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Elam enjoys match made in heaven

Joshua D. Trujillo Arizona Daily Wildcat Senior Raelene Elam bumps the ball in a recent match. Elam, the only senior on the women's volleyball team, is happily married to her husband Blue, who enjoys preparing hot baths for her when she comes home from practice as well as going to matches to cheer on his wife.

Like most college women, UA senior Raelene Elam is in a hurry.

She changes out of her volleyball practice clothes and gets ready to go out. In the Elam household, however, tonight is different. Tonight is Mrs. Raelene Elam's date night with her husband, Blue.

"We're busy with school and work," Blue Elam said. "But we also make room for date nights and family night every week."

Despite the rough schedule, Blue Elam does have time to remember how they met.

"My first impression was that she seemed really outgoing and athletic," he said. "It was great to meet a girl that would always be willing to try new things. She was always saying, 'let's go do this', or 'let's go do that.' It's hard to slow her down."

Raelene Elam is one of the few University of Arizona athletes able to successfully juggle school, Division I college athletics and marriage.

"The great part about Raelene as a player is that she's relentless, always talking to her teammates and displaying leadership skills," UA head coach David Rubio said. "She has a gift. As a player, I knew that she wouldn't change when she married Blue. He's a great guy."

Raelene, 21, and Blue, 23, have been married since 1998. Raelene Morton was a sophomore when her roommate introduced her to a cousin, Nathan Blue Elam.

"He was on his (Mormon) mission in Southern California, so we didn't meet for a while," Raelene said. "I had heard a lot of things from his cousin and got to know him pretty well."

Upon Blue's return, the two dated continuously and six months later, they were engaged.

"He took me up on a hill where he grew up and just asked me," she said. "And I said yes."

Almost two years later, the Elams are still happily married. In Blue, Raelene has found a soul mate, best friend and No. 1 fan.

"He's there to help and support me," Raelene said. "He helps me to relax after rough practices and matches. He's always letting me finish my homework...keeping me focused."

Blue explained his post-practice duties.

"She loves a hot bath to relax sometimes," Blue said. "When we bought our house, we made sure we had a garden tub for her. She loves to be able to sit and relax after a tough day. Sometimes, when I get home before her, I'll run a bath and have it waiting for her when she gets home. When she's sore, I'll give her a massage."

Blue's family accompanies him to matches in McKale Center for support.

"A lot of his family comes out to see my matches," Raelene said. "I would say 20 or 30 people show up each match. They're really supportive."

Elam's parents, who hail from Northern California, hadn't seen many matches in the past. Her surrogate family has helped her remain comfortable.

"We saved up our money and bought a video camera for this season, so I don't yell for her as much," Blue said. "My family handles that for me. They all love volleyball."

Marriage has kept Raelene busy with academics, athletics and family life, but the young Elam family tries not to put too much emphasis on winning.

"We talk a lot about priorities," Blue said. "We understand that we have little time together between school, work and volleyball, so we try to make the best of it, win or lose."

Raelene agreed.

"I definitely consider our relationship special," she said. "We both take our time together and make sure it's quality time."

They also both rely on their religion to help balance an otherwise hectic schedule.

"In our (Mormon) religion, family is a main role, the center of our lives," Blue said. "Our religion gives us direction and calm in busy times. We still make room for nights for ourselves and nightly family prayer."

Whatever the method, the Elam family has managed to juggle school and athletics with few regrets.

"I don't miss having guy problems," Raelene said. "I remember what it was like, but I don't miss the 'he didn't call me' locker room talks."

Elam is sure her game has improved since the marriage.

"Being married and knowing he'll be there for me when I get home motivates me to do better at practice and in games," Raelene said. "I think I play harder now."

Those who think college is too early to get married should take Blue's advice.

"When you find the right person, you know it," Blue said. "We prayed a lot about it and felt it was the right thing to do."