Fresno State Athletics
Naturally Gifted
12/20/1999 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Dec. 20, 1999
FRESNO, Calif. - An athlete can personify and define a sport with her numbers and charisma, but being born to be a major college athlete takes a mixture of genetic athletic ability, love for the sport and backing from your family.
Tina Milburn, a six-foot middle blocker for the Fresno State Bulldogs, has been given the right mixture to pursue her major college volleyball career.
Milburn is a transfer student from CS Los Angeles, where she was a two-year starter in the middle for the Golden Eagles. "I love to compete and have always loved to play sports of all kind," Milburn said.
This Southern California native lettered in four sports (basketball, softball, track and field and volleyball) at Moorpark High School. In track and field, she set school records in both the shot put and discus.
The family?s athletic talents just don?t stop with Milburn. Her sister, Tracey, is a student-athlete at UCLA where she plays both basketball and soccer for the Bruins. "When we were kids, Tracey and I used to play some really competitive basketball." Milburn said. "Most of the time I could say we were even, but she always seed to find a way to have calls go her way."
Milburn has many interests outside of her athletic field of play. Currently, she is majoring in heath science and wants to pursue a career as a paramedic. "I wanted to be a paramedic when I saw them saving my grandmother?s life," Milburn said. "The paramedics made a difference and that is what I want to do."
The Ventura County native escapes the rigors of being a student-athlete by spending any quality time with her equally busy fiance, Fresno State star running back Derrick Ward. "We try to make time for each other but with our schedules it?s really difficult," Milburn said. "But when we do get together it is like a breath of fresh air."
Milburn has seen limited game time as she has participated in 10 matches, seven in conference play, for the Bulldogs this year. But she has made an impact when called upon.
"The first thing I noticed about Tina was that she stepped on the court with a very mature attitude," teammate Malia Malu said. "She is such an easy going person, but when she gets on the court it?s all business. When she steps in for us we need that lift. We need that spark to get us on the right track again."
The postseason future for the Bulldog volleyball team will be determined on Sunday, Nov. 28. Milburn?s future has already been shaped.
