Timeout: Hall Morphs a Hobby Into Happiness!

TIMEOUT! Let’s take a minute to really get to know Forbes Hall!

What first got you into beach volleyball, and when did you realize it could become more than just a hobby?

I actually started playing indoor volleyball when I was 11, and then went to Sonic one day and played on the singular sand court they had out there and instantly fell in love with the game. I realized it could become more than just a hobby when I started winning a few tournaments and attending camps around the country.

What does a typical day in-season look like for you at LSU?

It's a pretty go-go-go schedule, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Each day is a little different but usually I am at practice from 6:30-10:00 am, then classes in the middle of the day, straight to lift and recovery, some down time for homework/food/and rest, then dinner and go to sleep early, wake up and do it all over again!

What’s your go-to way to reset after a stressful practice or game?

It's so easy to get caught up in the volleyball bubble I live in, so when I have those days I’ve learned that it’s huge for me to get outside of volleyball and myself and be able to pour time into things like my faith, family, and friends. Those are the most important pieces of my life so to be able to rely on them when I am needing a reset is everything, it helps me remember that life is so much more than just volleyball.

How do you balance being a student and a Division I athlete?

Like I said above, being able to pour into ALL aspects of my life is what makes it possible for me to balance everything. I don't focus or spend too much time focusing on the good or the bad of whatever I'm doing, that way I am just able to keep moving along.

What’s one misconception people have about beach volleyball?

This is going to sound funny, but a lot of people always ask me what beach we are playing on. For beach volleyball you don't have to actually be playing on a beach, they have sand courts all around (even inside:)

How do you take care of your body—physically and mentally—throughout the season?

I wish I knew how to condense this answer into two sentences, but if I had to choose one thing for each I would say… tapping into my faith is how I take care of myself mentally, I know I'm not able to do anything without God and his plans for me. On the physical side, making sure I'm fueling correctly and meeting with our athletic trainers for recovery is crucial.

Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?

I have the same pre-game/tournament breakfast every morning, and no it never gets old. I have 2 eggs mixed with egg white and spinach with a piece of sourdough bread that has a mixture of cottage cheese and avocado. If you're reading this, you should try it; it will change your life.

Who has been your biggest influence or role model in your athletic journey?

My family (mom, dad, and brother) is my rock. They are the people who supported me throughout every single step of my journey. I would have never been anywhere close to the position I am today without each of them encouraging me, and uplifting me throughout all the highs and lows.

What’s something about you that fans might not know?

I was actually a Gymnast for 8 years before I started any type of volleyball. Gymnastics was my first love.

What advice would you give to younger athletes who hope to play at the collegiate level one day?

Strive for progress, not perfection. It took me a while to learn that consistency is key, there are so many ups and downs that come with being an athlete because you can't perform to the best of your ability every day, it's impossible. When you have an off day, just start again and don't let it snowball, get back up and keep going.

What are you hoping to do after college, either within volleyball or beyond it?

I don’t know where I’ll be or what I’ll be doing, but I know this: wherever I go, I’m carrying the light and the truth of Jesus. That’s the only plan I’m certain of.