollock said. "I'm not the same person I came in as my freshman year. I've grown incredibly. It's just formed me into a better person."

Pollock follows the motto, "If you think you can, then you can. If you think you can't, then you won't." These words of wisdom she picked up from her mom, who just happens to be her role model as well.

"My mom is a very hardworking woman," Pollock said. "She had to work through stereotypes, and now she's the captain of the Des Moines Police Department in Iowa. And, she's given me nothing but support in my journey. My whole life, my parents have pushed me to do my best and I wanted to impress them."

Pollock's tenure in volleyball has at times been rocky. The high points include signing to play volleyball at UMKC and the low point was tearing her anterior cruciate ligament (a part of the knee) her freshman year, but Pollock's love for the sport motivated her through it all.

But what gives her the greatest satisfaction?

"Besides ice cream," Pollock said, "a good sweat."

ebrogdon@unews.com