Celianiz “Nani” Cabranes is a kinesiology sophomore from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and a libero for the UTRGV Volleyball Team. Cabranes has been a force on the court, averaging 4.75 digs per set, and has taken home the Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?
A: “I like to sleep.”
Q: Who or what got you started in volleyball?
A: “Since I was little, the person that I [saw] and wanted to be like … was my sister. She used to play since she was, like, 9. And [since then], I’ve been on the volleyball court all my life.”
Q: Who has been your biggest inspiration or role model?
A: “It’s definitely my sister. She started playing the sport [first] and then I was like, ‘OK, let me see if I like it.’ And I loved it.”
Q: What kind of music do you like to listen to?
A: “A little bit of everything.”
Q: Which shows or movies do you like to watch?
A: “Right now, I don’t know. One of my teammates wanted me to watch ‘Dexter,’ but I don’t know.”
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: “Yeah, going to the beach, spending time with my family and playing volleyball.”
Q: What is your biggest motivation?
A: “Definitely, my mom and my dad. Yeah, they’ve been with me since I was little. They’ve been [there] in the rough days and they [have] been helping me.”
Q: What do you like the most about UTRGV?
A: “The girls [on the team] and the people. They’re actually nice; I like them.”
Q: What are your biggest goals?
A: “I wanna be a professional volleyball player and, if not, then I want to graduate with my major and help players with their injuries.”
–Compiled by Ali Halloum
