9/25/03

Q&A with Erin Larson

	Erin Larson

As a libero rather than a scorer, what is your mindset going into a match?
Larson: "My mindset is only on the defensive aspects of the game.  As a defensive player, you have to watch everything.  You have to try to read all the plays as they happen but also watch all the hitters to see where they are setting up.  I don't want any attack coming back over our next to hit the ground.  My goal is to keep the ball in play.  I only have one job so I have to make sure I do it as well as I can every point." 

Your role on the team increased a lot from last season.  You went from seeing only some action to being a starter.  Did you do anything to prepare for the increased responsibility?
Larson: "Coming into the season, I wasn't sure what my role would be.  The coaches told me I would be put in situations that I was ready for.  Last year, I always tried to be there for my teammates and be more of an emotional supporter.  This year, I've been called on to do more on the court and I really appreciate the coaches' confidence in me to put me out as much as they have this year."

As a back row player, is there a play or sequence of events that really gets you and the team motivated on the court?
Larson: "When there's no block at the net, the other team's attacker go up to hit it straight down and one of us digs it out and we get a point from the rally, it's the best feeling!!  It pumps everyone up because it went from the other team knowing they would get a point to us getting the kill.  It's so satisfying to stuff the other team's best shot."

What are your plans after your graduation from UT in a couple of years?
Larson: "I want to go to law school and study contract law so I can become a sports agent, probably in baseball.  I would like to do that for a while, then be successful enough to eventually own a professional football or sports team."

Are there any particular teams that catch your eye to own?
Larson: "One day, I would love to own the Oakland A's or the Oakland Raiders.  I prefer baseball to football, but maybe one day I could own both."

Being from San Antonio, is there any reason why you like Oakland teams?
Larson: "I don't know.  I have always loved the A's.  I grew up following them because they were so successful when I was younger with the Bash Brothers (Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire).  It may sound weird, but I love that they wear white cleats.  I also love (A's pitcher) Mark Mulder."