FIU's Coach Danijela Tomic - Part 2 of 3

In the second part of the interview with FIU's Coach Tomic we look back at a memorable season that we all hope was a sign of better things to come for the ladies Volleyball team.

SFVR: What was your most memorable game of the 2008 season?
TOMIC: The most memorable game of the 2008 season was our home match against Middle Tennessee State. We won first two sets, then lost the third and fourth, and in the fifth we were down 5-10 and 8-12. I called my last time out at 8-12, and I don’t remember what I told the team, but they went back to the court, and played their hearts out and won the match 21-19! We had the record high attendance, and the gym was packed. The crowd was on their feet and cheering us through the whole 5th set, and I believe they gave us the energy to come back and win the match. It was just an unbelievable experience for everybody who witnessed that match!

SFVR: Rate last years (2008) freshman class?
TOMIC: I don’t like ratings, so I won’t rate our 2008 freshman class. However, I will say that the three freshman had a major role in our success. Sabrina Gonzalez and Andrea Lakovic were our starting middles and Nina Colon earned the libero role in the middle of the season. I was very happy with their development and their contribution to the team.

SFVR: Isadora Rangel was a transfer last year. What did she bring to the team?
TOMIC: Isadora was a great addition to our team. I don’t think we would’ve had a season that we had if we didn’t have her as our outside hitter. She was recognized by the conferences’ coaches for her great year by being named “Newcomer of the Year” and “2nd Team All-Conference.”

SFVR: Was the team together when FIU was selected for the NCAA Tournament?
TOMIC: We didn’t have a watch party for the NCAA selection, but the team watched it together in their dorm. I called them when we found out that we got an at-large bid, and I could hear over the phone how ecstatic they were.

SFVR: What was the message to the team after the loss to Colorado State in the NCAA Tournament?
TOMIC: It is never easy to talk to the team after a loss, especially after our first loss in the NCAA to CSU. I told the team that even though we lost, we were proud of them, and they should be proud of the season that we just finished. We told them that we will be back to the NCAA again next year, and that we are very close not to just win in the first round, but to go even further in the tournament.

SFVR: Coach we couldn't agree with you more.

On Thursday the 22nd we look to the future with Coach Tomic regarding recruiting, the 2009 team and a few tips for players that wish to continue playing at the university level.