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SAN ANTONIO -- With the 2018 UTSA volleyball season just days away from first serve, get to know the Roadrunners with a fun question & answer on GoUTSA.com!
Today, learn all about UTSA senior defensive specialist Ashley Dominguez! A product of San Antonio's Winston Churchill High School, Dominguez is in her second year on campus after opening her collegiate career at North Dakota. At North Dakota, she combined for 360 digs in two years. Last year, she appeared in 24 matches and ranked fourth on the team with 1.17 digs per set. She earned a double-double vs. SMU with 19 assists and 15 digs.
The Roadrunners open their 2018 season on Friday vs. San Francisco at 3 p.m. CT in West Point, N.Y., with Army West Point hosting the Army Invitational. UTSA will then face Quinnipiac and Army on Saturday.
At what age did you begin playing volleyball?
AD: I started playing volleyball in second grade
Why did you start playing volleyball?
AD: I started playing volleyball because my mom asked me if I wanted to sign up for cyo (sports league through my church) at St. Marks.
What is your earliest memory of volleyball?
AD: Playing cyo for St. Marks. My team would always move up together so we all played together there for four years.
Who is your inspiration in volleyball and why?
AD: Kerri Walsh she is an amazing athlete and person. I got to meet her once and wear her Olympic medals.
Who is a current/former collegiate or professional volleyball athlete whom you admire and why?
AD: Kerri Walsh because she is crazy good and is super genuine as a person, I really like her!! I also admire her because she is an amazing indoor and beach player.
What family members have made the biggest impact on your life and why?
AD: My parents Daniel and Araceli Dominguez are the most loving and hard working people I know, they always do their best to provide the best life possible for my siblings and I. There aren't enough words to describe how appreciative I am and how much I love them. I am so extremely blessed to have them as my parents. I would never be where I am now if it wasn't for all the unconditional love and support they have always given me. My brother Alec and my sister Daniella have also always supported me my whole life, they are the most amazing siblings I could ever ask for. All of us have played volleyball before so we would go in the backyard to play volleyball and have actually gotten the opportunity to play in coed tournaments together! I am super blessed to have them in my life as well, I always have so much fun with them.
Do you have any family members who played collegiate sports? What sport and where did they play?
AD: My cousin Garrett played baseball at Denton, my cousin Jared wrestled at Penn State, my cousin Joseph plays football at Texas A&M Kingsville, and my cousin Katie plays volleyball at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.
What are the strengths of your volleyball game? What are the areas you are currently trying to work on the most?
AD: I think my strength is defense and I am currently trying to better my serve receive.
Why did you decide to attend the UTSA?
AD: I really wanted to come back after playing two years at another D1 across the country. I also choose UTSA because my father graduated for here and I thought it would be super cool to graduate from the same university as my dad.
What are your individual and team goals at UTSA?
AD: My individual goal is to have a lot of fun my final season of volleyball, my team goal is to make it to the NCAA tournament!
What is your academic major and why did you select that major?
AD: My major at UTSA is Public Health, but once I graduate I am going to nursing school! I decided to become a nurse because I love to help people.
What are your career goals (after volleyball) and why do you have an interest in pursuing that particular career?
AD: My career goal is to become a nurse after volleyball. I want to participate in this program for Doctors without Borders, where I get to travel all over the world helping people in different countries. I have always wanted to travel and see the world and this way I can do that plus experience different cultures at the same time!
Have there been any big obstacles that you have had to overcome in your life? How did you overcome them and how did that experience help shape you?
AD: I have been very blessed in not having to face too many big obstacles, however in the spring I did break my hand and was out for over a month. It was super hard not being able to compete and play but it helped me have an even stronger drive to play the game once I was cleared to play again.
What do you enjoy doing outside of volleyball and school?
AD: I enjoy hanging out with friends and being active outside. I love going on little adventures especially trips to any place that has water like the river, beach or lake.
Do you have any pets? What are their names and what role do they play in your life?
AD: In my apartment two of my roommates have cats but back home I have a cat named Lilianna, and three dogs named Benji, Patches, and Jacki. I love being around all of them, they make me so happy because they're super cute!
What is something most people might not know about you?
AD: I always have to sleep with my body completely covered, including my face.
What would you most like to be known for as a UTSA volleyball player?
AD: I would love to be known as someone who was fun and very well rounded.
What advice would you give to a young girl who would like to one day be in your shoes?
AD: To work hard for her goals, but to also have fun. Volleyball is super important but it isn't your full identity so don't let it become that. It is super important to have other things in your life that you really care about and love to do. Finally make time to be with friends and have a social life, it will help with all the stress and pressure that can come with the sport.
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