Student Spotlight - Josie Hester

Name: Josie Hester

Year: Senior

Sport: Beach Volleyball

Major: Business

Hometown: Pelham, Alabama

Why did you choose Huntingdon?

I chose Huntingdon, mainly because I've had family go here and have had a great experience especially on the athletic side of things. I was just far away enough yet close enough from home and knew that I'd be at a comfortable distance away from family. I think going Division III was the best decision for me personally because of the class sizes and personal connection you can make not only with my teachers but also with basically the whole school. 

What are your pre-game rituals?

Drinking a sparkling strawberry guava Celsius 30 minutes before playing, just for that extra kick of energy and also having the health benefits like burning fat and gaining muscle. 

What is your favorite place to eat in Montgomery and why?

La Zona Rosa. You can't go wrong with Mexican food any day of the week.

Who is your favorite professor and why?

Dr. DeLoach. Not only have I had him as a teacher but he is also my academic advisor. He just gets a college student's life and takes the time to make our lives easier all while educating us and making us grow on an academic level.

What class challenged you the most and why?

Business finance. I am not exactly the best math person so when it comes to two different things coming together like math and business it really makes my brain work past the level that I can actually comprehend at.

What is your favorite/least Coach Goodyear/Coach Lowery workout?

My favorite workout would have to be any max day. I like being able to see the growth I've made. I think it's so empowering being one of the people who came into college never actually lifting a weight before to forming muscle on my body and seeing a change and being proud of the things I've overcome like doubt and fear and coming out stronger and stronger after every workout. 

My least favorite, like anyone, would be lucky 777. It really comes down to mental toughness and focusing on the fact that it's all a mindset that it'll be over in no time, going through a great amount of pain, to come out feeling joy that you did that and it's over with.

If you could play a second sport at Huntingdon, what would it be and why?

Softball. I played my whole childhood and had to choose one sport at a certain age and volleyball just so happened to be the one. I honestly miss softball everyday. I wish I had the same skill set I used to have just so I could go back to those childhood days.

What are your plans after Huntingdon?

I plan on going to cosmetology school at Paul Mitchel and hopefully use my business degree to own my own boutique and hair salon, and one day add in a tanning salon, and also have some esthetician training for maybe a future in dermatology.

How did you end up at Huntingdon? Recruiting process, visits, academics, etc.

I had applied to multiple large schools like Alabama, Auburn, UAB, etc and it all came down to one last minute thought of "I might be able to still play volleyball past high school", I eventually got in touch with Coach Brady and went to many camps and eventually got offered to play and that was my deciding factor especially since my cousin played football here and had a great experience.

How is Huntingdon preparing you for your career?

With my business degree, there are so many options out there for me, but it also prepares me for many business opportunities in cosmetology and owning my own business.

What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

The beach volleyball courts. Playing on these courts has allowed me to let go of a lot of stress and aggression. It's like you're on the beach away from the beach and it's so relaxing.