After Saturday’s nail biting five sets against opponent University of Incarnate Word, one player stood out leagues above the rest as the team’s saving grace. The roar of the bleeding orange and blue continued as every effortless kill and block carried out by number three was met with unparalleled approval from the audience. Mia Soerensen, junior on the UTSA volleyball team, has already shown some impeccable stats this early in the season. The fans seem to have taken a liking to her impressive skills on the court, but there is a lot more to know about this 6-foot-4, techno-music-loving, opposite hitter and her accomplishments.
Soerensen didn’t originally attend the University of Texas at San Antonio. Her first stop was Kent State University, only 100 miles from her hometown of Meadville, Pennsylvania, where she started her studies in neuroscience and her volleyball career. When attending a visit to UTSA in December of 2022, she quickly became attached to the initial players and coaching staff.
“Definitely playing Texas, it was a lot of fun and I think the crowd was amazing and it is something I will always remember because I have felt the love of San Antonio so much,” Soerensen said about the bond she had with the team and her favorite memories she shares with them.
A summer trip to Europe proved to be a great bonding opportunity for the team. Although the players had a couple of matches set when they arrived, they were able to connect over tourist activities. Soerensen described her favorite part of the trip as the time spent with incoming freshmen and transfer students. She felt like the trip was essential and provided a strong foundation for the friendship the team has developed.
Soerensen is pursuing a degree in neuroscience at UTSA all the while maintaining a full time volleyball career.
“I would really love to be a neurologist, but I am definitely keeping my options open because if surgery interests me more I would definitely do it,” Soerensen said when asked about what she would do with a neuroscience degree.
In regards to her personal life, Soerensen has loved San Antonio since she arrived. When asked what the perfect day or night in San Antonio would look like.
“Got to hit up the river walk; it’s like a classic everyone likes. I like it at night because the lights are really pretty, and I love Nonna Osteria for dinner. It’s so good.”
Soerensen also likes to stop at a coffee shop, but only for a matcha latte with oat milk.
All these things make up who Soerensen is and all contribute to her continued success on and off the court.
