FAIRFAX, Va--- GoMason.com went off the court with rising senior Lola Owokoniran, a middle blocker from Raleigh, N.C. Owokoniran is a three-year starter for the Patriots.

You've recently been accepted to graduate school to pursue your Master's of Public Heath with a concentration in Global and Community Heath. The program looks at the way a variety of factors influence the health of communities worldwide. What led you to decide on this program?

Well, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Community Health with a concentration in Global Studies this past May.  For the future aspirations I have in mind, I believe it is important to have a master's degree in public health.  With that being said, I love how the program here at Mason has a Global and Community Health concentration and includes having students complete a practicum and gain professional experience in a health care setting. The quality education I will receive here will be invaluable.

What is your dream career in the public health field?

I have always dreamt of joining the Peace Corps after college.  I also would love to be a part of a non-profit organization that is stationed in a third world country.  I am very passionate about maternal and child health care and to work or create an organization that is centered on these aspects would be a huge accomplishment for me.

You spent time volunteering at hospitals in high school; did you always know you wanted to work in public health?

I always knew that I wanted to do something within the realm of health and medicine.  I actually wanted to be a doctor when I was young.  However, when I got to college and took my first Biology class, I realized I could not do this for the rest of my college career. When I was introduced to the Community Health program, I instantly knew this was the career path that I needed to follow.  Unfortunately, since it is still a Bachelor of Science degree, I couldn't escape taking more biology classes.

Other than studying and getting ready for graduate school, what are some of your plans for this summer to help get ready for the season?

I want to continue to work out as much as I can and continue to get some volleyball time in multiple times during the summer.  My sister also plays volleyball so we can train and practice together. I also try to be as healthy as possible during the summer to kick start the season.  I know my teammates will be ready to go in the fall, and I want to be on the same page so we can start the season off strong.

This is your final season at Mason, what are you hoping to achieve both individually and as a team?

Wow. Last season. That's crazy to think about.  I think my personal goal is to push myself to be the best player for my team.  I am so excited to try to new plays, hit new sets, meet the new players, and win more games.  I want to be a leader for my teammates but more importantly be supportive of the girls while encouraging us to reach new heights.  I think together we can do some amazing things this upcoming fall!