The reigning Mountain West Conference Champion, the San Diego State volleyball team, is deep into its season. Fresh off a home win against the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with five games left to play the Aztecs are No. 6 in conference standings.

The Aztec sat down with last week’s California Bank and Trust Student Athlete of the Week and preseason all-Mountain West team member, senior outside hitter Raegan Shelton, to get to know both the student and the athlete.

The Aztec: When did you start volleyball and what fueled your passion for the sport?

Raegan Shelton: I started volleyball when I was 10. And what fueled my passion throughout playing was the competitiveness of it all and the fact that I was pretty good at that age and wanted to get better. From there I knew that I wanted to play in college.

TA: Why did you decide to come to SDSU?

RS: I chose to come to SDSU because I wanted to experience life outside of Texas, and then when I came on my visit everything fell right into place.  I loved the team, San Diego and the coaching staff.

TA: After the success of winning the MWC last year, how did your team refocus for this season?

RS: We tried not to focus too much on the past wins and to work hard to do the same for this year.

TA: With such a demanding schedule, how do you balance school, volleyball and your social life?

RS: It’s gotten a lot easier as I have gotten older, but I just try to enjoy the moments I’m in and try to balance out everything as equally as I can.

TA: What are you majoring in and why?

RS: I’m majoring in applied design, which is an art major. At first I had no idea what I wanted to do, but as time went on I knew I was good at it and enjoyed working with multiple materials.  I wanted to do something that I knew I could enjoy in the future.

TA: You’re now in your senior year, so what are your plans for after college?

RS: After college I will probably try and play overseas professionally.  If that doesn’t work out, I will most likely go back to Texas to be closer to my family and search for jobs out there.

TA: When you’re not on the court, what do you like to do in your spare time?

RS: In my spare time I like to explore San Diego, spend time with my friends and go to the movies.

TA: Who is your favorite athlete and why?

RS: One of my favorites is Tim Tebow because I like what he stands for and how he’s not afraid to show his faith.

Photo by Jordan Owen, Senior Staff Photographer