By GEORGE MAHL-Sports Editor

THIBODAUX – She may be only a freshman, but she leads like a senior. She sends down a thunderous kill during a recent Nicholls State University practice to which a fellow player says “send it down, babe.” She is laughing, but also learning at the same time.

Atina Porter is certainly enjoying her life these days.

“I am having a lot of fun while learning lots of stuff,” Porter said after practice in Stopher Gym.

In 2002, Porter was named L’Observateur MVP while at Destrehan High School.

“I guess the thing I remember most about playing at Destrehan was making it to the state playoffs during my senior year,” she recalled.

NSU Head Volleyball Coach MJ Engstrom remembers the first time she saw the former DHS standout play.

“I believe it was during her sophomore year in high school while she was playing club ball. She had an effortless leap that makes a coach want to say ‘ I wanna coach this kid.’ There’s no question she was a diamond in the rough,” said Engstrom.

While only being a freshman, Porter realizes that despite her talents she is prepared to learn more.

“It’s a little hard right now, but it’s not overwhelming. I think if I stay focused everything will be fine,” Porter explained.

” Atina has a lot of potential,” Engstrom said. ” Some days she’s amazing, but then some days she can be forgetful. The sky is the limit for her.”

Porter is also enjoying the academic and social aspect of the Thibodaux campus.

“It can be a little challenging in the sense that we do a lot of traveling. Some professors are lenient but won’t bend over for you when it comes to school work,” she said.

One of the first differences she immediately noticed between high school and college is the fact there are no bragging rights involved.

“It’s not like your playing against Hahnville or East St. John or some school that played against a lot in high school. It is more physical and mental in college,” said the 5-foot-10 middle-blocker.

Earlier this season, the Colonels went on a road trip to Texas. It was a trip that brought Porter and her teammates together.

“I thought it was a chance to get to know everybody better. It was a chance to watch movies and see what my teammates are like away from the court,” Porter said.

One thing Porter, who made the All-State team in 2003, is excited about is that her roommate is former Lutcher High School star Lyndi Martin.

“Lyndi is terrific. Sometimes we’ll watch movies or even watch games we played while in high school. Whether it be softball or volleyball, we still enjoy it,” Porter said.

She realizes a person can have fun while accepting criticism.

“I am just taking things one day at a time. I’ll take the good with the bad and make the most out of it,” Porter said.