The Oregon State volleyball program, under the leadership of seventh-year head coach Taras Liskevych, welcomes five newcomers to the 2011 squad - four of those five are freshmen. Niki Small, a 6-1 middle blocker/opposite hitter from Ashland, Ore., was the first to sit down to answer questions in a five-part series that highlights all of the newcomers on osubeavers.com. Small comes to Oregon State from Northern Arizona, where she started at middle blocker. She was ranked in the top 10 in the Big Sky Conference in hitting percentage and picked up a couple of accolades in her rookie season - Big Sky Player of the Week and University of Wyoming All-Tournament.

You transferred before the spring season. What was the transition like?

"The staff and team at Oregon State made my transition easier than I could have ever imagined. This department welcomed me into its family with open arms."

What's it like being back in Oregon after spending a season at Northern Arizona?

"It's absolutely amazing to be back in Oregon and being able to be closer to my family."

What has been your favorite thing about Oregon State/Corvallis so far?

"My favorite things have been the incredible sense of community throughout the city, the university, the athletic department and our team/staff."

Why Oregon State?

"My family graduated from Oregon State, and being an Oregonian, it means a lot to represent my home state."

What are your personal goals for the season?

"My personal goals are to make the travel team and expand my knowledge and skill of the game."

How long have you played volleyball, and how did you get into it?

"I've been playing since eighth grade. My P.E. coach coaxed all my friends to play so I would. I had been playing soccer all of my life, so I had to quit."

Why did you choose your major?

"I chose psychology because I love working with people and understanding why we do the things we do."

What are you looking forward to most this season?

"I'm looking forward to seeing our team come together and push each other to our fullest potential."

10 Fun Facts about Niki Small

• One thing most people don't know about me is I'm obsessed with gum.
• My pre-match superstition is I must wear ribbons in my hair.
• If I could be on any reality TV show, it would be Survivor.
• Over the summer, I went to Tampa, Florida.
• My favorite sport other than volleyball is baseball.
• The city I've visited that I was my favorite was Kaanapali, Hawai'i.
• My biggest thrill to date is my first collegiate game.
• My favorite thing about Corvallis is Jimmy John's.
• The top three songs in my iPod are all Chris Brown.
• My favorite Oregon State athlete is Allie Rogers.

See Small and the rest of the team in legendary Gill Coliseum this season by purchasing season tickets, NOW AVAILABLE. For more information, contact the Oregon State Athletic Ticket Office at 1-800-GOBEAVS or visit www.osubeavers.com.