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 UTA freshman Brooke Townsend. A native of Bastrop, Texas, Townsend starred at Cedar Creek High School where she twice broke the single-season record for kills. Townsend, a six-foot outside hitter, totaled a .362 hitting percentage with 696 kills as a senior.

"Brooke is a well-rounded student-athlete," UTA Coach J.T. Wenger said. "Her jumping ability complements a great all-around game. She is an explosive six-rotation outside hitter that will have a chance to impact the program right away. Brooke will be a great asset for our program, as she plays great defense and reads the game very well."

At what age did you begin playing volleyball?
BT: I started playing in middle school when I was 12.
 
Why did you start playing volleyball?
BT: I had grown up playing soccer from a young age but when I started playing volleyball in middle school I fell in love with the sport. I started to focus on it my freshman year and began playing for a club team as well as my high school.
 
What is your earliest memory of volleyball?
BT: I remember being in 7th grade trying so hard to overhand serve and it was the biggest deal once I could.
 
Who is your inspiration in volleyball and why?
BT: My biggest inspiration is probably my school volleyball coach Jayson Langman. He knows so much about the game, even all the details about how the game came about. I would love to know just half of the things he knows about volleyball. He's so knowledgeable and knows how to coach anyone. He has made such a huge impact on my life. He's inspired me to keep playing the sport I love and helped make it possible for me to play in college.  
 
Who is a current/former collegiate or professional volleyball athlete whom you admire and why?
BT: Matt Anderson. I remember watching the 2016 Olympics with my friends and we were amazed at the intensity he plays with. With Matt Anderson playing at outside hitter it also sparked my interest because it was a position I could relate to.
 
What family members have made the biggest impact on your life and why?
BT: My mom and dad (Anita and Curtis Townsend) have made some of the biggest impacts on my life because of their devotion to me as a person and a player. They've always supported me and encouraged me in everything I do and I couldn't be more thankful for that. I also have a brother who is two years younger, Luke, whom I adore so much. He always finds a way to make me laugh and I'm going to miss not seeing him everyday when I'm in college.
 
Do you have any family members who played collegiate sports?
BT: My dad played football at Missouri Southern State University, close to his hometown.

What are the strengths of your volleyball game? What are the areas you are currently trying to work on the most?
BT: I would say my strengths are knowing where to place the ball on the court in order to score and serve receive. One thing I want to improve this season is making my serve more aggressive to put the other team out of system more.
 
Why did you decide to attend the UT Arlington?
BT: I love the coaches! Throughout the recruiting process I met a lot of college coaches but none of them were as ambitious, energetic and as down to earth as the coaching staff at UTA. I also love the school and the surrounding city!
 
What are your individual and team goals at UT Arlington?
BT: One individual goal of mine is to train hard to keep progressing and bettering my stats as the season progresses. As far as a team goal I'd like to help increase our place in the standings to be one of the best in the Sun Belt Conference.
 
What is your academic major and why did you select that major?
BT: I will be majoring in marketing and management because I love working with people cooperatively and feel that marketing is an exciting and ever-changing field!
 
What are your career goals (after volleyball) and why do you have an interest in pursuing that particular career?
BT: My goal is to manage and help promote innovative ideas and products and I look forward to doing this because it's thrilling and always new.
 
Have there been any big obstacles that you have had to overcome in your life? How did you overcome them and how did that experience help shape you?
BT: Being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when I was 12, I quickly became responsible for managing my nutrition and exercise that has made me the well-balanced athlete I am today. I am well educated on the diet a serious athlete needs and despite this obstacle I have achieved my dreams of playing volleyball in college!
 
Do you have any pets? What are their names and what role do they play in your life?
BT: I have one doggie, Bridget. I also have one fat cat, Chester. I can rely on them to comfort me any time of the day and they never cease to make me in a happier mood. They both are very close to my heart.

What do you enjoy doing outside of volleyball and school?
BT: I love cuddling and spending time with my dog, Bridget. Together we love watching Grey's Anatomy and going on long walks through the neighborhood.

What is something most people might not know about you?
BT: I listen to Michael Bublé's Christmas album on repeat November-January.
 
What would you most like to be known for as a UT Arlington volleyball player?
BT: To be a spunky, uplifting and positive player on the court day in and day out.
 
What advice would you give to a young girl who would like to one day be in your shoes?
BT: If you have a passion, embrace it! Even on the days when you feel like you're going through the motions, find a way to make it fun and make every play meaningful!