Completed Event: Volleyball versus California on November 28, 2025 , Loss , 2, to, 3
/
Final
Volleyball
2
vs California
3
Ali Hausfeld Senior Profile
11/1/2007 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
DURHAM, N.C. ? GoDuke.com sat down with the Duke volleyball team's setter Ali Hausfeld for her senior profile. Hausfeld recently broke Duke's all-time assists record and is on pace for the school's single season record as well. GoDuke.com spoke with Hausfeld about her obsession with college football, how she got the nickname “Ali Kumbayah,” plus much more.
GoDuke.com: What is your major and what are your plans for after college?
Ali Hausfeld: I'm majoring in biology and minoring in biological anthropology, anatomy and chemistry. My plan is to take a year off and work in research or something like that, apply to med school during that year off and then go to med school after that.
GD: Do you know where you want to apply to medical school?
AH: I'd love to stay here, but it's a very tough program to get into. Hopefully here, but probably in the south somewhere.
GD: Why do you wear number 1?
AH: I was number 14 in high school, and that number was taken when I got here as a freshman. My options were one, three or six, so I figured one was part of 14, so I just stuck with that.
GD: If you could change one rule about your sport, what would it be?
AH: I think sometimes, it's kind of arbitrary when they call ball handling errors like doubles or lifts. Maybe there should be some stricter rules on that, or that the refs should be a little more lenient some times. I think that rule is kind of hard to judge.
GD: What is your favorite sport to watch besides volleyball?
AH: I love football, especially college football. I watch College Gameday all the time. I'm obsessed with it. You can ask me about any of the teams. I watch some pro football but I just love college football.
GD: Who is your favorite college team?
AH: Duke obviously! But I am from Ohio so I like Ohio State too, but I follow Duke football very closely.
GD: Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
AH: Hopefully I'll be a doctor by then. It takes a while, so hopefully in 10 years, I'll be there. I hope to be a pediatrician. I love working with kids. Somewhere in the medical field hopefully.
GD: Do your teammates or parents have any nicknames for you?
AH: My parents call me Rosey because my middle name is Rose. But everyone on the team calls me “Ali Kumbayah” because someone cheered that at an N.C. State match a couple of years ago and now they love to say that.
GD: Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
AH: I've never really told anyone about this, but ever since I was 15, I've worn my left knee pad upside down. I don't know why, I just feel like it's good luck.
GD: Where is your favorite place to play outside of Cameron Indoor Stadium?
AH: Florida State I guess. I like their gym a lot. It's kind of hostile territory, but their gym is pretty cool. Nebraska is a good place to play too.
GD: What do you most admire about coach Jolene Nagel?
AH: I think her best attribute is how understanding she is, and knowing how to push us, but not to push us too far. When we have a big academic week, she'll know to lay off in practice a little bit. I think that's very hard to come by in a coach. She has a really good feel of how we're doing, when we need rest and when we don't. A lot of coaches push too hard, but she knows just when to stop.
GD: Who has had the biggest impact on your life?
AH: My parents have had the biggest impact, but that's pretty obvious. Besides my parents though, probably my high school coach, Tina Jasinowski. She was very good at trying to talk to colleges and a great volleyball coach too. We had a lot of success under her too with two state championships.
GD: What is your most memorable volleyball moment at Duke?
AH: I loved playing at Nebraska and in the NCAA Tournament, but my most memorable time was probably the first time we beat North Carolina. I think it was at home, but we had lost to them 10 times in a row. It was a really big win and it's always a big win when you beat North Carolina.
GD: What is your advice to this year's freshmen?
AH: Just to keep working hard. I think they all work very hard, and that's not easy to do coming in a freshman if you don't see automatic playing time. But you just have to keep working at it. Eventually you'll get there, and I know they can. I know they'll keep up the tradition that we've started.
Players Mentioned
S
/ VolleyballAndie Smith, Duke | Interview | CGN
Thursday, November 13
Out Here in Miami For Thanksgiving
Wednesday, December 04
Camera'd Up with Grace Thrower
Saturday, November 16
Big Lo on the Mic
Wednesday, November 13
