WPIAL Alum Q&A – April Krivoniak

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, November 30, 2015 | 1:17 PM

Competing in one college sport is very challenging, but playing two sports at the collegiate level is incredibly impressive. April Krivoniak, a junior at Robert Morris University, competes on both the volleyball and track and field teams for the Colonials. As a result, she is the featured athlete on this week’s installment of WPIAL Alum Q&A.

Krivoniak’s diverse athleticism was on display prior to college, as she competed in three sports, including basketball, while at Greater Latrobe High School. She made quite a mark on the volleyball court, however, as she became a four-year starter for the Wildcats. She was a three-time section honoree, and during her sophomore and season campaigns, Krivoniak earned All-WPIAL honors.

Krivoniak was equally impressive in the classroom in high school, as she was a member of National Honors Society, and was named an AP Scholar.

Following her graduation, she continued her education and athletic endeavors at Robert Morris University. In her freshman year on the volleyball team, Krivoniak finished second on the squad with 229 kills and 276.5 points, and her 20 service aces ranked third.

As a sophomore in 2014, she contributed 63 blocks, and notched double-digit kills in six matches.

Additionally, that same year Krivoniak was named to the All-NEC (Northeast Conference) Rookie Team for her performance in the shot put.

This season, Krivoniak has taken her volleyball performance to the next level. Her best outings have come within the past month, as she has contributed double-digit kills in six of the past seven matches.

Her strong play helped guide the Colonials to the 2015 NEC Tournament Championship Title, as Robert Morris defeated LUI Brooklyn 3-1 earlier this month. For her stellar play, Krivoniak was named the tournament’s most valuable player.

As a result of the championship, the Colonials automatically qualified for the 2015 NCAA Tournament, where they will face Ohio State in the first round on Friday.

Before she turns her focus entirely to that contest, however, April took the time to provide some insight into her athletic career and personal life.

Q: What were your feelings after capturing the conference title against three-time defending champion LIU Brooklyn?

A: When I saw the line judge raise his flag, indicating that LIU had hit the ball out-of-bounds for match point, my jaw dropped and I was in shock. The feeling of beating a three-time defending champion on their home court was surreal. The scene honestly felt like one from a movie or a dream. I had pictured winning the title all season, but when the moment actually came, the feeling was greater than any ever imagined.

Q: You played a key role in that victory, and your team’s success down the stretch of the season. How have you been able to perform at such a high level recently?

A: Honestly, I have just been focusing on having fun and enjoying the game. I have always played my best volleyball when I am able to relax and have fun, rather than overthink the game.

Q: What will be crucial in making a run in the NCAA tournament?

A: We will have to play a clean game and go out swinging. The team we will face in the first round is likely to be a lot taller and more physical than our team, so we will have to play our scrappy defense and fight for every point.

Q: What were the team and your individual goals prior to the season?

A: Our team’s goal was to win an NEC championship. It had been far too long since the last time that RMU earned the title. Individually, I wanted to be a large contributor to the team’s success and ultimately help to lead us to the championship match.

Q: What is the area in which you have most improved since joining Robert Morris?

A: My defense has definitely improved the most since beginning my career at RMU. I rarely played all six rotations in high school, but I have earned my way into all six rotations at the collegiate level.

Q: You have been very strong academically, as well. What is your major, and what’s your ideal profession?

A: I am dual majoring in Biomedical and Mechanical engineering. My ideal profession involves designing (or improving the designs of) medical equipment or sports equipment.

Q: What led to you choosing to attend Robert Morris University?

A: I chose RMU because it met all of the criteria that I was looking for in a school. First and foremost, I could study Biomedical engineering at RMU. I also liked the fact that the school was not too far from home, but far enough to get away. I felt like the volleyball program was a great fit for me, as well.

Q: You played three sports at Greater Latrobe. When did you know volleyball was going to be your future?

A: I really started to focus on volleyball during my junior year of high school. I played basketball for countless years before junior year, but decided to give it up that year to pursue my volleyball career. Encouraged by my high school coach, I ended up dedicating a great deal of time to volleyball and became involved with the highly competitive Pittsburgh Elite Volleyball Club. My experience at Pittsburgh Elite definitely reassured me that volleyball was the right choice for my future. Ironically enough, I have had a great opportunity to continue my track & field career at RMU, as well. Currently, I compete in the shot put, but I intend to resume competing in all of the throwing events during my senior year and fifth year, after my volleyball career ends.

Q: What is your best high school memory?

A: My best high school memories definitely revolve around playing sports and spending time with my teammates. I will never forget the feeling of making it to states and medaling in the shot put for track. However, my favorite memories from high school volleyball involve the games in which we beat Kiski, even though they had a boy on their team.

Q: Latrobe is famous for Arnold Palmer and Mr. Rogers. Have you ever met either or have any stories about them?

A: Unfortunately, I have never personally met either of them. However, I attended my cousin’s graduation ceremony at St. Vincent and Mr. Rogers was the commencement speaker. Also, I graduated high school with Arnold Palmer’s grandson.

Q: What is your favorite TV show currently or all time?

A: Last Man Standing

Q: Who is your favorite music artist or genre?

A: Country Music

Q: What is the best way to spend free time?

A: Enjoying the outdoors if the weather is nice, or watching Netflix if it is not.

Q: What is your favorite Thanksgiving food?

A: Stuffing

Tags: Latrobe