ROCHESTER, Mich. — Senior Brittany Welch has been an impactful player for the Oakland University volleyball program since her arrival to campus as a transfer in 2019. The Chicago native earned Horizon League All-Freshman team honors in her debut season with the Golden Grizzlies and has accumulated 500-plus kills, 300-plus digs, and 60-plus blocks in her three-year career at OU. 

In the latest Oakland volleyball Q&A, Welch discusses her decision to transfer schools, playing career at Oakland, and career aspirations in sideline reporting.  

As a Chicago native, were you and your family big fans of the local sports team?

---

My family and I are huge fans of the Chicago Cubs. We have had season tickets for the Cubs since they are our favorite team, and we have also had good times at Blackhawks games. The Bears are the Bears, and they are not the best, but that is alright. 

After high school, you went all the way to New Mexico State to play volleyball. Was there any type of culture shock when you first arrived on campus?

---

It was a big difference. The weather was totally different, and my view was mountains and desert, while it was the complete opposite in Chicago. That alone was a significant culture shock. 

What influenced your decision to transfer schools after your freshman season at New Mexico State?

---

I wanted to be closer to home at a school I would feel happier at. I came into contact with Rob (Beam) and went on to visit Oakland. I liked the school a lot and thought that this would be the right choice for me. 

Did it feel weird going through the recruiting process again, considering you already experienced it in high school?

---

It was hard, but this time around, I had a better idea of what I wanted compared to when I was in high school. Back then, I was 15 years old, trying to decide where to go to college. As a 19-year old, I had more knowledge about what I wanted. 

What was the most challenging part about transferring colleges, especially as a Division I student-athlete?

---

The hardest part about the process was trying to make the right decision and not choose a place where I would want to transfer again after one year. It felt like I had more to worry about since I had some experience in college, which made me pickier about certain things.

Transitioning into your playing career at Oakland, it seems like you can make a difference in multiple areas when it comes to kills, digs, aces, and blocks. Do you pride yourself in being an all-around volleyball player?

---

I would say so. If I am off in hitting, I can focus on passing to find the right person to get the point. I know that I can contribute in more areas than just hitting, and I pride myself on helping out in those different areas of the game.

As a senior with the Golden Grizzlies, is it a bitter-sweet feeling to know that this is your last season competing with many of your teammates and friends?

---

It is definitely a bitter-sweet feeling. Right now, I do not think about it too often, but I know that it will really start to hit me during the last few matches of the season. I am sure I will be thinking about where the time went because everything has gone so fast. 

You have also been seen on the sideline covering sporting events at Oakland. What inspired you to pursue that field?

---

Honestly, when I first came into college, I wanted to be in the medical field. Once I was in college, I quickly realized that I did not want to do that. As college went on, I sent a video clip to Giz (John Ciszewski), and he thought I was really good. After putting some thought and research into it, I felt it could be something I would enjoy doing in the future. That is kind of how it played out. I always had an interest in it, but once he said that, it reassured the fact that I should try it out. 

Once you finish at Oakland, what will be the next step for you professionally?

---

I want to have a job in sideline reporting after I graduate. My ultimate goal is to work at the professional level with the NFL or MLB. To start off, it would be cool to work in the SEC covering Alabama football or something similar. Overall, I am just excited to start my career in reporting because I love doing it. 

In the past, you mentioned how supportive the coaching staff has been about balancing school, athletics, and your career aspirations. How grateful are you to have the opportunity to pursue your dreams?

---

I am extremely grateful because there are not a lot of coaches who let you balance different things. Some coaches make you worry about volleyball 24/7. You never can take the opportunity to pursue passions outside of your sport. It is great to have a coaching staff that allows me to go for those opportunities. Sometimes, it means missing practice, leaving early, or arriving late. At the end of the day, they always tell us that they want us to be successful. I am glad that is how they actually are. If they were not, then I would likely not be involved in sideline reporting. 

To wrap things up, what needs to be done for the team to win a Horizon League title and make some noise at the NCAA Championships?

---

I think we need to keep building upon what we are learning and continue to improve in each practice. We also need to lean on each other for help, remain positive, and not hang our heads for too long if we happen to lose a game.