ARLINGTON, Texas -- UTA volleyball opens its 2018 season on Aug. 24 and will feature a roster filled with 10 newcomers. Get to know UTA's incoming class in a series of features on UTAMavs.com!

Today, learn all about senior setter/defensive specialist Alex Janak, a transfer from North Texas. Janak, a 5-foot-10 product of Colleyville Heritage High School, led UNT to the 2017 Conference USA Championship and a 29-4 record, leading the league in service aces.

"Alex comes to UTA after competing for three seasons at UNT," Coach J.T. Wenger said. "She has experience playing multiple positions at the collegiate level, and that will serve the UTA program well. Alex is also from the Metroplex, and had a very solid prep career competing for Texas Image. She sees the game very well, and is very volleyball savvy."

At what age did you begin playing volleyball?
AJ: Around 9-10

Why did you start playing volleyball?
AJ: I started playing because I was trying out new sports and I ended up loving it (and soccer was wayyy too much running). I first started playing for the Grapevine Rec League. Then I played my first year of club volleyball for 12's at Tejas VBC.

What is your earliest memory of volleyball?
AJ: My lime green polka dot and zebra spandex while playing rec volleyball LOL

Who is your inspiration in volleyball and why?
AJ: My inspiration in volleyball would have to be my mom. She has worked so hard to get to where she is today and she has given me everything she could while I was growing up.

Who is a current/former collegiate or professional volleyball athlete whom you admire and why?
AJ: I would have to say Chloe Collins from UT and Brianne Barker from OU. They were both setters and I grew up watching them play volleyball at the high school and college level. They inspired me to keep working hard in setting and created my goal to play D1 volleyball.

What family members have made the biggest impact on your life and why?
AJ: My mom is Pam Janak, my dad is Greg Janak, and I'm an only child. My mom has definitely made the biggest impact on my life because she has continued to give me everything I need to succeed in life and I wouldn't be the woman I am today without her influence. She is my role model and has been so strong.

What are the strengths of your volleyball game? What are the areas you are currently trying to work on the most?
AJ: I would say that my strengths of my volleyball game would be serving and defense. Areas that I am trying to improve would be watching the other side of the net and making decisions last minute.

Why did you decide to attend the UT Arlington?
AJ: I decided to come to UTA because I loved the coaches, team, and campus.
It felt like a great fit from the start and the program is on the up and up.

What are your individual and team goals at UT Arlington?
AJ: My individual goal would be to improve my leadership on the court and building relationships with everyone. My team goal would to create a winning culture for UTA and become conference champs.

What are your career goals (after volleyball) and why do you have an interest in pursuing that particular career?
AJ:  At the moment my career goal after volleyball would to attend dental hygiene school and become a dental hygienist. I am pursuing this career because I've always enjoyed going to the dentist and I want to help people maintain their oral hygiene.  

What do you enjoy doing outside of volleyball and school?
AJ: Outside of school and volleyball I enjoy going to the movies, working out, trying new things, and going out to eat.

What is something most people might not know about you?
AJ: This sounds so weird but I love pickles. I have them everyday as a snack.

What would you most like to be known for as a UT Arlington volleyball player?
AJ: I would like to be known as a hard worker and role model for incoming players.

What advice would you give to a young girl who would like to one day be in your shoes?
AJ: I would say to never give up on your dreams and always work hard no matter how good you are. Listen to your coaches because they know what is best and everything will fall in to place the way it is supposed to.

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