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SAN ANTONIO -- With the 2018 UTSA volleyball season is well underway, it is time to get to know our 2018 student-athletes!
Today, learn all about UTSA senior setter Amanda Gonzales. A native of New Braunfels, Texas, Gonzales has been a fixture in the Roadrunners lineup in each of her four seasons. She has played in 247 sets in her career and averaged 9.73 assists per set, including 10.57 assists per set in 2018.
UTSA (5-1) will return action on Friday with the Flo Hyman Invitational, facing host Houston at 11:30 a.m. and Houston Baptist at 4:30 p.m.
Our girl Amanda Gonzales has been a fixture in the lineup in her career. Join her on a Roadrunners Stroll! #BirdsUp 🤙
— UTSA Volleyball (@UTSAvolleyball) September 4, 2018
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At what age did you begin playing volleyball?
AG: I started playing CYO volleyball when I was 7 years old and I joined a club team in the fifth grade.
Why did you start playing volleyball?
AG: My mom didn't want me to keep doing competitive cheerleading so she said that if stopped cheering and tried volleyball she would buy me a skateboard. I took the deal.
What is your earliest memory of volleyball?
AG: I can still remember my first practice. I remember meeting my team and coaches. I am still friends with many of them.
Who is your inspiration in volleyball and why?
AG: My Grandpa Flores is my inspiration. He loved sports but he couldn't play because he had polio as a young boy. He was able to watch me play my freshmen year at UTSA before he passed away. Before each game he would call or text and always reminded me to play with heart. He always told me that I had the heart of a champion. I try and remember that every time I play.
Who is a current/former collegiate or professional volleyball athlete whom you admire and why?
AG: I admire Courtney Thompson because she was also an undersized setter. She played with a lot of passion and she was a good leader and teammate. She won a National Championship and was on the US Olympic team.
What family members have made the biggest impact on your life and why?
AG: My parents are Freddy and Leti Gonzales. My brother, David, also attends UTSA. My parents have made the biggest impact in my life. They both sacrificed a lot so I could play club volleyball and basketball when I was younger. They drove me to practices an hour away two to three times a week when I was growing up. They have also always supported me in anything I wanted to try and accomplish. My mom taught me how to work hard and not let obstacles stand in the way of my goals. I also have my uncle Rick and uncle Louis that have made a big impact in my life because they have been my biggest fans and supporters. They have been there to support me at high school basketball game, track meets and all of my college home games.
Do you have any family members who played collegiate sports? What sport and where did they play?
AG: My cousin Jennie Flores plays softball at Sul Ross.
What are the strengths of your volleyball game? What are the areas you are currently trying to work on the most?
AG: My strengths are my knowledge of the game and my leadership. I am working on my defense and serve so Dom (assistant coach Dominique Gonzalez) will stop calling me a cupcake.
Why did you decide to attend the UTSA?
AG: I liked the coaches and team and I wanted to be close to home so my family could come to the games.
What are your individual and team goals at UTSA?
AG: My goal is to win our conference and go to the NCAA tournament.
What is your academic major and why did you select that major?
AG: My major is General Mathematics Studies. I am also working towards a teaching certification to teach secondary math. I selected math as my major because I liked high school math and I enjoyed my high school math teachers. I also enjoyed helping my friends and teammates with their math homework in high school.
What are your career goals (after volleyball) and why do you have an interest in pursuing that particular career?
AG: I want to be a high school math teacher and volleyball coach. I've always wanted to be a teacher and I want to inspire students both academically and athletically. I love coaching club volleyball and I feel like I have a lot to offer other players.
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?
AG: My size has been the biggest obstacle. have had to train harder and be twice as good as my competition. I also was cut from my 17 club team. I had to make the decision to continue working for my goal to play college volleyball or quit. I was fortunate to get the chance to play with a top team in San Antonio. It all worked out for the best because I ended up on a team with great players and coaches that led me to UTSA.
What do you enjoy doing outside of volleyball and school?
AG: I like to wakeboard and I like to read.
Do you have any pets? What are their names and what role do they play in your life?
AG: I have two cats, Simba and Luna. I love coming home to them after a stressful day.
What would you most like to be known for as a UTSA volleyball player?
AG: I would like to be known for my leadership and my work ethic.
What advice would you give to a young girl who would like to one day be in your shoes?
AG: Set goals for yourself and work hard everyday to reach them. It won't always be easy so embrace the struggle because there can't be growth without it. Also, enjoy every moment you get to play. You will make some of the best memories and friends in the process.
- GO UTSA -