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Senior middle blocker Xitlali Herrera has concluded her collegiate career in the U.S., after three years of playing for the Miners. While at UTEP, Herrera was a member of the Mexico’s national team and she also earned All-Conference USA in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
Q: At what age did you start playing volleyball and how did you get started?
A: I started playing when I was 7 years old. I started because my mom, my older brother, my uncle and aunt played, so it’s like the family sport. I just started going to my brother’s practices and I used to play with my mom by the sideline. That’s all I do and I love it.
Q: What have you learned from volleyball that you can apply to your everyday life?
A: Teamwork–it’s one of the most important things I’ve learned from volleyball and also being disciplined.
Q: How did it feel to hear the cheers from fans, who not only came from El Paso but also those who crossed the border to see you play?
A: It was really nice and it felt great seeing all the people that came to watch me play and support me and the team.
Q: Who do you owe your success to, being both a student-athlete and a college graduate?
A: To my family, definitely–they’ve been there since day one and they’ve never stopped supporting me in every decision I’ve made.
Q: What are your overall thoughts on this season and what are you most thankful for?
A: We got a new coach (Holly Watts) and it was the first season for some of my teammates, so it was interesting playing with new people and being coached by a new coach. I’m very thankful for my teammates and the relationship I have with every single one of them.
Q: What was the reason that convinced you to come to UTEP?
A: Definitely the closeness to home. I wanted friends and family to come see me play.
Q: How much have you changed as a person after these three years as a Miner?
A: I think I’m a more mature person. I’m more responsible for the decisions I make.
Q: What is your single greatest memory as a student and as a player at UTEP?
A: As a student, I think being able to pass all of my classes while I was still learning a new language, and as a player, helping my team to grow and being named to the All-Conference team.
Q: How do you feel about graduating from college?
A: It’s great, I’m very proud of myself and I know my family is proud of me as well.
Q: What will you miss most about playing volleyball for UTEP?
A: All the support that our fans show to us, and the way our team is always together for everything.
Q: What do you want to do with your degree once you graduate from UTEP?
A: My major is international business and I would like to work in a hotel or a tourist-related business.
Q: Who has been that one person who has guided you and stood by your side these past three years at UTEP and What is that person(s) significance to you?
A: My mom and my boyfriend–I love them both. They’ve been always there and they have helped me in so many different ways that I don’t know what I could do without them.
Q: What is it like to represent Mexico playing the sport you love?
A: It’s amazing because you are representing an entire country. It’s nice to change someone’s beliefs about your country by doing good things.
Q: What are your plans regarding volleyball after UTEP?
A: I’ll go back to Mexico to do my master’s and since I can still play over there while doing my master’s, I’ll just keep playing at another college. Also, I want to go back to play beach volleyball.
Luis Barrio may be reached at [email protected].
