Beyond The Game With Arneson

Note: The following appears in the November issue of Orange: The Experience. For full access to all of the publication’s content, join IPTAY today by calling 864-656-2115.

By Colby Lanham // Athletic Communications

This season, libero Keelie Arneson is one of the new faces of Clemson volleyball under first-year head coach Hugh Hernesman. A first-year graduate student, Arneson completed her undergraduate degree at Northwestern State, where she earned a number of accolades for her play on the court, including Southland Conference Student-Athlete-of-the-Year (2013) and Southland Conference Libero-of-the-Year (2013). She was also a two-time First-Team All-Southland Conference selection in 2012 and 2013. We recently caught up with Arneson to hear about some of her experiences, beyond the game.

Q. Where were you born? Where did you attend high school?A. Tyler, Texas. Klein Oak High School.

Q. What are your favorite things about Clemson?A. The beach on campus, The Smokin’ Pig, the school spirit and the family atmosphere.

Q. What are some hobbies/things you like to do outside of volleyball in your spare time?A. Listen to music, watch movies, go to Chipotle and online shop.

Q. What are some things about you that people may not know?A. I love to play ping pong. My dad and I used to play every night when I was younger. In elementary school, I was obsessed with basketball and Allen Iverson. I would wear his jerseys to school and I had a bunch of posters of him in my room.

Q. What was your major at Northwestern State and what is your current major at Clemson?A. Hospitality management & tourism. I’m currently in the parks, recreation & tourism graduate program.

Q. What led you to choose those majors?A. I wanted to go into hotel management, but then as the years went on, I realized I can’t see myself without volleyball, so now I want to coach.

Q. What is your favorite class at Northwestern State or Clemson?A. I really enjoyed my travel & tourism class. I learned about different attractions, hotels and restaurants all over the world.

Q. What are your career plans once you finish playing volleyball?A. I plan on finishing my master’s degree and playing overseas professionally once my career at Clemson is over. If that doesn’t happen, then I want to be a graduate assistant for Hugh and Stephanie (Hernesman) and get some coaching experience.

Q. Where do you see yourself in five years?A. I see myself coaching. I’m not quite sure where, but I definitely want to coach.

Q. You mentioned how Hugh and Stephanie have been huge influences for you. How have they influenced you?A. They are hands down the best coaches I’ve ever had. If it wasn’t for them converting me from a setter to a libero, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I would’ve never discovered my passion for defense and serve receive. I’ve formed such a strong relationship with them and their kids over the past years. I trust them like my own family, because I know they genuinely care about me, not only as a player but also as a person. They have given me great life advice and volleyball advice throughout my career. I am so thankful for them.

Q. What are the best places you’ve visited?A. Paris, France. I loved the food, architecture and the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower is an image I will never forget.