ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 22, 2008

MARCELA MASCARENHAS NAMED TECH'S FEMALE
STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

RUSSELLVILLE, Arkansas – Arkansas Tech has named Golden Suns libero/outside hitter Marcela Mascarenhas (Sao Paulo, Brazil) as this week's first Female Student-Athlete of the Week for the 2008-09 school year.

Mascarenhas, who is one of seven freshmen on this season's team, earns this week's honor after having an outstanding preseason camp according to Golden Suns Volleyball Coach Kristy Bayer. Mascarenhas, who joined the team last spring, will be playing in her matches of her collegiate career this fall. Marcarenhas is one of two Brazilians on this year's Golden Suns team as Tatiane Deibert, a native of Brazil, returns as an assistant coach this year.

"Marcela had an excellent spring season and has followed that up with an outstanding fall," Bayer said. "She will be an important part of our team this season."

Marcarenhas and her Golden Sun teammates open up its 2008 season at home next weekend when they host the 4th-Annual Golden Suns/Super 8 Spikefest Tournament at Tucker Coliseum. Tech will open the tournament on Aug. 29 against Drury at 1 p.m. and then will face Cameron at 7 p.m. On Saturday, Aug. 30, the Golden Suns will conclude the tournament by facing Alabama-Huntsville at 1 p.m. and Felician College at 5 p.m.

The following is a question and answer segment to help get to know this successful Tech student-athlete:

Why did you ultimately choose to come to Tech?
Marcela Mascarenhas: I love Tech because even though it is a big university, it still makes students feel comfortable and safe. Tech also has a good volleyball team with excellent coaches.

Outside of athletics, what is your favorite thing about college life?
MM: My friends and the good atmosphere at Tech.

What is your favorite type of music/group?
MM: I like most types of music, but my favorite is a Brazilian type of music called "Pagode."

What do you consider your hobby?
MM: Volleyball is my hobby. Even though I consider volleyball my job, it is also my hobby because I can have so much fun during practices, games and trips.

What sport other than softball do you like to watch or would you like to play the most?
MM: Soccer, it is the most popular sport in Brazil. So I love to watch my team's games.

Who is one person that has had the biggest impact on your life?
MM: My family. They have always been close to me and supportive. I don't have words to explain how important they are in my life.

What is your most memorable moment as a Tech athlete?
MM: I am freshman this season, so I am looking forward to my first season at Arkansas Tech.

What would you do on your dream vacation?
MM: I love to go to the beach with my family and friends.

What is your major at Tech?
MM: I am a Management & Marketing major.

What do you plan to do after graduation?
MM: I want to work in the sport marketing area. I can't live without volleyball.

Do you have a pet?
MM: No pets.

How many times a day do you find yourself checking Facebook?
MM: I would have to say about 3 to 5 times a day.

What's been the most rewarding class you have had while being at Tech?
MM: I am only a freshman, but I got the opportunity to be a member of the International Student Speakers Bureau.

What are your goals for the coming season?
MM: I would like to be one of the team's starters, to be a good influence on and off the court and to help our team make the NCAA Tournament and be included in the regional rankings.

Previous Tech Female Student-Athlete of the Week Winners (2007-08)

May 5 - freshman Tiphani Moon (Softball)
April 23 - junior Kristen Brown (Tennis)
April 14 - redshirt freshman Ashlynn Hamrick (Volleyball)
April 8 - senior Molly Schweigert (Softball)
April 3 - junior Anna Carson (Tennis)
March 24 - junior Sarah Pratt (Softball)
March 19 - freshman Ana Morales (Golf)
March 4 - senior Whitney Simmons (Tennis)
Feb. 25 - sophomore pitcher Casey Hammons (Softball)
Feb. 20 - junior forward Amanda Grappe (Women's Basketball)
Feb. 12 - senior pitcher Dana Aldrich (Softball)
Feb. 5 - senior forward Krishna Baker (Women's Basketball)