SAN ANTONIO -- Learn all about the 2018 UTSA volleyball team, currently in the midst of a title chase in Conference USA. Today learn all about UTSA sophomore setter Allison Vaughan.
A native of Bryan, Texas, Vaughan is the pride Rudder High School, and in her second year with the Roadrunners. In her career, Vaughan averages 3.42 assists per set in seven matches.
At what age did you begin playing volleyball?
AV: I started playing volleyball when I was 11.
Why did you start playing volleyball?
AV: I started playing volleyball because my older sister was playing middle school volleyball and I played with her in the back yard and thought it was fun.
What is your earliest memory of volleyball?
AV: Getting my first bid to nationals as a 12 year old.
Who is your inspiration in volleyball and why?
AV: Kerri Walsh Jennings. I have heard her speak multiple times and watched her play. She is just an amazing all around human being and volleyball player.
Who is a current/former collegiate or professional volleyball athlete whom you admire and why?
AV: Lauren Carlini. She was the former setter at Wisconsin. The first time I saw her play, I thought she was the best setter I've ever seen and she still is one of the top setters I've ever seen. But on top of that, she's a good person and athlete.
What family members have made the biggest impact on your life and why?
AV: My dads name is Steve Vaughan and my moms name is Sarah Vaughan. I have two sisters. My older one, Kendall Vaughan, is a senior at Texas State, and one younger, Megan Vaughan, is a sophomore in high school. All of my family members have made a big impact on my life but probably the most would be my mom and dad. They have always supported me no matter what decisions I made and helped push me and guide me my whole life.
Do you have any family members who played collegiate sports? What sport and where did they play?
AV: My cousin, Tanner Vaughan, played baseball at UMHB. My other cousin Sam Vaughan played football at Kansas Wesleyan.
What are the strengths of your volleyball game? What are the areas you are currently trying to work on the most?
AV: One of my strengths would be my leadership quality on the court and my positive energy and fun personality. I am currently trying to work on my hand/wrist work when setting the ball and more consistent location/tempo.
Why did you decide to attend the UTSA?
AV: Everyone always told me during recruiting, when it's right, you will know. Every time I was on campus for a visit, I knew this was going to be my home. I loved everything about it, the campus, coaches and players.
What are your individual and team goals at UTSA?
AV: My individual goals are to maintain a good GPA throughout my collegiate career and push myself to be the best player and teammate I can be during my four years. My team goals would be to win conference and make the NCAA tournament.
What is your academic major and why did you select that major?
AV: I am a business management major because I am good at math and I want to run a business and be the head of a company some day.
What are your career goals (after volleyball) and why do you have an interest in pursuing that particular career?
AV: I don't have a specific career that I want to get into after volleyball but I want to get a job that I enjoy going to and eventually work my way up to the top. Maybe something in sales, I've been told I'd be good at that because I'm stubborn and persuasive.
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?
AV: I had shoulder surgery after my senior season of high school. I overcame that by pushing myself as much as I could at the time and doing other things to compensate what I was limited on, for example when I still wasn't cleared to serve or hit, I focused on my passing and defense. That experience helped shape me because it set me back a lot especially coming in that summer. I wasn't as strong as everyone else. It shaped me because I learned how to push myself and my body to its limit. It also taught me patience while being out.
What do you enjoy doing outside of volleyball and school?
AV: I honestly sleep alot. I nap every day, sometimes twice a day, depending on my schedule. Sometimes my naps will be 3-4 hours long. I really think I sleep more than most people. I also enjoy fishing, hunting, doing fun things with my friends, like going to the lake, river, etc.
Do you have any pets? What are their names and what role do they play in your life?
AV: I have 2 dogs. I have a Shitzu named Macy and a Australian Shepherd named Tucker. All my life, my family has had dogs, but they play a role in my life by keeping me happy. I could be having a bad day and see them and they're always just so happy to see me so I'm usually never in a bad mood around them. I like to cuddle with them.
What is something most people might not know about you?
AV: I almost died when I was 9 months old because I swallowed a penny and it was stuck in my throat for a month. The penny was lodged in a way that made my formula go to my lungs instead of my stomach and my throat was closing around the penny.
What would you most like to be known for as a UTSA volleyball player?
AV: I like being known as a positive, happy player. I try to be the player that can pick up other people if they are having a rough day or rough practice. I like to smile and laugh and like making other people smile and laugh, especially when I know they are having a tough day. Basically being the best teammate I can be all the time.
What advice would you give to a young girl who would like to one day be in your shoes?
AV: Remember that volleyball is fun. Don't get too wrapped up in the game, stress, recruiting, impressing coaches or people. The game is fun. Remember you play because you love the game. Don't be too hard on yourself, and you're not alone. You have teammates who go through the same struggle you do. Ask for help when you need it and have fun.
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