Among the seven freshmen that the ASU volleyball team welcomed to Tempe this fall is freshman libero Jenny Teslevich.
The Arizona native and former Xavier Preparatory volleyball captain walked on to the Sun Devil squad, and has seen immediate playing time on the court.
The State Press caught up with Teslevich to discuss life off the volleyball court, including "The Office" and Oregano’s pizza cookies.
The State Press: So I heard that you like "The Office" — good choice. Who should replace Michael Scott next season?
Jenny Teslevich: That’s one of those big life questions, but I really hope that maybe Tina Fey will make a couple guest appearances because she’s one of my other favorite comedians. Maybe Chris Rock. No one can totally replace Michael Scott.
SP: So Tina Fey leading Dunder Mifflin Scranton? What about Pam?
JT: Oh yeah, put a woman in charge. No, Pam’s going to have a baby. She won’t be able to handle the responsibilities. I don’t know [about] those hormones (laughs).
SP: Can the show survive without Steve Carell?
JT: I think so. Stanley’s still there, he’s still doing his crossword puzzles, and Dwight is there. I definitely think it can.
SP: So you want to have lunch with Dwight Schrute? Why Dwight?
JT: I love Dwight’s sarcasm. I love his passion, whether he’s talking about his beets or whatever. He makes me laugh and he’s funny.
SP: You also like Oregano’s Pizza Bistro. What’s your favorite pizza cookie?
JT: Me and my sister tried peanut butter with chocolate chips. So I get half peanut butter with chocolate chips and then regular chocolate chips. I’m an expert.
SP: You went to Xavier with some of these girls. Do you care to share some embarrassing or funny high school stories about your teammates?
JT: Well [sophomore] Alexis [Pinson] would always wear crazy socks to high school. There was no showering, no shaving, no doing your hair, up in a messy bun, and no makeup. Every day was really just an experience.
SP: Sounds like a good time. Other than volleyball, what are your sports interests?
JT: I was really bomb at soccer in third grade through fifth grade. The badminton coach tried to get me out to play badminton, and promised me a state championship, but I didn’t do it (laughs).
SP: Since you played soccer, did you watch the World Cup this summer?
JT: I did, I was in California. We were all circled around the TV, snacks all around. It was the best; it was so much fun.
SP: So being from Arizona, are you a fan of any Arizona sports teams?
JT: I’ve got to say I’m a bandwagon Cardinals fan, but now that Kurt Warner is out, not so much. I’ve always been a Phoenix Suns fan, big on the Phoenix Suns.
SP: Yeah Kurt Warner was my guy. Now we’ve got Max Hall.
JT: Same here. At least Matt Leinart is out. That’s all I’ve got to say (laughs).
SP: So with the Suns, Steve Nash, no more Amare, who have you got for the Suns? Will they ever be a championship team?
JT: Grant Hill is probably my number one favorite player. He’s really good on defense, really good person, and really aggressive, so one of my favorites. I’m hoping; I’m always keeping the faith.
SP: Getting back to volleyball, what was the walk-on process like?
JT: I actually wasn’t really going to play volleyball until after I played Festival, which is a summer tournament. After we won Festival, I looked at my coach and said “I can’t stop playing.” She really worked with me and [the ASU coaches]. I was able to walk on, and I love it.
Reach the reporter at gregory.dillard@asu.edu
Want to get the latest ASU news in your inbox every day? Sign up for our new e-mail newsletter.
