Every athlete has a go-to playlist that they listen to before they take the field, step on the court, or dive into the pool. In Pregame Playlist we bring Stanford student-athletes' playlists to you! Hear from Senior Xolani Hodel of Beach Volleyball, who shares her pregame playlist in advance of the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championships this weekend.
GoStanford.com: What's your favorite song on this playlist and why?
Xolani Hodel: "My favorite song on this playlist is "Like That" because of the layered beats, sound variety, and vocal variance."
GS: Who are your favorite artists these days?
XH: "My favorite artists right now are Ckay, Ne-yo, and 21 Savage."
GS: What about this playlist gets you ready for competition?
XH: "I like the layering of beats and high tempo of most of the songs; they get me energetic and excited to play."
GS: How would you describe your music taste in general?
XH: "My music taste is pretty broad but I always circle back to RnB and Rap."
GS: Does this playlist different from what you listen to normally? If so, how come?
XH: "It differs a little bit. I listen to a lot more chill music in my free time but if I need higher energy this playlist is my go-to."
GS: Any unique stories behind what these songs meant to you or your team?
XH: ""Set it off" started playing my junior year in the end of our three-set match against LSU. We ended up winning as the song was playing to upset LSU."
GS: Describe your relationship with music, and how/if that relates to your sport.
XH: "Music definitely acts as an emotional regulation mechanism for me in my daily life and gets me locked in and ready to play before matches."
Check out Xolani's full playlist below.