Michael Volkening is second-year student and guard on the Case Western Reserve University’s men’s basketball team. He has seen the court in 19 games this year, averaging 7.3 points and 2.1 assists per game. Outside basketball, Volkening has a strong passion for entrepreneurship; thus, he is currently pursuing his degree in finance. He loves to hang out with friends, and even play more basketball in his free time.

What is your favorite part of being on the basketball team? Why?

The best part of being on the basketball team is the relationships you make. You get to know alumni, fans, coaches and most importantly you make life-long friendships with your teammates.

Where did you get your passion for basketball? Any good stories?

My passion for basketball came from my mother. The most memorable thing I can think of from my career is her unwavering support. I can remember ever since I was little she has always been preaching to me about hard work. I truly believe she is one of the main reasons I am where I am today. Not necessarily in a basketball sense but life in general.

Do you have any games that you remember being particularly special? Why?

Winning the sectional title my senior year was pretty special. It was the first Sectional championship for Marengo [Community High School] in [over] 15 years.

Aside from basketball, what else are you involved in on campus? Can you explain what you do in them?

Something that I am pretty involved in is [CWRU] LaunchNet. It is an organization that helps cultivate students entrepreneurial spirit and ideas.

Why are you majoring in finance? What interests you about it?

Ultimately with my degree I hope to start my own company. The reason I have this aspiration is because of my father. [He] and my mother started their own business and just a few years ago I became increasingly interested in it. I can really tell that the business is something that my father prides himself in, and hopefully someday I can have the same experience.

What are your favorite free time activities? Why?

In my free time I like to hangout with friends, relax, work at LaunchNet and play basketball.

What quote inspires you?

Something that has inspired me since I was young is the Bible verse Romans 8:31. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” It tells us that if we believe in God we shouldn’t live in fear but rather in hope.