SAN ANTONIO – With the 2018 UTSA volleyball season underway, it is time to get to know our 2018 student-athletes!
Today, learn all about sophomore middle hitter Christine Egu, a six-foot product from Stafford, Texas. Egu, a psychology major and a biology minor, played in six matches for the Roadrunners in 2017.
UTSA (11-5, 3-1 Conference USA) returns to action on Sunday at UAB with first serve in Birmingham, Ala., slated for 1 p.m. CT.
At what age did you begin playing volleyball?
CS: I started playing volleyball in 7th grade for fun, so I was around 12-years-old. I started playing club volleyball when I was 16.
Why did you start playing volleyball / under what circumstances did you begin playing volleyball?
CE: In middle school, I wanted to play as many sports as I could handle, so I tried out for the school's volleyball team. Initially, I enjoyed playing basketball more, but that changed when I was in high school.
What is your earliest memory of volleyball?
CE: Losing every game of the season on the 8th grade A-team except 1.
Who is your inspiration in volleyball and why?
CE: My inspiration is Victoria Prior. She was my club volleyball coach in 11th grade and she is UTSA volleyball alumnus. We share similar backgrounds in regards to volleyball and she is an amazing, strong woman!
Do you have any family members who played collegiate sports? What sport and where did they play?
CE: Yes! Many on my cousins played college football (UL-Lafayette, Texas State, ECU) and one ran track at Texas before transferring to play football.
What are the strengths of your volleyball game? What are the areas you are currently trying to work on the most?
CE: My main strength is my coachability and work ethic. I am eager to learn and improve my game every day! I am always trying to improve my volleyball IQ, and my eye-work in regards to blocking.
Why did you decide to attend the UTSA?
CE: UTSA was the school I wanted to attend regardless if I chose to continue my volleyball career or not. I knew I would receive a top-tier education, be a good distance away from home, and still enjoy living in a major city (since I am from Houston).
What are your individual and team goals at UTSA?
CE: I hope to spread positivity to the team, regardless of the role I have every season. As far as team goal, I want us to win conference, the conference tournament and get to the NCAA tournament.
What is your academic major and why did you select that major?
CE: I am a psychology major and biology minor. I chose this major, because I have always been the friend that everyone vents to and expects an unbiased opinion or advice in return. Furthermore, I want to help those who suffer from mental illness or trauma in their childhood, so they may lead a fulfilling, purposeful life.
What are your career goals (after volleyball) and why do you have an interest in pursuing that particular career?
CE: My main career goal is to go to medical school and become a clinical psychiatrist. Furthermore, I would like to work with kids who have dealt with trauma and mental illness throughout their lives. I chose this path, because I have overcome some difficulties growing up, and I want to help the youth choose a life path that is fulfilling, through the use of healthy coping skills.
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?
CE: When I was 11, my mother passed away from colon cancer. From that age on I kept the values she instilled in me, such as keeping education my number one priority. I am proud of how far I have come, especially with the hardships I have endured growing up, and I know if there is anything out there I want to do, nothing can stop me from doing it.
What do you enjoy doing outside of volleyball and school?
CE: I enjoy sleeping, because I rarely have free time! On a more serious note, I enjoy dancing and shopping for clothes.
Do you have any pets? What are their names and what role do they play in your life?
CE: I do not have any pets, but in the future, I hope to have a Great Dane, a Yorkie, and a black cat that get along.
What is something most people might not know about you?
CE: I like to dance in the elevator when I'm alone. I hate melons and pie. Lastly, if I could pursue an acting career, I would drop everything and do it!
What advice would you give to a young girl who would like to one day be in your shoes?
CE: I would definitely say "where there is a will, there is a way". Personally, I would not have been able to afford to play club in high school, but there were people who believed in me and wanted to see me become something great; so they invested their resources and time on me. Now, I am a Division I athlete because of the help of those people. I would also say you have to believe in yourself, and if you really want to do something, give your 100-percent effort towards it, because anyone can be mediocre, but it takes someone special to be great!!
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