11/29/01

Q&A with LaTonya Coates
Compiled by Randy May

Freshman outside hitter LaTonya Coates has already stepped in and made an impact on this team as she has played in 28 of the 29 matches this season. The Bangor, Mich. native is averaging 2.27 digs per game heading into the NCAA Tournament. The 5-10 Coates made her first collegiate start at Texas Tech (Oct. 15) and finished with a career-high seven kills. Besides being a fiery competitor on the court, Coates also was a standout softball player in high school, holding the National and Michigan High School Athletic Association career softball strikeout record with 1,999. Coates recently sat down with TexasSports.com to talk about Longhorns volleyball and her interests off the court.

	Coates also was a standout softball player in high school, setting the National High School career softball strikeout record.

What factored in your decision to come to UT and play volleyball?
"My only two requirements were that I wanted to go to a place at least two states away from home and a place where it didn't snow as much as it did in Michigan. One thing that really interested me in Texas was its strong academic program."

How does it feel to be part of the UT women's volleyball team?
"It feels great. I love our team. We have so much talent on our team and we can be tough to beat if we all do what we are supposed to. Another positive is that our personalities are very different, but we have qualities that we are able to mix together and have fun."

What has been your most memorable moment so far here at Texas?
"It would have to be when we beat BYU. We have played well in a lot of games, but having as many freshmen on the court as we have and with so many people doubting what we can accomplish this year, it felt great to defeat a great team like BYU."

You currently hold the National and Michigan High School Athletic Association softball career strikeout record. How does it feel?
"It feels great to hold a record. Back then I was real modest person and didn't really read the newspapers about it because I didn't want to get a big head. I knew there was someone out there that was better than me. It feels good though because I am setting an example for young female athletes. Being able to hold the record is not just for my personal benefit, but it also gives something for female athletes to strive for."

Being such a great softball and basketball player, what made you choose to continue to play volleyball?
"I got more offers for volleyball. I have played club volleyball since sixth grade and more people have seen me play this sport. I got some letters for playing softball this past summer, but I am happy with volleyball. It was difficult to leave both softball and basketball. Many of the girls at my high school, who played sports, played all three sports together because it was a small school. Softball was the hardest to leave and I really don't know if I am done with it yet. I have to see what happens."

What brought you down to Texas from Michigan?
"I wanted to move at least two states away from Michigan and it also helped that I have family that lives in Austin. I grew up in a family where we are very close so I at least needed to know I had some family around for support. I also have the coaches around for support but nothing beats having family around."

What do you miss most about Michigan?
"I do miss the snow a lot. It’s hard to imagine not having a white Christmas, so I am glad I am going back to Michigan for Christmas. The thing I miss the most is the beaches and lakes. There aren't any beaches around here in Austin. Michigan is a state of its own. Hockey is a big thing and I love the Detroit Red Wings."

What do you like most about Austin?
"I haven't been outside of the campus too much. Austin is a very diverse city, however. People have a stereotypical thought of how people are suppose to dress and around here you see everything. It is very different from where I have grown up. As far as UT, I like the support given to women athletes and students by everyone."

What are some of your other hobbies?
"I like boxing, martial arts, dancing, watching law shows and I love to sing. My brother has a studio and my best friend, her cousin and I used to go in the studio and record some tracks. Also, nobody knows that I really like art, especially sculptures and paintings."