Side Out with Amanda Gates

As the Huskers begin Big 12 play tonight, one  thing that Head Coach John Cook is looking for is the emergence of Amanda Gates as a key performer in the NU attack.

Gates has started all seven matches for this season, averaging a team-high 1.41 blocks and 1.12 kills per game for the No. 1 Huskers. She is eighth in the Big 12 in blocking and ranked among the national leaders in that category last week.

Gates has shined several times during the early season, making quite a first impression in her first start. The Columbus native recorded a career-high 10 blocks to key NU’s win over No. 20 San Diego. Her total against the Toreros nearly matched her entire 2005 season total of 13 in nine matches. The following week, Gates showed off her varied offensive game, recording six kills on .455 hitting and three blocks in a win over Long Beach State.

“She has had some great matches for us,” Cook said. “She was leading the conference in blocks and we need her to block balls while also being more involved in our offense.”

Gates is sometimes overshadowed in the front row, as her rotation also includes Sarah Pavan and Jordan Larson, who combine for nearly 10 kills a game between them. The two often draw double blocks, leading for more opportunites for Gates.

“She’s got to make teams play when they have two blockers on Jordan and Sarah,” Cook said. For her, it is about having a presence, demanding the ball, wanting the ball and having our setters develop the confidence that she can terminate in one-one-one situations.”

Side Out with Amanda Gates
Full name: Amanda Marie Gates
Place of birth: Columbus, Neb.
Childhood ambition: Dance teacher
Favorite movies: How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, Finding Nemo and Shrek
Soundtrack: Anything you can dance to and country
Inspirations: My family, friends, coaches, my faith and myself because I am always pushing myself to be everything I can
First job: Babysitting
Indulgence: Sweets...especially brownies and candy
Favorite class: Communication courses and about anything I can be creative in
Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere I can get away from reality and enjoy myself with people I love
Favorite athlete: Laura Pilakowski
My motto: Embrace challenges as they come your way, never settle for anything less than your best, and live for every moment