Alicia Manning is a sophomore for the No. 5-ranked Lady Vols basketball team. The 6-foot-1 Manning was a five-star prospect playing for Etowah High School in Woodstock, Ga. So it’s no surprise that Manning is quickly becoming a major contributor to the Lady Vols success.

In her previous two games, she has started for the first time all season and scored in double figures. Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt sees the difference Manning brings to the team when she’s on the court.

“She brings quickness,” Summitt said. “She’s very athletic. She’s one of the most athletic guards on our team. She is committed to the defensive rebound, and what I like about her right now is getting paint points.”

It seems as though the sophomore is becoming a key player in helping Summitt win her ninth national title.

Following the Lady Vols practice, The Daily Beacon caught up with Manning to find out more about her, both on the court and off.

What is it like to play for a coach with as much prestige as Summitt?

It’s an honor. It’s definitely an honor to play for her. They only recruit the best in the country so to be recognized by Pat Summitt is very honorable.

What player influenced you the most growing up?

I really liked Lisa Leslie. I used to watch her growing up. And I guess Michael Jordan too.

What do you think the chances are of the team winning another championship?

I think we just have to take it game by game. We can’t just look at the outcome. We’ve got to look at the process. I think we have a good chance if we keep playing hard and pull together through a 40-minute game.

What was it like the first time you stepped onto the court at Thompson-Boling Arena?

I was really excited. I don’t really get very nervous. I was more ready to play in front of the fans. We have such a great fanbase, and it was definitely exciting.

Does fan support and noise play a major role in your performance?

You have to learn to just drown it out and stay focused on what you have to do. And just stay within the game, you know, don’t look at what everyone else is yelling.

What are your overall goals as a player while you’re at UT?

To get as many championships as I can (laughs).

Which team is your favorite to play against and which player?

I kind of like playing against Vanderbilt because it’s the “inner-state rivalry.” If any player, I’ll go with KeKe (Carrier) from Auburn because she’s 6-foot-7. We always kinda joke around about it.

If you could play a sport other than basketball, what would it be?

Softball, I could have played softball in college, but I chose not to.

What is it like to play out of state and away from home?

It’s not very far away for me. It’s only about a 2-3 hour drive to go home on the weekends or when the season’s over.

Favorite food?

Italian

Favorite musical artist?

Alicia Keys

Favorite movie?

“What Happens in Vegas”

Favorite TV show?

I like “House” and “Bones.”

Favorite color?

Lime green

Do you know all the words to “Rocky Top”?

I know the parts I need to know (laughs).

Do you ever get mistaken by UT fans as being a relative of Peyton Manning?

All the time

What do you think of the video of you on the Internet doing a remake of MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This”?

(Laughs) It wasn’t supposed to be good. It was supposed to be a joke. So I don’t want people to think I was trying to do well at it. It was all a joke.