Meet Athina Dimitriadis, one of the tallest players in UNM volleyball history

Sep. 7—Athina Dimitriadis might best be described as a standout.

The University of New Mexico volleyball program has had few (if any) players as tall as Dimitriadis, and it's safe to say the Lobos have never had anyone quite like her.

Standing 6-foot-5 with her shoes off, Dimitriadis draws immediate attention from UNM fans and foes alike. A fifth-year senior who played previously at Hofstra and Florida International, she gives UNM a defensive presence and a big-time weapon at the net.

"Her block is obviously imposing," Lobos coach Jon Newman-Gonchar said. "Athina's got great ability to score in front of the setter and on back-sets, too. She's the tallest player we've had since I've been here, for sure, and she brings something we haven't seen in a while."

Newman-Gonchar smiled and added, "She's not hard to spot in airports either."

Dimitriadis' unusual attributes go well beyond athletic ability and physical stature. Born in Greece and brought up primarily in Germany, she speaks four languages, plays the flute and skis. She's not one, however, to tout her own list of accomplishments.

Asked about the challenges of speaking four languages, Dimitriadis shook her head.

"It's more like three and a half," she said. "I studied French for four years in high school, but I'm not sure how fresh that is. The other three I'm fluent. I speak Greek with my mom, German with my dad and English pretty much all the time now."

Named after the Greek goddess of wisdom, craft and warfare, Dimitiriadis combines a fascination for new experiences with a perfectionist streak. Both played roles in her decision to spend her final season of collegiate eligibility in New Mexico after a strong 2022 campaign at Florida International.

She had no shortage of suitors, but Newman-Gonchar said he clicked with Dimitriadis early in the recruiting process.

"Athina told me right off that she wanted to win, wanted to get better and wants to play professionally," Newman-Gonchar said. "I told her about our team, how I thought we could help each other and it fell into place pretty quickly."

Dimitriadis has started fast with the Lobos, who were 4-2 entering Thursday night's match at North Dakota. She ranks third on the team to fellow seniors Kaitlynn Biassou and Uxue Guereca in kills, second in attack percentage (.277) and second to junior Elizabeth Woods in blocks. Dimitriadis and Biassou were all-tournament selections after last week's Lobo Invitational.

Dimitriadis' experience also has proved helpful for the Lobos. She doesn't hide her emotions after big plays, but keeps them in check over the course of a match.

"She has a very professional response," Newman-Gonchar said. "Athina's very tenacious and wants to win every point but she keeps a calm demeanor and stays very focused. It's a good approach for younger players to emulate."

Dimitriadis has high expectations for the Lobos this season, but she's not about to miss the opportunity to soak in New Mexico culture after spending three seasons in New York and one in Florida.

"My parents are coming from Europe to watch me in October," she said, "and they're coming during the Balloon Fiesta. We're so excited for that. I saw two balloons this morning and that was so great. I can't wait for the Fiesta."

She's also doing her best to acclimate to New Mexican food.

"I'm not going to disrespect the chile in Albuquerque," she said with a laugh. "I'm still adjusting to ordering a breakfast burrito and there's chile in there. I like mild spice. Maybe by next year when I graduate, I'll move up to medium spice."

Unfortunately for Dimitriadis, college volleyball sometimes gets in the way of other pursuits. She grew up skiing with her family in Europe but put that sport on hold for volleyball at age 15.

Nor did Dimitriadis bring her flute to New Mexico, despite the fact that she believes playing in an orchestra has benefits that carry over to athletics.

"It's like a different kind of team sport," she said. "Everyone has to work together to sound good. If not, you stick out."

While she prefers not to stand out in a concert setting, Dimitriadis has accepted that it otherwise comes with the territory for her. She is frequently asked, 'Do you play basketball?' (she doesn't) and draws second glances nearly everywhere she goes.

With both of her parents standing over 6-feet tall, Dimitriadis grew up expecting above-average height. She decided to make the most of it, and parlaying volleyball into a college education in the United States has exceeded her expectations. That includes playing at three schools over the last three seasons.

"I wouldn't change anything," she said. I know some people might say, 'Oh, she transferred twice. What's that about?' But I got to taste three different corners of this country. I may not have played with one program for four or five years, but I've been able to meet so many people and experience different levels of volleyball. I've learned so much and I ended up here, so I did something right."