Up Close: Rob Neilson

Up Close: Rob NeilsonUp Close: Rob Neilson

Favorite Cold Cereal: Oh's

Favorite volleyball memory: Winning the LA City Championship with all of my friends at Pali High School.

I chose volleyball over other sports because: I had friends that played, I needed an off season sport from basketball, and the tennis coach at my school was a jerk.

How I spend my off-season: This year it will be going to school, studying for the MCAT, and hitting the weights. Hopefully I can squeeze in sometime at the beach.

Who has had the greatest influence on my volleyball career: Dave Suarez, my high school coach, and Chris McGee and Alvin Lamarre, my club coaches.

What I want to be doing 20 years from now: Being a good dad and playing with my kids.

The best volleyball player I've ever faced is: Mike Burke, everyday in practice.

Something I'd like to do sometime in my life: Skydive.

If I played another sport for BYU, it would be: Tennis. I love that sport and nothing beats playing outdoors.

My favorite music group: I love classical music, too many great composers to pick just one.

People say I look like: That guy from the second new Star Wars movie, the kid who becomes Darth Vader.

Favorite BYU professor: Vencil Skarda, in the math department.

Most interesting class I've taken at BYU: Sociology 111 with Ralph Brown

If I had to give up all my possessions but one, I'd keep: There's nothing I wouldn't give away if I had to.

Favorite scripture: Mosiah 8:18 "Thus God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty miracles; therefore he becometh a great benefit to his fellow beings."

Advice to youngsters: Set goals, work hard and be confident that you can achieve what you have in mind to do.

Interesting fact most people don't know about me: In 1998 I was the runner-up for Mr. Palisades, in one of those goofy town pageants. One of the more embarrassing things that I've ever done.

If you could invite any three people to dinner, who would they be: My future wife, I'd like to meet her, Kresimir Cosic (the former BYU basketball great who helped bring the church to Yugoslavia, where I served my mission) and Marlin K. Jensen, one of my heroes among the brethren.

What do you contribute to the team: Hopefully leadership, friendship and a solid work ethic.

My first job: Lifeguard at a community pool.

Nickname: Freshman year it was Chester, because I had an unfortunate incidence bench pressing. Otherwise, its just Rob.

Favorite movie: Braveheart.

How did you pick your jersey number: Just the one they gave me when I was a greenhorn in high school.