Aug. 12, 2004

With volleyball season just around the corner and twice a day practices in the works, The University of Texas at Arlington interim head coach Diane Seymour sat down for a question and answer session on what's to come in the 2004 season. Released earlier this week, the Soutland Conference had Texas-Arlington, which finished third in 2003, tabbed to finish fourth in the 11-team league behind front runners Stephen F. Austin, Texas State and Texas-San Antonio. Before we talk about 2004, recap last season... "We started 2003 with a difficult road schedule facing some of the top teams in the nation and we competed extremely well against them. As conference play started we suffered some injuries that forced a few players to play in positions where they had little experience. Despite it all we entered the SLC Tournament as the third seed, unfortunately and disappointingly we lost in the first round. I believe that our returners learned valuable lessons from last season." Are you excited to have your own program? "Definitely. I came to UTA 20 years ago as a student-athlete and a member of this volleyball program. If you had asked me then... `would you like to be the head coach at UTA one day?' I would have said `absolutely'. I stayed here at UTA as an assistant for eight years for this opportunity." How are the players adjusting to Janine Smith's departure? "The transition has gone very smoothly. With half of the team being new to the program this year, this is obviously their first experience in the gym with UTA volleyball. Regarding the returners, they were recruited by me and I have worked very closely with each of them during their time here. The transition has gone very smoothly." What do you feel new assistant coach Heather Hoy brings to the program? "She brings a great deal of experience and tradition back to the program. She is one of the most decorated players in UTA history and will be able to share her knowledge of the game with each of our players." What are your expectations for such a young squad? "We may appear young on paper, but these six freshman are probably the most experienced and well rounded group of athletes we have brought in since I have been here. They came from winning high school and club programs. They will compliment our upper classmen well. I expect everyday in the gym to be a learning experience and full of healthy competition." Who do you expect to step up? "Obviously I expect our two seniors to provide valuable leadership in their final season. I know they fully intend to add another conference championship to their career accomplishments. I expect the juniors, Melissa Marek & Ashley VanAntwerp to make significant contributions this year, they both had stellar off-seasons. And of course Ashley Smith will provide stability and experience in the back court." Do any of the freshman have a chance to make an immediate impact? "I believe that they will all compete for court time, but I do expect Morgan Rogers and Torie Dacus to make immediate contributions." How do you feel about being picked to finish fourth in the league? "The rankings don't really affect me. We have always approached conference play with our own goals." In your opinion will it be a tight race in the SLC? "Definitely. I do see SFA and Texas State as the front runners, but in the SLC anything can happen. Just look at 2001, we won the SLC Tournament with six freshmen." -utamavericks.com-