Angel Ballesteros/THE RIDER
Natalie Reyes is an exercise science junior and a serving specialist for the UTRGV Volleyball Team. This season, Reyes tallied 29 service aces in 22 regular season matches played for the Vaqueros.
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?
A: “A fun fact is that I have a twin brother or I’m a twin. I am the youngest and that is my only sibling.”
Q: Who or what got you started in volleyball?
A: “Definitely my family. My family is a group of coaches [and] I’ve been around the gym my whole life. I think it was pretty natural for me to continue playing volleyball. … Being around it my whole life definitely kept the spark going and kept the love for the game.”
Q: Who has been your biggest inspiration or role model?
A: “A lot of my family is a big part of it, but my grandfather has always pushed me to keep the faith and keep the faith in God and just put everything in Him. … As far as a volleyball role model, I’d say Audrey Smith. She’s [a graduate] of Sharyland Pioneer [High School] and played at Texas Tech [University] and [the University of Texas at San Antonio]. And she was a really big impact when I was younger.”
Q: Who is your favorite volleyball player?
A: “Right now, I would definitely say Maddie Skinner. She plays for [the University of Texas at Austin]. She’s really strong, she’s really confident and she’s fun to watch.”
Q: What kind of music do you like to listen to?
A: “I like to listen to a lot of music. I would definitely say right now country music is at the top of my list. I like to listen to Chris Stapleton. And if I’m not listening to country, some John Mayer–that’s definitely my top pick right now.”
Q: Which shows or movies do you like to watch?
A: “My favorite movies, I’d say anything with Adam Sandler. I love a comedy show or comedy movie. So anything with Adam Sandler, I’m good.”
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: “I think just enjoying nature itself, not being cooped up inside the gym all day is something different. So, I like going to the beach quite often. If I ever get to go hiking–we used to go to Utah quite often, so that was something that I really enjoyed.”
Q: What is your biggest motivation?
A: “My biggest motivation … is just representing something bigger than me. The [Rio Grande Valley] has given me so much. And I think that just being able to … represent the young children here, I mean even my family members, again, I think that’s just my biggest motivation. Just continue to pursue this degree and playing at the Division I level. Being able to represent this community means a lot to me.
Q: What do you like the most about UTRGV?
A: “I love the culture behind it. Not just the school in general, but I think the team that I’m playing with right now. We’re such a diverse team and I enjoy getting to learn from my teammates from across the world.”
Q: What are your biggest goals?
A: “My biggest goal is ultimately to obtain a degree and, then, I think right now is creating relationships and networking as I’ve gotten older. Playing volleyball and pursuing my degree.”
–Compiled by Ali Halloum
