The Red Life with Amanda Gates

By Keith Zimmer, Associate Athletic Director
For Huskers.com

Growing up, chances were good that Amanda Gates would become a dance or basketball standout. The Nebraska junior middle blocker from Columbus, Neb., did not even start playing volleyball until the sixth grade.

To further the learning curve, she was prohibited from playing in games because she left practice early on Thursdays to attend dance.

"Eventually the coach allowed me to play in the last game toward the end of the season, and I could sense that I had some ability," Gates said. 

A basketball and track athlete, Gates earned 11 varsity letters at Columbus High School.

Gates drew national interest from Division I volleyball coaches across the country as they followed her club team career. Intrigued by schools from all 50 states, Gates chose to visit only Nebraska and knew immediately that no other place could compare to all that Nebraska offers, and she may have been influenced by the chance to follow in the footsteps of a former Husker All-American from her own hometown. 

"Everywhere you go from the Coliseum to the Hewit Center it was obvious that there was a rich tradition both on and off the court," Gates said. "I remember watching Laura (Pilakowski) in the 2000 National Championship game and being so excited for her and the team when they won the title."

Above all, Gates was proud to become a University of Nebraska volleyball student-athlete and knew from the onset the responsibility inherent with the title.

"I know Husker volleyball players are on a pedestal," Gates said. "With that comes opportunity to influence many young girls who have big dreams."

When it comes to dreaming big, Gates and her Husker teammates are experienced.

"As a team, in 2006, we realized our dream winning the national championship," Gates said. "Individually, I want to be a starter, become an All-American and Academic All-American and maintain my 4.0 cumulative grade-point average."

Majoring in communication studies with a business minor, Gates has earned 72 credits with all A's entering her junior year. She credits her academic success with her own competitive nature. 

"I always compete with myself and expect perfection in all that I do," Gates said. "I simply want to be the best."

Gates likes to pursue her other interests with same passion she brings to the volleyball court and the classroom. Gates is building an impressive resume working in athletic administration at the Nebraska High School Coaches Association and in the office of Nebraska Athletic Director Steve Pederson.

"I have always wanted a career in sports and my work experience so far has confirmed my interests," Gates said. "I also love taking pictures, scrapbooking, shopping, spending time with family and friends, baking, working out and so much more." 

In addition to her outstanding career experience, Gates has earned many impressive honors for her commitment to academics and service. A first-team academic All-Big 12 selection and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee officer, Gates is most proud of leading her volleyball teammates to the 2007 Life Skills Award of Excellence signifying the Husker team that made the strongest commitment to community service, team education and leadership.

"I put a plan together and the team committed themselves completely to working the plan," Gates said. "In the end it was nice to show others that we are not just champions on the court and in school, but in the community and life."

In just two years at Nebraska, Gates has had many special moments. She was a difference-maker in the national title match against Stanford, met the President of the United States, traveled to China and worked in one of the most successful athletic departments in the country. 

"I'm trying to enjoy these special moments, improve in all areas of my life, further develop friendships and trust God's plan."

Based on the past, Gates will not only trust the plan, but is certain to continue to execute it by continuing to achieve great success in athletics, academics and life.