Athlete of the Week: Trisha Razdan ’25

Trisha Razdan ’25, a junior from Palo Alto, CA, was integral to Swarthmore volleyball’s success over Dickinson College in their conference opener on Saturday afternoon. The Garnet defeated the Red Devils, 3-0, on the road, and Razdan tallied a team-best ten kills for a 0.250 hitting percentage. The junior rallied the Garnet’s energy, closing out their dominant first set with a kill, 25-18. Razdan was named All-Centennial Second Team last season after recording 237 total kills in 25 matches. Swarthmore volleyball will continue conference play on Saturday against McDaniel College in Tarble Pavilion.

1) Can you tell us about the win over Dickinson on Saturday, specifically the intensity of the second set? What does this victory mean for the team?

Dickinson was our first conference match of the season, so it was a great way to start conference play. In the second set, we allowed ourselves to make a lot more unforced errors, which made the score significantly closer than the other two sets. We definitely learned from that set, though, and went on to be more efficient in the final set. Dickinson has some good hitters and defense, so, at times, we had to push through long rallies to get the ball down on their side, which is always a very rewarding feeling. We hope this victory is the first of many in conference play, and it felt great to get that first conference win on the board, especially on the road!

2) How did it feel to tally ten kills?

It felt pretty good! I definitely credit my team and coaches for putting me in positions to score. Kills are not made without a good pass and good set, so I am grateful for my teammates that work hard for me to be in those optimal moments as well as a coaching staff that puts in time to scout what is open on the opposing side of the net. I also think we had a very balanced offense against Dickinson, which allowed us to spread out the opposing block well.

3.) What are some of the team’s goals for the season?

Our goal of winning the conference still stands, but our team has talked a lot about not centering only on that and, instead, focusing on things like cultivating a competitive and supportive environment. I think that our team culture is something that is always developing, but this year in particular, I feel as though we have some really great off-court chemistry with each other.

4.) What are some of your personal goals for the season?

I think with a game like volleyball, that is literally a game of errors, being consistent is a huge goal of mine. We have a lot of great players, and I would say my biggest goal this season is just to be reliable for the team.

5.) Which game are you looking forward to most this season, and why?

I think there are a few. We play Franklin & Marshall at home on Oct. 25, and all the returners have a feeling of unfinished business after last season’s Centennial Conference Tournament semifinals [where we fell 1-3]. Also, playing Johns Hopkins in Baltimore on Oct. 28 will be a good matchup that has the potential to result in some great volleyball.

6.) Do you have any pre- or post-game rituals?

Personally, I don’t have many rituals, but recently I’ve coincidentally been wearing one of two sports bras to play in matches, either a bright orange one or a navy blue one, so perhaps that is becoming a ritual of mine this season. As a team, though, we find it super important to get pumped up prior to our pre-game meeting with coaches, so we all dance in the fieldhouse classroom for about 20 minutes before every game.

7.) Why did you choose Swarthmore, and what are you studying?

I knew I wanted to come out east for college to try something new as a born-and-raised Californian. I learned about Swat really late in the application process, but I liked the idea of studying at a liberal arts college while continuing to play volleyball. I am studying computer science and applied mathematics, both of which have afforded me some really great professors that I am very grateful to have crossed paths with.

8.) Favorite Dining Center bar?

I’ve got to go with Tostada Bar. I am obsessed with the pickled salad.