We caught up with long time eSix Sportswear customer Diane Seymour just before the start of the 2016 Maverick Volleyball season to talk about her history with the Mavericks.

How long have you been involved (worked/attended) UTA?

So I played here from 1984-88 and continued taking classes to complete my degree in 1989; then I returned to coach here in 1995. I’m 50 years old now and it’s hard to believe that over half of my life I have spent here at UTA.

How many students have you coached while you have worked at UTA?

I think it’s about 100.

Can you tell us a bit about how you ended up at UTA?

I am an Arlington native and when I attended Bowie High School, Lisa Love was my high school coach my sophomore year. She became the head coach at UTA so I would always go to the game when Texas A&M came to play. For 2 straight years UTA lost to A&M in 5 sets, but I knew that things were on the rise here and I wanted to play for Lisa and be a part of what she was building. We only lost to A&M my freshman year, after that we beat them every time.

Can you tell us what being a Maverick means to you?

It means pride. I love UTA and I bleed blue – and I have for over 25 years.

Can you talk about your memories in playing or coaching in NCAA tournament games, (as player or coach)?

The NCAA tournament games hold so many memories for me. As both a player and coach. As a player we were a part of the tournament every year and believed that we would be National Champions – there were many happy wins and unfortunately 4 gut wrenching losses. It’s a different feeling as a coach – you feel pride and happiness for your players and the hard work they have put in is paying off. I want my players to experience it!

Do you have one story you can share with us, that is very special to you, that involves UTA?

Everything for me at UTA is about volleyball – the first conference championship in 1985 was the best. We won it here on the stage at Texas Hall. It was against our biggest conference rival, Lamar, and their head coach and ours were fierce competitors. The fans were holding these paper cardinals with a string around its neck – that was Lamar mascot, they were swinging them around and that really got to Lamar. It was an awesome night.  I have many other stories, but I don’t want them published ;).

 

A big thanks to Diane for letting us interview her, and for being such a great customer of ours! We encourage you to go out and cheer the Mavericks on in a “Championship Way” this season. Click HERE for more info!