Bio
The 6ft 1, Jessica Gysin, is a growing sensation in the world of Beach Volleyball. Jess is a 26 year old outside hitter and she began making a name for herself at USC where she was a former All-American volleyballer. In this time she was the 16th player in USC history to reach the 1,000 kill mark in her career. Since becoming a professional Beach Volleyball player she has made 15 top 10 finishes in competitions and in 2012 she reached 3rd place in the National Volleyball League. There is much more to come from Jess and she is one to watch for Rio 2016 Olympics. Keep up to date with Jessica’s performances by following her on Twitter @JessGysin.
Q & A
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NUMBER OF YEARS PARTICIPATING IN YOUR SPORT?
Indoor: 17, Beach: 2
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WHEN DID YOU START YOUR SPORT?
Started playing club volleyball at the age of 9.
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YEARS AS A PROFESSIONAL?
2
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WHO / WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Seeing accomplished athletes impact and inspire so many people drives me to get to the top of my sport and inspire others.
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IF YOU WERE NOT A PRO BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYER YOU WOULD BE?
Food and wine critic
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WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SONGS CURRENTLY LOADED ONTO YOUR IPOD?
Firework by Katy Perry is my ultimate pump up song, but other than that it's all country!
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WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT TO YOU THAN BEACH VOLLEYBALL?
My family, my health and happiness.
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DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER SPECIAL TALENTS (MUSIC/WRITE/DRAW/PAINT)?
I can play one really good Mozart song on the piano but that's about it. Fur Elise!
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TO ME, OAKLEY IS:
More than just a brand, it's one of the greatest families to be apart of. Oakley not only makes world-class products but also has the most amazing people apart of the "O" team!
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FAVORITE: i. BANDS: ii. FILMS: iii. BOOKS: iv. TV SHOWS: v. DRINK:
i. Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Darius Rucker, Lady Antebellum, Rascall Flatts, Zac Brown Band ii. Anything Will Ferrell iii. I love reading non-fiction books and learning how our world works. The most interesting story to me is Steve Job's creation of Apple, and the book "Inside Steve's Brain" is so crazy. He was the greatest visionary of our time! iv. The Bachelor/Bachelorette or the Kardashians. I'm a total sucker for trashy reality TV. v. Amy and Brian's Natural Coconut Juice or Acai Berry flavored EmergenC. For a cocktail, the Jose Cuervo authentic light margarita on the rocks, no salt
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WHAT SHOT/PART OF THE GAME ARE YOU WORKING ON?
As a left side player, the cut shot is the most difficult shot to master because it requires an unnatural armswing for me. I'm always working on the cutty!
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DO YOU FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL DIET?
I try to avoid processed foods, sugar and excess starches so that my body is fueled and ready to go. I try to stick to lean protein, fruits, veggies and nuts but I definitely cheat sometimes. Everyone needs some balance in their diet or else you will go crazy! Everyone needs some pizza in their life now and then.
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WHAT IS YOUR FITNESS ROUTINE?
During the season, I train on the sand 4 days a week for 2-3 hours a day and get into the gym for an hour and a half a few days a week for circuit weight-training. In the off-season, I love doing spin classes, hiking, tennis, stand up paddle boarding, or mountain bike riding. It's so much fun to switch up workout routines so I never get bored and the off-season is a great time to try new things.
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5 ITEMS YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT:
My phone, La Mer face moisturizer, Oakley shades, good music, and a fabulous pair of shoes.
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IF YOU COULD BE SOMEONE FAMOUS, WHO WOULD YOU BE?
I would love to be Lady Gaga just to see what it's like to be so over the top all the time. I would probably get over it pretty fast though because she never wears sweats or flat shoes!
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WHO WOULD PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE?
Cameron Diaz
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PARTY ANIMAL OR MELLOW TV ON THE COUCH?
Both. I love relaxing at home in my sweats watching TV but I also love having a good time with family and friends. My idea of a good time is going out to nice dinners and having some good wine. During season though, I'm definitely more of a couch potato.
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FAVORITE PLACE TO VACATION?
I love Italy but I'm dying to go to France and Australia!
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WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE THAT VOLLEYBALL HAS TAKEN YOU AND WHY?
Italy or Switzerland. During my college years at USC, we did a European tour and competed against some national teams all over Europe. Italy has the best food and shopping of all time, but Switzerland was the most gorgeous place I've ever seen. There is no place in the world that compares to Lake Geneva with the Alps as the backdrop.
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FAVORITE COURT?
My home court in Manhattan or Hermosa beach. We have the best sand in the world.
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FAVORITE POST VOLLEYBALL SNACK/MEAL?
My favorite quick snack for energy is a chunky peanut butter Think Thin bar. They are gluten free, sugar free and have 20 grams of protein and they are DELICIOUS. My favorite recovery meal after a workout is usually salmon, veggies, a sweet potato and coconut water.
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