MOBILE, Ala. – The University of South Alabama volleyball program welcomes six newcomers to the Jaguar roster this fall. 

Alahna Diaz, a 5-4 freshman defensive specialist, signed with USA after lettering the past two seasons in beach volleyball at Academia Maria Reina in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Diaz one was of eight players selected to represent Puerto Rico on the U19 Junior National beach team by the Puerto Rican Federation this past spring at the USA Volleyball-High Performance Beach Championships. She also helped lead Academia Maria Reina to the Puerto Rico High School Athletic Alliance Varsity Division A championship during the 2014 season.

What are your goals and expectations for the season?
"Performing at the highest level possible as a team."

What do you feel is a strength that you bring to the team and why?
"I have the ability to stay focused on the objective of the game even when times get tough. My main role on this team is to transmit that mental toughness to my whole team so we can always stay focused on our goal no matter what."

What area do you feel you can improve on this season and why?
"My goal as an athlete is to always push myself to get better as a player mentally and physically. I love to learn new skills and abilities from my coaches, you can never learn enough. My team's energy and focus definitely motivates me to get better every day."
What do you feel is going to be the biggest thing for you and your teammates to do this season to be successful?
"Success comes with consistency and discipline. It is vital to always pay attention to the coach's game plan because they are our eyes outside of the court."

Is there a teammate of yours who you look up to?  
"I can't really mention one because they are all very talented individuals. Each of them has their own personal energy and talent that I can benefit from."

What does it mean to you to be a Jaguar?
"For me it's the result of 10 years of hard work; It's my dream come true."

Who on the team do you feel will take on the biggest leadership role this season and why? 
"There will be games where certain players take the role of the leader. But I understand that it's the responsibility of each and every one of us to take charge and put our major effort into whatever job we have on and off of the court – this confirms that we are all striving towards the same goal."

Describe South Alabama volleyball in a word:
"Commitment."

Why did you choose to come to South Alabama?
 "What situation could be any better than playing the sport that I am passionate about at the highest college level and with the education I need?"

What are you majoring in at South Alabama and what do you plan to do after graduation?
"Biomedical Sciences – I want to be a doctor, but haven't decided yet what field I want to focus in."

What is your favorite place on campus?
"The court, definitely."

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).