Amber O'Donnell (East Newark, NJ/Harrison) was a key contributor to the NJCU women's volleyball program during the 2017 season as the junior outside hitter started in 20 of the team's 27 matches.

For those who have seen #NJCUWVB play, it's easy to spot O'Donnell on the court. Her versatile play helped the team both offensively and defensively as she finished second on the team with 242 digs, 2.88 digs/game,142 kills and 1.69 kills/set.

We caught up with Amber O'Donnell (East Newark, NJ/Harrison) to hear more about her experience in this week's edition of #WhyNJCU.

Tell us a little bit about your family and something unique about them:
"I have three sisters and one brother, Mike O'Donnell (a member of NJCU's baseball team), who try to attend everyone single one of my games. My parents are always there to motivate and push me to do better. If one of them is not at the game, then they are constantly getting updates from someone else about what's going on."

What's the best thing about being a student-athlete at NJCU?
"The best thing about being a student-athlete is getting to meet everyone in the athletic department and everyone on all the sports teams."

If you didn't play your current sport, what would you play?
"Basketball."

What is your major and why did you choose that field of study?
"My major is criminal justice and l chose it because I have a family background in law enforcement."

Who is the biggest influence in your life and why?
"My dad [Michael] is my biggest influence because he motivated me to do things I wouldn't have done otherwise."

What is your dream job after graduating from NJCU?
"I want to be a police officer."

What has been your most favorite moment at NJCU?
"My most favorite moment at NJCU is the annual Knight Cap event."

If you could have dinner with four people, who would you choose?
"I would choose director of athletic communications and marketing Ira Thor,  NJCU athletics bookkeeper Raven Conyers, head men's basketball coach Marc Brown and director of volleyball operations and head women's volleyball coach Robert Cole."

What is one of your favorite team traditions and why?
"My favorite team tradition is when we all go out to eat because everyone loves food and we all enjoy being together."

If you had to answer #WhyNJCU to someone, what would you say?
"If someone asked me #WhyNJCU, then I would tell them that the school and the people in it are very welcoming. Also, I get the chance to play a sport I really love."