Doris trades jersey for cap and gown
Dec. 4, 2010
Texas middle blocker Jennifer Doris will warm up in a momentous way prior to tonight’s NCAA Volleyball Second Round match against UCLA. She’s picking up her diploma. Instead of her usual low-key afternoon of food, film and a nap, Doris will be joining thousands of other UT students for fall commencement at the Frank Erwin Center. Her College of Communication ceremony begins at noon. “I should be done at 2 p.m., then I’ll run right back over to Gregory (Gym) and take off my cap and gown,” Doris says. “I’ve been joking that I should wear my spandex and jersey under the gown.” Doris had four kills, two assists and two aces in UT’s first-round win against UTSA on Friday night. After a quick massage, she and her teammates were back in the film room watching tape of the Bruins. She said she’ll watch some more film on Saturday morning and read her scouting report before reporting to graduate at 11 a.m. Doris has earned a corporate communication degree, and says she was able to graduate early because she arrived on the Forty Acres already with college credits. Doris will be able to pursue professional volleyball opportunities overseas during the spring. Doris’ family is traveling up from Houston and will watch her walk the graduation stage, then file into Gregory Gym for UT’s second-round match against the ninth-ranked Bruins. UCLA staved off American University in five sets to open the tournament. The Longhorns are playing for their fifth-straight appearance in the round of 16. Even though graduation makes an important day even more hectic, Doris says it was a moment she couldn’t pass up. She thinks it might even help her later in the day, on the court. “It was one of those things I didn’t want to miss, just because I am graduating early,” Doris says. “I’m so excited about it. I’m going to try when I’m over there to not think about volleyball and just enjoy the moment. But as soon as I leave, it’s back into volleyball mode.”
Volleyball mode has been a good one for Doris all season. Her hitting percentage ranks third nationally, and Doris has recorded at least seven kills in six of the past eight matches. “I think at some point I will understand all of it,” Doris says. “I feel really blessed to have been able to play at Texas. It’s been a great opportunity. Now, I’m a graduate of The University of Texas, and that’s a really special thing. I’m not ready for it to end yet.” |
|
