University of Minnesota Athletics
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Gophers in the Pros: Dalianliz Rosado
4/15/2020 10:39:00 AM | Volleyball
Dalianliz Rosado played for the Gophers from 2014-2017. Rosado finished her Gopher career with 1,870 career digs, which ranks third all-time in Gopher history. Following her time at Minnesota, Rosado played beach volleyball at New Mexico. The four-time Academic All-Big Ten selection also earned her master's degree from New Mexico and went on to play professionally in her home country, Puerto Rico, for Las Indias de Mayagüez. Read up on her experience in our latest Gophers in the Pros.
You played beach volleyball after your time with Minnesota and earned your master's. What did you like about playing beach volleyball and what is your master's degree?
"After graduating in 2018 from the University of Minnesota, I pursued my academic career at the University of New Mexico. I earned my master's degree in sport administration while playing beach volleyball. Being from Puerto Rico I had played beach volleyball before, but not at such a high level. During my one season at New Mexico, I mainly applied what I had learned throughout my four years at the University of Minnesota. It was a unique experience and it helped me grow so much more. I was faced with a lot of adversity, but I made the best out of every situation and found ways to still be successful. Beach volleyball is a whole different set up, and more of a chill environment. You are your own coach during matches. The sport requires great physical condition, a lot of strategies to put yourself in the best position to win each point, and good communication between you and your partner more than anything. One of the things I liked the most about playing beach volleyball was how challenging it was, and of course the fact that I got the chance to use my hitting tools once again!"
You recently signed a contract to play professionally in Puerto Rico. How has playing in your home country been like?
"I was playing professionally with Las Indias de Mayagüez in Puerto Rico. It has been a blessing to play in my home country again. My very first game this season was against my sister, Yavianliz Rosado, in front of my entire family and friends. A dream come true and a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life."
Tell us about your team and how the season was going before the halted season.
"The season started on February 18th. Our team has a good mixture of young players and experienced players who had been in the league for quite some time. I had either played against them or with them on the National Team. We were in the middle of our season and doing a good job at following the plan that our coaching staff provide us. We were doing well focusing on the process, which led us to better results.
How has life been for you now that the season has been halted due to COVID-19? How are you able to stay connected with everyone?
"COVID-19 is something that nobody was expecting and it is a very unfortunate situation. It has definitely changed our lifestyle. I stay connected with family and friends through FaceTime or social media since staying at home is the only way we can beat the virus. Our season is on hold as of right now, they have not cancel it yet. They are hoping to continue the league, but it will all depend on how we respond to COVID-19. In the meantime, I am doing the best I can to stay healthy and in shape, but most importantly spending quality time with the people I love the most, my family."
What's next for you after this professional season?
"After this professional season I would like to pursue a professional contract overseas."