Senior middle blocker Stefanie Robbins is coming off a stellar junior season that saw her earn Southland Conference Newcomer of the Year and honorable mention All-Southland accolades. A starter in 28 matches, the Three Rivers native led UTSA with 10 block solos, 72 block assists and 82 total blocks and ranked second in kills (273) and hitting percentage (.284). She collected SLC Offensive Player of the Week honors on Oct. 20 after helping lead the Roadrunners to victories at McNeese State and against Stephen F. Austin and also was named to the DePaul Invitational All-Tournament Team (.355 pct./30 kills/five blocks). Robbins took a break from two-a-days on Wednesday afternoon to speak with goUTSA.com.
Now that you’re a little more than a week into two-a-days, how do you feel practice has been going?
“Things have been going really great. We really have bonded well as a team. We have great depth and I am excited to start playing next week.”
What is the biggest challenge during two-a-days?
“I have realized that being a team captain is very important. I need to make sure that I am showing leadership on and off the court and have an open-door policy if any one of my teammates want to talk to me.”
What are your thoughts as you and your teammates head into next Friday’s season opener?
“We are very excited to get on the court and play someone other than ourselves. We’ve been focusing a lot of individual drills, so we need to work on team situations. I feel like we are ready and am looking forward to showing all the fans what UTSA Volleyball is going to be all about this season.”
What are your goals this fall?
“We want to perform at a level where we are recognized at the end of the season with as many honors as possible. I truly believe we have all the pieces necessary to compete for a Southland Conference Championship this fall.”
Is there anyone you pattern your game after?
“My coach at Blinn Junior College, David Rehr, taught me a lot and I have tried to carry that knowledge over with me to the Division I level. I was a little behind when I got there three years ago and he really helped me develop into the player I am today.”
Talk about the adjustments you had to make to your game transferring from the junior college level last fall?
“Junior college was a step up from high school, but Division I was even more of a step up. The game moves a lot faster and there is a lot more travel involved. It was quite a challenge being able to balance out academics and volleyball.”
What was your initial reaction when you learned you were named the Southland Conference Newcomer of the Year?
“I was very surprised but excited at the same time. It was an honor that I didn’t expect, but it made me realize that I had accomplished something special last season.”
What was your most thrilling moment last season?
“I’d say when I was named Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Week. That was an exciting moment for me. Not only did we win both matches that week, but I felt like it was a big moment in my season.“
What three words best describe UTSA Volleyball?
“Unique, cohesive and entertaining.”
Why did you choose UTSA?
“It was close to home and I had a great time meeting the coaches and my future teammates when I came on my visit.”
Describe your overall experience here so far.
“It’s been nothing short of amazing. The level of competition has been great and I have met so many people that I will be friends with the rest of my life.”
What has been your most difficult class in the mathematics curriculum?
“Linear algebra.”
What are your post-graduate plans?
“After I graduate in May, I’d like to pursue my MBA.”
What is the best thing about San Antonio?
“I love the city life. I’ve always lived in the country and not really had neighbors. It’s nice not having to drive an hour to run an errand.”
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
“I love spending time with my family.”
What was the most exciting thing you did this summer?
“I went to Las Vegas and had the time of my life.”
What three people would you want to spend a night at dinner with?
“My boyfriend, Joel, Carrie Underwood and Tony Romo.”
What is your favorite reality TV show?
“The Bachelor and The Bachelorertte.”
What is your biggest vice?
“I let my emotions get the best of me at times.”
Tell us something not many people know about you.
“I can tumble.”
