One of FIU’s newest recruits for its budding sand volleyball program is Emily Podschweit, a 17-year-old ball of energy who has befriended several of her sport’s VIPs, including Misty May-Treanor.

For several months in 2010, Podschweit emailed “millions of questions” to Jon Aharoni, the head coach for the U.S. Under-19 beach volleyball national team.

Podschweit wanted to know everything — even basics such as how to run in the sand.

“It may sound simple,” said Podschweit, a 5-7 senior libero in the indoor game who led Chaparral (Parker, Colo.) to a 2011 state title. “But as a defensive player, speed is one of the most important parts of my game.”

Aharoni laughed off Podschweit’s emails — at first.

“But she was relentless,” Aharoni said. “She wanted to know how she could get involved.

“When she found out I just had a daughter, she volunteered to become our nanny.”

Podschweit was more than just persistent. She was also extremely confident.

“I’m going to be your next Misty May,” she told Aharoni.

FIU coach Rita Buck-Crockett would love for that to happen, of course. The NCAA’s historic first season of sand volleyball begins next month, and FIU will start play in 2013.

Three signees

Buck-Crockett cannot comment on unsigned players, but three players have confirmed their commitments to FIU: Podschweit; 6-1 Maryna Samoday from the Ukraine and Seminole State (Okla.) Junior College; and 6-0 high school senior Kathryn Leckridge from Tallahassee Chiles.

Podschweit, who had impressed Team USA coaches at a 2010 volleyball clinic in Chicago, was one of 10 girls invited to spend three weeks training in Russia just before the start of her junior year.

But when she struggled with the Russian cuisine, May-Treanor — who was there as a mentor for all the players — let her know that she was a guest of the Russians, and it was bad form not to eat and enjoy their food.

“Who gets yelled at by Misty May?” said Podschweit’s mother, Mary Kaye, clearly delighted by the story. “Emily learned a great life lesson.”

Chaparral coach T.R. Ellis used the word “amazing” to describe Podschweit.

“She has an uncanny ability to read where the hits are going,” Ellis said of Podschweit, who set a school record in 2010 with 35 digs in one match. “Emily seems to come from out of nowhere to make plays.”

‘Dream big’

Podschweit’s mother said her daughter first drew inspiration when, at age 11, she met legendary beach player Kerri Walsh at a clinic. Walsh told Podschweit to “dream big,” and the pre-teen took it to heart.

“My other daughter, Aubrey, is a hugger, a team player,” Mary Kaye Podschweit said. “Emily’s attitude on the court is ‘stay out of my way.’ She literally stares down the server.”

Aharoni once told Podschweit that to make it at her size, volleyball had to be the first thing she thought about when she went to sleep and the first thing she pondered when she woke up.

“The next thing I know,” Aharoni said, “I got a call from her mother that Emily had dumped her boyfriend.”

Aharoni said Podschweit follows May-Treanor on Facebook.

“I’m sure they’re best friends by now because Emily won’t give up,” he said. “I don’t know if Emily will win a gold medal or become a pro player like Misty. But I won’t bet against her.”