This is the eighth in a 10-part series profiling the returning members of the reigning Mid-American Conference Tournament champion Ohio University volleyball team. Rising senior middle blocker Meghan Simons earned first-team All-MAC honors last season after posting a hitting percentage of .323, the fourth-best output in the MAC and the eighth-best mark in program history. She enters the 2009 season needing 98 total blocks to become just the 10th player in program history to tally 300 for her career. To see a photo gallery of Meghan in action during the 2008 season, please click here.

Ohiobobcats.com: What have you been up to since last season ended? Anything interesting or exciting?

Meghan Simons: Same old thing. I’ve got my coursework organized so I can graduate in the winter. Yikes!

Ohiobobcats.com: How do you feel the spring season went, both for the team and for you as an individual?

MS: Spring was really successful because we got a lot of our injured players back and the freshmen really improved. Spring was a way for me to get back in the swing of things since I just came back from a broken leg.

Ohiobobcats.com: If you had to pick one area of the game that you improved upon most during the spring season, what would it be?

MS: Hitting E’s. It’s a set behind the setter, which isn’t usually my specialty, but I think I got the hang of it.

Ohiobobcats.com: Is there anything specific that you’ll look to work on this summer to help you out when the season starts in the fall?

MS: I’m going to condition and lift to get in the best shape ever for my senior season!

Ohiobobcats.com: When you look ahead to the 2009 season, what are you most excited about?

MS: Definitely our preseason schedule. It will be challenging, but if we can be successful, we’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the tournament for sure.

Ohiobobcats.com: What are some of the goals that you have as an individual for next fall?

MS: I’d love to break all of my personal stat records, as well as lead the conference in blocks per set and hitting percentage.

Ohiobobcats.com: Any exciting plans for the summer before two-a-days start?

MS: I’m going on a trip to Europe. It’s a 10-day trip, and we get to do a camp with the Swiss national team, a tournament in Pula, Croatia, and then spend a day touring in Venice.

Ohiobobcats.com: When you’re not on the volleyball court, what are you most likely doing?

MS: Probably Facebooking, hanging out with the girls or watching movies. I’ve also recently learned to golf.

Ohiobobcats.com: Are you a fan of any other sports? What teams or players do you follow?

MS: I love baseball. I’m a big fan of the Detroit Tigers, but my true love, Grady Sizemore, plays for the Indians.

Ohiobobcats.com: Complete this sentence: ‘The best thing about being a Bobcat is ...’

MS: ... the memories made.