Up Close: Victor Batista

Up Close: Victor BatistaUp Close: Victor Batista

Favorite Cold Cereal: Corn Flakes.

Favorite volleyball memory: There are many, but the most recent is winning the NCAA National Championship 2004.

I chose volleyball over other sports because: Because it was easier to get a scholarship for college.

Before a match, I: I take a shower and then before the match starts, I kiss my girlfriend.

Who has the greatest influence on my volleyball career and why: Elias Geraldo (my coach in my hometown) because he told me to start playing volleyball instead of basketball. He also taught me my first volleyball moves.

What I want to be doing 20 years from now: Taking care of my family.

The best volleyball team I've ever faced is: The USA Men's team.

Something I'd like to do in my life: Graduate from college and have a beautiful family.

My favorite hobby away from volleyball: Dancing, listening to music and playing my computer.

My favorite music group: Boys II Men, El Gran Combo (Latin Salsa).

People say I look like: Lebron James.

Favorite BYU professor: Paul Warner.

If I had to give up all my possessions but one, I'd keep: My smile.

Advice to youngsters: Practice sports but don't forget to study hard because knowledge is forever but sports aren't.

Interesting fact most people don't know about me: How much I love my girlfriend and my family.

On game day, how do your friends and relatives follow the game: Going to the games, internet and TV.

What do you contribute to the team: Team work.

My first job: Sales clerk.

Nickname: I have a lot, some of them: Batuta, Saronet, Aro, Flaco, Largo, xLarge.

Favorite movie: Coach Cater.

Why did you pick your jersey number: Because of the best middle blocker in my country when I started to play volleyball.