University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Spotlight: Dalianliz Rosado
9/1/2016 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
The Gophers are on the road again this week, this time competing in the Puerto Rico Clásico, which starts tonight. Junior libero/defensive specialist Dalianliz Rosado is the only member of the six-team tournament hailing from Puerto Rico. The Morovis, Puerto Rico native is excited to see her college team play this weekend at the Ruben Rodriguez Coliseo in San Juan. Minnesota plays Texas A&M and Florida State, Sept. 2-3, both at 7 p.m. CT. Take a look at this short Q/A she sat down with gophersports.com prior to her departure.
Weekend Preview
Gopher Sports: How excited are you to play in Puerto Rico?
Dalianliz Rosado: I'm super excited. I can't believe I'm playing with my college team back home in my country. I'm very excited to play in front of my home crowd. Right now, I don't feel nervous, I'm just excited to play and hopefully use that excitement in a positive way and to my advantage.
GS: Do you have a lot of people coming to watch you in terms of family and friends?
DR: Yes, I have a lot of people coming. I have my extended family and friends. Even people from my old club team. They will probably fill a good part of the stands.
GS: Is this the first time a lot of your family/friends are seeing you play as a Gopher?
DR: I think it's the first time that many of my friends and family will see me play in person. Obviously my family has been following my career either in person or online since I've started my Gopher career.
GS: Has your family come to Minnesota very much?
DR: No, they have not. My mom, two sisters and my dad went to the Final Four last year, but that has been about it. Other than that, my mom saw me play in California last year to watch, but that's it.
GS: Volleyball is growing in Puerto Rico, but you're the only one to play in this tournament that hails from it. Do you think you'll pick up a few Gopher fans?
DR: I think some people will adopt Minnesota as their home team. I think we'll get a couple people cheering for us!
GS: What do you think the rest of the Minnesota student-athletes will expect to see in Puerto Rico?
DR: They should expect warm, hot weather with some beaches around them. I think those two are probably my best guess!
GS: Have you told them much about Puerto Rico?
DR: A little bit. I showed some of them the arena we are playing at, photos of both the inside and outside. They thought it was a cool venue and they are excited to play there.
