Beach Volleyball . April 9, 2014

Sand Talk with KoKo Atoa-Williams

April 9, 2014

Throughout the spring, Gamecocksonline.com will catch up with the sand volleyball team for a feature called Sand Talk, giving an inside look at the lives of each player. This week we are featuring KoKo Atoa-Williams.

Why did you choose South Carolina?
I chose South Carolina because I fell in love with the staff members of the volleyball programs. The weather and southern hospitality were a great cultural change for me that I wanted to experience.

What word or phrase best describes this team?
Diverse: This applies to a lot of different aspects. We are culturally diverse coming from lots of different places, we undergo changes and deal with them effectively, we have had to adapt and change with the weather and storms and we have a lot of different personalities but this all seems to mesh together so well.

What does it mean to you to be a part of South Carolina’s first-ever sand team?
It means being able to be the foundation for more than just a program but for an inspiration to be the change you want to see. It means that the Gamecock family is growing to becoming more diverse in what we offer at USC. It is my second family and something I want to use to inspire people spiritually and emotionally through this game and help them to feel my passion for the game.

When you were growing up, what did you want to be?
Growing up I wanted to be a pediatrician because I’ve always loved helping kids. I enjoy helping people get back on their feet whether it is from emotional or physical injury.

If you had to choose one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I would eat Hawaiian dinner for the rest of my life, because I could live off of fish and rice, no hesitation.

What are your five favorite movies of all-time ranked 1-5?
1. About last night
2. Think like a man
3. White Chicks
4. Shark Tale
5. A Madea Christmas

What are your career goals?
I would like to be a physical therapist or athletic trainer for underprivileged kids that can’t afford the necessary medical treatment for minor injuries.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
My parents and family have the most influence on my career because they are the very ones who helped me to get here, and I want to be able to use this career to provide for them as they get older as they did for me.

What has been your favorite class so far at South Carolina?
My favorite class so far is public health. It is the most interesting and is focused toward my major. My professor is passionate about the topics she addresses which helps to making learning about it easier.

What is your favorite TV show?
Being Mary Jane, Pretty Little Liars

What is your go-to restaurant in Columbia?
Tsunami, I love sushi.

If you could have dinner with a famous person past or present, who would that be?
LeBron James, because we might possibly be getting married.

What is your favorite thing about playing sand volleyball?
Being in an environment that I grew up in (sand) and being able to be three types of players in one.

Who is your favorite professional athlete?
Kerri Walsh Jennings, she likes to inspire people to find the love for volleyball that she does. Meeting her in person and talking to her about volleyball had the influence on me to help others excel in the sport. Watching others love volleyball as much as I do is infectious and important to expanding the volleyball community.

What is your dream vacation?
Tahiti, to explore more of my Polynesian culture

What is your most memorable athletic moment?
Getting box seats at the final four and national championship in Dec. 2013 for volleyball.

What is one thing you cannot live without?
Volleyball and my Polynesian culture

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Go anywhere with my friends, doesn’t matter what we are doing, as long as we are together.