So, since October is apparently the Month of the Gopher, let's check in with that another volleyball player of note, Taylor Carico, who was interviewed by WCCO recently.

Here's the ominous-sounding opening:
"Taylor Carico had it all."

Wow. This is usually the opening reserved for someone who developed a tragic gambling addiction, or the subject of a Lifetime movie.

"She was a star volleyball player at USC playing in her home state. So, it was intriguing when she left the beaches for the land of 10,000 lakes."

No, no no. You can't start out all serious with the Katie Couric opening, and then downshift to say it was "intriguing" when she transferred. But Carico goes with the rational tone, telling us:

"'Basically, I was just ready for a change and to get out of California.'"

Right, but usually that means a weekend in Sun Valley, or a day in Vegas, but...Minneapolis? Why Minneapolis?

"'She contacted us and we listened to her story.'"

Mike Hebert, the Great Listener. Gretzky was the Great One, Gatsby was just...plain great, but Hebert excels at listening. Young coaches take note.

"...and she listened to us and decided to come to Minnesota."

Oh, so it was a two-way street kind of thing. Gotcha. They listened to each other's stories, decided to join forces. Sounds like a single parents support group, or an episode of "Superfriends."

But I'm still not sure why Minnesota? Aren't there other great listeners out there? Did Carico's friends help her make the decision?

"'Whenever I told someone I was going to Minnesota [they said] --"

Let me guess: You'll do great, what a great decision, congratulations?

"'You're gonna freeze. You're gonna die.' she said, laughing. 'I was like, I'm not going to die, I'm gonna come back alive.'"

Taylor Carico, Bear Grylls of Division I volleyball.