Former Gator Claire Roach Q and A
Wednesday, September 3, 2003 | Volleyball
Former Gator Claire Roach is currently an assistant coach with USF Bulls volleyball team in Tampa, Fla. The following is a look into what she's doing now, what she learned at Florida and what her time as a Gator meant to her both then and now.
- Describe your experience at Florida, not only as a volleyball player but also as a student.
To try and sum it up I would say my overall experience at Florida as a player and a student was extremely rewarding. I have lots of pride in regards to the university and the overall experiences that challenge students to mature and grow as people. Athletically the university is first class in everything they do and academically they set high standards for their student-athletes and provide an enormous support system which should make being successful easy on the student-athlete. It is nearly impossible to fail with all the tools UF provides for you to succeed, both on and off the court. It is an amazing place! - What was the highlight of your athletic career?
Hands down beating Texas at Texas my freshman year to go to the Final Four. Not to mention our All-American Aycan Gokberk had gone down with an ACL injury that match. It was fun to fight that much for a win and to overcome challenging obstacles at the same time. It was awesome to see people step up and leave it all on the court. That is why team sports rock! - What is your fondest memory of Florida - on the court or off, whatever stands out most in your mind?
Well... I would have to now say that it is my most recent engagement, which occurred in Gainesville in May. My fianc? actually proposed to me in the Albert mascot outfit. It was awesome. But there are so many memories that I could never pick one...It was the greatest five years of my life. - Why did you choose Florida?
I chose Florida because of Mary Wise and Katie Weismiller (the assistant at the time). They are both amazing recruiters and I just knew I wanted to play under them! I also chose UF because I liked the total package... the academic opportunities, the support system, the level of the program, the campus, the distance from home, the tradition, and the college town atmosphere. Nothing compares to Gainesville on a Game Day! - What is the biggest thing you learned from the sport of volleyball that is helping you now as a coach?
I like to hope I practice what I preach... so being competitive, intense, and hard working as a player has definitely carried over to my coaching style. I am very passionate about the sport of volleyball and I coach very passionately as well. I like to be pushed and I also like to be held accountable...something I instill in our current players. I have also learned that you become a better player and server after you coach! - What is it about Mary Wise that makes athlete want to play for her?
Mary not only does an amazing job of training her players and preparing them for competition, but the passion that backs both of those things is so obvious. It is so cool to look over at the bench and see Mary celebrating a good play as much as we are. As I say over and over, Mary is brilliant when it comes to the ability to motivate. She has a way of grasping your attention and bringing you right in with her. As a player you just respect her, trust her, and believe in her system. If I knew exactly how she did it I'd be rich selling the secret ingredient. I can only be grateful that I got to experience it! - Why is she such a successful coach?
She is successful because she is one of the best recruiters in the country, she is a class act, and she is committed to excellence. She is one of the most competitive people I know and you have to be to build and then sustain a program like Florida. She works hard and she sets high standards on herself, her staff and her team. Her colleagues and her team have the utmost respect for her and what she continues to accomplish. Mary wise will not retire until she has that National Championship ring, which is the kind of coach she is! - Describe yourself as a player and as a coach.
I think they are both very similar. I am confident, competitive, and passionate as both. I love to have fun and enjoy "the moment" while not losing focus of the task at hand. I am hard working, strong willed and I love to win! I am an effort person... for example as a player I wanted to make diving saves into the stands on a regular basis and as a coach you are running if you don't! ha ha - If you asked your former teammates and Mary to describe you, what do you think they would say?
Good question! I think they would say that I bring personality to the floor. I feel that I am respected for my effort, my dedication, and my ability to overcome obstacles. I'm a fighter and I just downright love to PLAY. They might also say that I am accident prone and irresponsible....but that has gotten better with age. :) I have always been the social coordinator as well but it says something for all the teammates I still keep in touch with and love to death. It is not just about playing/coaching volleyball but developing lifelong friendships and relationships along the way. I take a lot of pride in that. - When you're away from volleyball, what do you do with your time?
I love to travel, play golf, and socialize. I am very active and enjoy many outdoor activities... Bucs games, concerts, the beach, festivals, etc. I like to spend lots of time with my fianc?, Mike, and my family as well. - What is one interesting thing about you that most people don't know?
That at age 22 I acquired exercise-induced anaphylaxis - a dangerous life threatening type of allergic reaction. Not fun when your life is about exercising :(
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