Not Complacent
By Haley Markle
Christa Alvarez is just like every other freshmen. She was nervous and excited about starting the college chapter of her life.
However, while most freshmen were still trying to work the printers in the library, Alvarez was busy leading the Razorback volleyball team in digs and was named SEC defensive player of the week.
As the libero, Alvarez had more digs than any other Arkansas volleyball player. She played in all of the 112 sets in her freshman season averaging 3.51 digs per set, a total of 393 for the season.
“If you work hard, it pays off,” Alvarez said of being named SEC defensive player of the week. Alvarez didn’t know she had received the honor until everyone began congratulating her at practice.
Even though she had a great season, she came into the season without pride and over confidence. Alvarez admitted that she was worried about getting to know the coaches and staff.
“I was scared coming in as a freshman […]didn’t really know what to expect,” she said.
Alvarez played volleyball at Cinco Ranch High School in Katy, Texas, nine hours from Fayetteville. The idea of coming to Arkansas seemed a little out in left field to start with.
Alvarez had never been to Arkansas before she was being recruited. However, she liked the school and campus and, as she put it, “I’m going to be playing for an SEC team, why not.”
Alvarez knows she was able to make a large impact on the team this year, but she is not letting her good first year make her complacent.
“This summer I’m grinding it out,” Alvarez said. “I’m working out every day, training […]with the team. I’m gonna come ready for this next season.”
Alvarez is very excited about getting ready for next season and loves the support the team is getting from the fans, she said.
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