Photo by: Martin A. Folb
Men's Volleyball Q&A: Jacob Steele
2/11/2020 8:00:00 AM | Men's Volleyball, Competing With Purpose Blog
Jacob Steele, a redshirt freshman on the Pepperdine men's volleyball team, talks about what it was like to redshirt his freshman season and explains how he has grown and adjusted to his starting role this season:
Q: You redshirted your freshman season. What was it like waiting your turn on that very senior-heavy team?
A: I think the fact it was so senior heavy helped me understand and not be so frustrated about it. I recognized we had a lot of talent on that roster, so it was actually pretty helpful to play under those guys. I was able to learn a lot from them both through how they competed and through just the life of a student-athlete. It was definitely hard at first, but I think overall a good experience for me.
Q: How did those seniors last year help and teach you?
A: Michael Wexter played the position I play, and he was a really good blocker and by watching him I was able to learn a lot. Seeing his footwork and arm work was super helpful. He also hit out-of-system balls really well, which was something I needed to work on, so he was able to help my game a lot.
Q: What does it mean to you to have won the opposite starting position this year?
A: It is obviously an honor to have that role and to be valued on the team.
Q: How does it feel to be playing regularly now?
A: It's awesome. I love playing. It's really cool to get out there and play against other teams. I love to show other people what I can do. I love to compete especially with all my teammates, and I think we have a great group of guys and I just love competing with them.
Q: How has the first month of the season been?
A: It has been good. A lot of fun and a lot of learning. It has been a lot of traveling, we had a week-long road trip at the beginning of the season and have played in some pretty difficult environments, but I think this almost overload of things has been good for us and helped us learn pretty fast and early on in the season.
Q: After being on the road for so long how excited are you to have a match back at home?
A: I am fired up to play at home. I think the home environment will give us a little advantage and we should get a pretty good crowd. They always bring a lot of energy to the games, which makes it even better.
Q: What expectations have you had for yourself and the team this season?
A: Our goal as a team of course is to win a national championship. As for expectations, I think that learning and getting better each game for myself and for the team is the best I can ask for. We never want to expect to win a game because then we won't play as well, but I do expect everyone to give it all they have game in and game out. I can say with confidence that I think we have a shot at winning a championship.
Q: How is the overall team looking this year after losing a number of seniors last year?
A: It has kind of been a theme around the league. A lot of teams were senior heavy last year so a lot of starters left around the league. I think that had kind of evened the playing field. But I think we have enough leadership that has stayed with us in Noah Dyer and Rob Mullahey who are both really good leaders on the team. Those two have really been able to help guide the younger players we have. In terms of the young guys I think we have a lot of good talent.
Q: Do you see yourself transitioning into a more leadership role on the team?
A: I see myself playing well, so I think yes, but it is interesting since it is only my second season after a redshirt freshman season, but I do think I have some value as a leader. I hope that I can play well enough to set a good example for the younger guys on the team.
Q: You redshirted your freshman season. What was it like waiting your turn on that very senior-heavy team?
A: I think the fact it was so senior heavy helped me understand and not be so frustrated about it. I recognized we had a lot of talent on that roster, so it was actually pretty helpful to play under those guys. I was able to learn a lot from them both through how they competed and through just the life of a student-athlete. It was definitely hard at first, but I think overall a good experience for me.
Q: How did those seniors last year help and teach you?
A: Michael Wexter played the position I play, and he was a really good blocker and by watching him I was able to learn a lot. Seeing his footwork and arm work was super helpful. He also hit out-of-system balls really well, which was something I needed to work on, so he was able to help my game a lot.
Q: What does it mean to you to have won the opposite starting position this year?
A: It is obviously an honor to have that role and to be valued on the team.
Q: How does it feel to be playing regularly now?
A: It's awesome. I love playing. It's really cool to get out there and play against other teams. I love to show other people what I can do. I love to compete especially with all my teammates, and I think we have a great group of guys and I just love competing with them.
Q: How has the first month of the season been?
A: It has been good. A lot of fun and a lot of learning. It has been a lot of traveling, we had a week-long road trip at the beginning of the season and have played in some pretty difficult environments, but I think this almost overload of things has been good for us and helped us learn pretty fast and early on in the season.
Q: After being on the road for so long how excited are you to have a match back at home?
A: I am fired up to play at home. I think the home environment will give us a little advantage and we should get a pretty good crowd. They always bring a lot of energy to the games, which makes it even better.
Q: What expectations have you had for yourself and the team this season?
A: Our goal as a team of course is to win a national championship. As for expectations, I think that learning and getting better each game for myself and for the team is the best I can ask for. We never want to expect to win a game because then we won't play as well, but I do expect everyone to give it all they have game in and game out. I can say with confidence that I think we have a shot at winning a championship.
Q: How is the overall team looking this year after losing a number of seniors last year?
A: It has kind of been a theme around the league. A lot of teams were senior heavy last year so a lot of starters left around the league. I think that had kind of evened the playing field. But I think we have enough leadership that has stayed with us in Noah Dyer and Rob Mullahey who are both really good leaders on the team. Those two have really been able to help guide the younger players we have. In terms of the young guys I think we have a lot of good talent.
Q: Do you see yourself transitioning into a more leadership role on the team?
A: I see myself playing well, so I think yes, but it is interesting since it is only my second season after a redshirt freshman season, but I do think I have some value as a leader. I hope that I can play well enough to set a good example for the younger guys on the team.
Players Mentioned
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