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Mike Miazga |
Beth Vrdsky is flying high these days in more ways than one.
In addition to being a key contributor to the University of Illinois
women's team, the 5'5" junior libero also has lofty aspirations after
college.
Vrdsky, 20, is currently a member of the Air Force ROTC and will commission
as an officer into the United States Air Force upon graduation where she hopes
to become a fighter pilot.
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Beth Vrdsky |
"We train to eventually become officers in the Air Force," said Vrdsky, a
sociology major at Illinois who also has a concentration in political science.
"I have class three times a week and do physical training. I'll commission
into the Air Force as a second lieutenant and that's four years at least of
active duty. I want to be a pilot and that will take 12 years."
The west suburban Chicago native admits balancing school, volleyball and
ROTC commitments can be a bit on the challenging side.
"It's a lot of extra work," said Vrdsky, who played on two state
championship teams at Downers Grove South High School. "I try to balance
things. It can be especially challenging in the spring with physical training
at 6 a.m. and then we have practice on other days at 7 a.m. It keeps me on
track with school and budgeting time. But I really enjoy it. I enjoy
volleyball and the Air Force and all of the people."
Vrdsky, who maintains a 3.7 GPA, pulls no punches when talking about what
she would ultimately like to be doing later in life.
"I want to be a fighter pilot and fly F-15's," said Vrdsky. "I love the
speed and the agility."
Back on the ground, Illinois has certainly loved how Vrdsky has played this
season. Through early October, she had recorded 236 digs (4.31 per game),
which already surpassed her season totals from her freshman (208) and
sophomore (205) years.
"I've always been a defensive specialist," said Vrdsky. "I love being on
the court the whole time. I enjoy running the passing and the defense."
Surprisingly, despite being a member of a Division I sports team that does
a fair amount of traveling via plane, Vrdsky has resisted the urge to ask for
the grand tour.
"I always try to glance into the cockpit when we first get on," said
Vrdsky.
Vrdsky's fascination with flying started at a young age thanks to something
many people can relate to.
"My grandparents showed me the movie op Gun' when I was little," laughed
Vrdsky. "And then I learned about the ROTC and thought, Wow. I can actually
do it.' I really want to fly."
Whether she knows it or not, Vrdsky is already flying sky-high on and off
the court.
Mike Miazga
Editor in Chief
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