Alex Zwettler first became interested in volleyball by watching her older sisters Callie and Eliza play for The University of Minnesota-Duluth and Eastern Illinois University, respectively.

Alex and her sister Eliza actually became the first sister duo to play for an Eastern volleyball squad at the same time.

Not to be overshadowed by her older sisters, Alex is already making strides on the volleyball court, as was evident at this past weekends matches at the Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne Invite.

Zwettler finished the four matches over the weekend with four consecutive double-doubles, which upped her career duo-duo number up to 26.

But despite her consistent play over the weekend, Zwettler and head coach Alan Segal believe that she can get even better.

“I think she is a good overall player, but she still has some things to learn, just like the rest of the team,” Segal said. ” I think she is doing a good job so far.”

Zwettler said the Eastern coaching staff has helped her develop her all-around volleyball kills.

She said the additions of Segal and assistant coach Kate Price has helped accelerate her development, especially early on this fall.

“I’ve definitely grown a lot already this fall season, with the knowledge that Alan and Kate bring to the EIU volleyball program,” Zwettler said. “They have really helped the team early on this season and I feel that we have begun to progress already in the pre-season.”

Zwettler explained that for the Eastern volleyball squad to be successful, they will need to be sharp with their passes and play effective defense.

“Passing is very important for every team and as long as we continue to block effectively and pick up some more balls on defense we should be alright,” Zwettler said.

Even though Zwettler is focused on playing her best early in the season, she also has found time to have a good laugh about her nickname “Alexasaurus,” which she received from her teammate junior middle blocker Jorie Dieter.

Dieter explained that she gave Zwettler the nickname when they were roommates because Zwettler was always acting awkward.

“Whenever she is on the volleyball court she looks like a dinosaur,” Dieter said.

Despite the nickname, Dieter admitted that Zwettler is a strong defender and spiker.

“I really think she is a great leader and a great offensive player,” Dieter said. “She brings a lot to the team by getting all of us together and keeping us focused.”

Neil Schneider can be reached at 581-7944 or at jnschneider@eiu.edu.