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| Julia Warren | |
As we countdown to the final home matches of the 2016 New Mexico volleyball season, we’ll post an interview with each of the Lobos’ four graduating seniors. Next up in our series is Julia Warren, a senior outside hitter/libero right here from Albuquerque.
Q: What was your educational experience at UNM like?
A: My educational experience at UNM was a very interesting one. Through my four years here, I have really had to learn how to love school. School has been hard for me, but I have found a department that I love and I will be graduating with a degree in criminology, which is what I am really passionate about. So all the hard work and tough times have been well worth it.
Q: What was your playing experience at UNM like?
A: My playing experience at UNM has been one that I will never forget. I have learned so much about myself. I have been pushed to my limit, laughed, and even cried, but I would have not traded this journey for anything.
Q: Why did you choose to play at New Mexico?
A: I chose to play at UNM because I got a chance to be close to my family and play in front of my home crowd. I also wanted to give back to all the little girls who are at our games because I was one of those little girls. It was home for me and I know in my heart I was destined to play at UNM.
Q: What was it like playing in your home state?
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A: There are no words to explain what it was like playing in my home state. It is something so special that I will always cherish. There is nothing like serving at our home court and having fans behind you giving you words of encouragement. UNM and Johnson Center will always have a special place in my heart.
Q: What are some of your favorite memories from your playing time at New Mexico?
A: My favorite memory will always be the feeling I have when I run out of the tunnel before warm ups to the sound of the lobo howl and seeing all of our fans. I still, after many times running out, get goosebumps and it is something that I will never forget.
Q: What are some things you’ll miss about playing volleyball at New Mexico?
A: I will miss talking to all the fans after the games. We want everyone to know that we are very approachable and that we are just like them, so being able to know everyone and their names and talking to them after games is going to be something that I miss the most.
Q: What things are you most proud of from your time at UNM?
A: The thing I am most proud of from my time at UNM is the journey. It has been a long four years and so much has happened personally and with my teammates. I am so proud to have so many ladies by my side that I can call at any time if I need something. I am so proud of how we got through tough times and celebrated the good times. We had great wins versus Arkansas and ASU and we competed with Nebraska. These games I will never forget.
Q: How was it being coached by Jeff Nelson?
A: Being coached by Jeff Nelson was something very special. We have such a good relationship and I have known him for such a long time. He knows how to pull the best out of me and he pushed me to find myself on and off the court. I can never thank him for giving me the gift of making my dream of Division I volleyball come true, always being good for a laugh, and for always being there no matter what.
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Q: What would you tell the next generation of Lobo volleyball players about playing at UNM?
A: I would tell them to cherish everything good and bad. The four years go by so fast, and before you blink, it is over. I would also tell them to cherish the program and realize that it is much bigger than you. Lastly, be able to get out of your comfort zone because it will make great things happen.
Q: If you could go back to your first year at New Mexico, what would you want to tell your younger self about college?
A: I would tell myself that the training room is your best friend. I would have done a lot more to prevent little nagging things from happening. The season is so much longer than the high school season, so if you can get in a routine with taking care of yourself, then it will help in the second half of conference. Little Julia would have benefited from this.
Q: How was it like traveling to Australia and Europe?
A: Being able to travel two summers to Europe and one summer in Australia was an absolute blessing. Volleyball is such a great vehicle for traveling the world and I was so fortunate to be able to do that. These three summers of travel were also great to get out there and looked at for playing overseas, which is one of my goals after college. I made memories on these trips that I will never forget.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: My plans after graduation are to hopefully play overseas for a couple of seasons and then I am really looking into possibly joining the Air Force.
Q: What has it been like playing both indoor and beach? What’s it been like starting a whole new sport?
A: It has been a change. I have never played sand before so these two seasons have been such a learning opportunity. I have grown to really like sand. It has been amazing to be the pioneers of something new and we know that we are forever apart of it. I will for sure continue playing sand.