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 dual-sport athlete Michaela Wright, who is in her first season on both the UTA volleyball and women's basketball roster. Wright played in 11 games for the Mavs as a freshman in 2017-18 and has four years of eligibility remaining in volleyball. She earned all-state volleyball honors while playing for her mother in high school in Columbia, Mo., before focusing on just basketball in 2017-18 for the Mavs.

"We are excited to add Michaela to our roster," UTA Coach J.T. Wenger said. "The combination of her length and ability to move gives her the potential to be a formidable presence on the floor. After just two weeks of spring practice, she was returning to form, and building her confidence as a volleyball player." 

At what age did you begin playing volleyball?
MW: Sixth grade.

Why did you start playing volleyball?
MW: I was really tall and my mom was a high school volleyball coach. She threw me into club volleyball in the sixth grade so I could play for her when I got to high school.

What is your earliest memory of volleyball?
MW: I have been around volleyball my whole life. When I was a baby, my mom would coach at a small college in my hometown and I would go on all the bus rides and games.

Who is your inspiration in volleyball and why?
MW: My mom is definitely my inspiration for volleyball. She has been my mentor and coach for as long as I can remember. Somehow, my mother has found the time to coach all while raising five kids, running her own CPA firm, and facing many other life-changing obstacles. My mom coaches volleyball simply because of the passion she has for the game and the love she has to share it with others. That passion in her inspires me and that is something I hope to show throughout my time here.

Who is a current/former collegiate or professional volleyball athlete whom you admire and why?
MW: Amy Angelos is one of my favorite former collegiate players who has really impacted my game during my high school years. 

What family members have made the biggest impact on your life and why?
MW: My parents are Jimmy and Lisa, who continually make the biggest impact in my life. They are my biggest supporters, whether it be going to volleyball games, basketball games, or laughing at me for doing both this year. I also have four amazing younger sisters, Amber, Lizzy, Samantha and Jani, all ranging from ages 16-8.

Do you have any family members who played collegiate sports? What sport and where did they play?
MW: My mom played volleyball for Culver Stockton in a little town called Canton, Missouri where she met my dad.

What are the strengths of your volleyball game? What are the areas you are currently trying to work on the most?
MW: Well, I'm tall, so my strengths are blocking and hitting. Right now, I am working on getting back 'in the swing of things' (literally) after solely playing basketball for a year.

Why did you decide to attend the UT Arlington?
MW: I initially came to UTA to play basketball. I chose this school because of the incredible coaches and people here. They inspire me to be my best every day.

What are your individual and team goals at UT Arlington?
MW: At this time, my goal is to take advantage of this great opportunity I have here and help out in any way I can.

What is your academic major and why did you select that major?
MW: I am a visual communications major. I chose this major because I'm creative and have been designing things on the computer for my mom since I was twelve.

What are your career goals (after volleyball) and why do you have an interest in pursuing that particular career?
MW: With my major there are a lot of options, the most popular would be working for a marketing agency and creating websites, logos, etc. My dream goal would be to open my own shop and sell all my designs. This is important for me because of the feedback I've gotten in the past where my art has made an impact in someone's life, which is exactly what I want to do.

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?
MW: Freshman year was really tough for me, being so far away from home and my family and friends. But I had so much help from my teammates who became my best friends and supporters.

What do you enjoy doing outside of volleyball and school?
MW: Well when I'm not in school, not playing volleyball, and not playing basketball, I go home and spend time with my family and my best friend.

What is something most people might not know about you?
I was homeschooled for seven years!

What would you most like to be known for as a UT Arlington volleyball player?
MW: Other than being known as a crazy person who attempted to play both Division I sports (lol), I would really love to be known for being the player that was successful in both and leave a legacy for future UTA players.

What advice would you give to a young girl who would like to one day be in your shoes?
MW: Work hard and go for it!! Take every opportunity that is given to you and do not take anything for granted.

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