Get to know Sasha Cromer

Get to know the KC Power Setter, Sasha Cromer. Cromer is an up and coming setter in the 2027 class with a PPV of 196. She has a great high contact point which allows her to distribute quickly and hold blockers very well. She's incredibly offensive with the ability to score all along the net. I had the chance to ask Sasha a couple of questions about her to get to know her and check out her recent NTDP experience! Hope you all enjoy learning more about Sasha as much as I did!

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• What did it feel like to finally get that NTDP invite?

I was incredibly excited to get invited and couldn't wait to get to Florida and onto the court to play with some of the best players in the country. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to train with this elite group of players and coaches!  

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• Tell us about the experience of being around the NTDP coaching staff?

A huge shout out to all the USAV staff and the incredible coaches who worked us hard and taught me some concepts and strategies that will stick with me forever. 

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• What was one of the biggest takeaways you will bring back to your club practices in the coming weeks?

One of the main focuses of this weekend was to learn how to analyze the other side of the net and use their tendencies against them. We focused on little details which translated to key aspects of the game, including some setting techniques and watching blockers' first moves on the opposing side.

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• What does the next month look like for you as we approach June 15th?

I'm planning to attend several prospect camps in early June, so if a call does come, I'll at least have been on campus and met the coaching staff in person. I've heard from a lot of older players that you really don't know if you'd feel at home at a school until you visit and see everything first hand.  

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• What are you looking for in a coach and a program?

I'm hoping to fall in love with a school and program this summer. I'm focused on rigorous academics and am hoping to play in one of the power 5 conferences. I'm looking for a coach that communicates well and really challenges me to get better and play smarter.  

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• What part of the recruiting process are you most looking forward to?

I can't wait to walk around some of these beautiful campuses I've only seen in pictures! I love meeting new people at camps every year and can’t wait to do the same this summer. 

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• Who is your favorite NCAA volleyball player?

 I love watching Ella Swindle play at Texas. I grew up watching her at the KC POWER practice facility in Kansas City and she inspired me for several years as a young setter. She commuted two hours each way to make it to practice, which shows her dedication to the sport she is so passionate about. She’s just an amazing human and teammate, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for her!  

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• What do you like to do outside of the volleyball gym? Hobbies?

I love hanging out with my friends and playing other sports, including tennis and track. 

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• Do you have a role model or an influential person in your life? Who and what's the story?

Some of my heroes are my grandparents. My grandma Rosemary has been there for me throughout the years, and she is an inspiration to all who know her. She grew up in a small town in Kansas and went on to do many things that were uncommon in her era. She travelled the world, including a trip to India in her early 20s that she remembers fondly. She was a teacher for many years and continues to be a creative force in the fabric arts world. She also battled cancer and major surgeries to treat it, and I look up to her for her strength and her outlook on life. Plus, she loves shopping as much as I do! My grandpa Joe is also someone I look up to. He's been a math teacher for many years and continues to tutor math and manage the family farm, two full-time jobs at almost 80 years old! My grandparents on my mom's side are also heroes in their own way. They escaped the former Czechoslovakia in the late 1970s with three small kids in tow. I find it inspiring because it was risky and they were brave to envision a better future for their four daughters. They have since returned to the Czech Republic, and I love being able to visit them and other family in Europe as often as I can!  

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• If you had to give advice to younger girls what advice/tips would you give?

Get your reps in and find your passion early! My first KC Power club coach was our founder, Gwenn Pike. I asked what I could do at home to become a better setter, and she gave me a list of specific drills and workouts. She met me for extra reps before and after practice, set aside extra time for me, and I did my best to work hard every single day. My club coaches and director continue to offer extra workouts and awesome specialized setter training, and I go as often as my schedule allows. I love being in the gym working to get better every single day.