C/O 2013
Major: Integrated Studies
Sport: Volleyball
Position: Setter
Jersey Number: 5
“Volleyball is also a game of learning fundamentals and a game of making mistakes. Get the fundamentals down and learn from your mistakes. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes either. The most important part is to have fun when playing – that’s the reason I love the game.”
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Why did you choose Delaware State University?
To play volleyball on a full-ride scholarship
What sports did you play in high school? Did they carry over to college?
I played basketball, softball and volleyball. Volleyball is the sport I love and the reason why I’m here (besides education).
Bel Fakaosi returns the ball against Howard on Sept. 30 2011 - Photo by Bobby Parker
Have you ever been cut from a squad? If so, how did you handle it and bounce back?
No!
What is the biggest game on your campus that everybody attends?
Volleyball – whenever we play UMES (University of Maryland Eastern Shore) seems to be the biggest game from what I’ve heard – they’re our big rivals.
What kind of workout regime do you have?
We practice, lift and condition.
What is some of the advice the coaches always give you?
Just to do my job as a setter and to be a leader on the court. I am the one running the offense so I am told many times to be aggressive, talk and make right decisions when setting up my players.
Bel Fakaosi sets the ball at UMES on October 4, 2011 – Photo by Megan Raymond
How do you balance sports and your education?
It’s hard. I’m busy most of the time and just try to focus. The good thing about it is that although I hate waking up early, practice is out of the way and I have the rest of the day to worry about school and what I need to get done.
What sports tips do you have for those in your sport?
Just to work hard and try to be the best in what you do or better yourself in the position you are in. There is always room for improvement, room to become great and room to be greater. Being good should never be an option in all you do. Volleyball is also a game of learning fundamentals and a game of making mistakes. Get the fundamentals down and learn from your mistakes. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes either. The most important part is to have fun when playing – that’s the reason I love the game.
We thank you for your honesty and stepping up and being a leader for your team. We know it can’t be an easy job – but your advice goes a long way, especially when you speak about learning from your mistakes and mastering the basics. You truly are an inspiration Ms. Fakaosi and we thank you for spending time to share your student-athlete sports experience at your HBCU Delaware State. (*headshot photo credited to Mike Baker)
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