University of Montevallo Athletics

Thomas burst on to the scene as Montevallo from Huntsville, Ala., and made an immediate impact in UM volleyball.

She led her 1988 team to a forth place finish in the NAIA National Volleyball Championships in Topeka, Kansas, the highest finish for any UM volleyball team. Her senior season she was named 1st team NAIA All American, 1st team Russell Athletic All American, 2nd team Asics Tiger All American and NAIA 2nd team all tournament. She still owns the NAIA national tournament records for total blocks and block solos.

Latanja, a two-time All-District 27 selection, was selected as the District 27 female Athlete of the Year as a senior, as well as the NAIA District 27 Co-Player of the Year.