Burnsville hitter has her sights set on first in badminton

Burnsville senior Ashley VanderWoude is in the process of completing her final season playing volleyball.

VanderWoude is an outside hitter/libero for the Blaze, which has only won three of its 19 matches on the season.

VanderWoude also plays badminton for the Blaze. She will be one of the top players in the state in the spring sport.

Here is a closer look at VanderWoude:

Q: The best movie I've seen in the past year?

A: "Purge 2."

Q: Three words or phrases my friends or teammates might use to describe me?

Q: Three songs I never skip on my iPod are …

A: ... "Danza Kuduro" by Don Omar; "143" by Bobby Brackins, and "No Interruption" by Hoodie Allen.

Q: What are your three favorite apps?

A: . Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

Q: Who do you like to follow on Twitter?

Q: When did you start playing the sports you now participate in at the high school level?

A: I started playing volleyball in eighth grade because soccer involved too much running and volleyball seemed really fun. I started playing badminton in ninth grade after playing it in gym class and really enjoying it.

Q: At my first varsity practice, I felt …

A: ... excited and nervous.

Q: What did you work on most in the offseason?

Q: What is your favorite meal before a match?

A: Any type of pasta.

Q: To get focused for a match, I …

A: ... visualize.

Q: I know I have an edge on an opponent when …

Q: What is your most memorable moment as a high school athlete?

A: Getting fifth in the badminton state tournament as a junior. I was competing against all seniors.

Q: What are your goals for the remainder of the 2014-2015 school year as an athlete?

A: Get first in the state in badminton.

Q: How do you balance school and sports during the year?

Q: Name one sport that you wish you could play, and why?

A: Dance. I love music and it's involved in a lot of their practices.

Q: When you have time off during vacation, what do you like to do?

A: Sleep and hang out with friends.

Q: Who is your favorite college or pro sports team and why?

Q: Do you have a secret talent — and if so, what is it?

A: I can touch my tongue to my nose.

Q: In 10 years, I hope I …

A: ... have a successful job.

Q: What is the best sports advice you ever received?