Photo by: Sarah Otteman
Men's Volleyball Q&A: Trey Cole
7/11/2022 10:18:00 AM | Men's Volleyball, Competing With Purpose Blog
Trey Cole is a rising junior libero from Long Island, N.Y. As a freshman in 2021, he appeared in 19 matches, was a Freshman All-American from Off The Block, and made the MPSF All-Freshman team. As a sophomore in 2022, he played in 86 of 108 sets, registering 139 digs and winning MPSF Defensive Player of the Week twice. Now an upperclassman, Cole looks to improve a Pepperdine defense that was sixth in the MPSF in digs per set last season.
Q: In your own words, how would you describe the 2022 season?
A: We started off the season pretty well. We played some lower-level teams at first and handled them. To be honest, I think we got some humble pie when we played UCSB on our alumni night. We had the mentality that no one could really touch us because we were the No. 1 team in one poll and No. 2 in another. So I think that we kind of got ahead of ourselves at first. We ended up going through some changes in the lineup, including me coming off the bench and Spencer (Wickens) playing libero. That lasted for a couple games in the regular season. When we finally settled on the lineup that we wanted to use, we were playing like a different team and it carried us through MPSF. We went to the NCAA Tournament, played a great match and lost to a really good UCLA team.
Q: Was there anything that you felt was missing from last year's team?
A: I don't think we were necessarily missing anything. The struggle was that we had a lot of talent on our team across the board. I think it was tough for us to manage all that talent, and put together a lineup that we really felt comfortable with. When things went bad, there's so much talent there are so many different changes and possibilities you can make personnel-wise. Because you want to utilize the resources you have but you also want to get really good with one lineup. We weren't missing anything, we just struggled to find that core lineup and stick with it.
Q: How surprised was the team to hear Head Coach David Hunt was stepping down?
A: We were surprised but happy for Coach at the same time. He sat us all down and he was super straightforward with us. All of us love Coach Hunt, so it was a super emotional thing, especially for the younger guys that had no idea. It was tough, but we all care about each other so much in this type of program, we knew we could get through it.
Q: How did the team react?
A: It was difficult at first. There were guys that were confused. When a coach leaves there's always a bit of a gray area as to what happens next. We were anxious, but how we left things with coach was, 'We love you, we care about you. We want you to go and do what's best for you and your family.'
Q: Tell us about the team's new head coach, Jonathan Winder.
A: So I've actually spoken to him once or twice so far, he's incredibly kind and an excellent coach. We didn't really talk too much about volleyball but he gave me some insights into his life and his volleyball experience. Being a Pepperdine grad, he gets what our program is about and he has a lot of Marv Dunphy's philosophy ingrained in him. So, that gives me a lot of peace knowing that we have a guide coming in that Marv supports and has taught. There's a lot of Pepperdine culture already in him which is super exciting.
Q: You played in 86 of 108 total sets this year, were third on the team in digs at 139 and first on the team in digs per set at 1.62. Individually, how would you rate your performance?
A: Early in the season, I was pretty confident and playing really good volleyball. Then, I started to think too much about technical stuff as the season went on, rather than just freeing myself up to go compete and do what I know how to do. After talking to Coach Paul Carroll, he said that the fall is the time to focus on technical stuff, the season is about repetition and going out there to compete. After that conversation it opened up this mental door of just playing volleyball as if I was playing in my backyard or with my friends. That made the season not only more fun but I started putting up some of the best performances of my career.
Q: The seniors from last year's team were a combination of high-energy role players and long-term starters like Spencer Wickens and Austin Wilmot. How would you say their presence was for the team?
A: Man, I can't say enough good things about those guys. When I came into Pepperdine, I was nervous. I was hoping that these older guys would like me and that we'd all get along. Two to three days into training and it all melted away because they were just so welcoming. They said 'Hey, you're one of the boys now.' It was that simple. Now that they're gone, their Pepperdine legacy isn't over. They're going to help us so much to win a national championship next year because of what they've already done for the team. And they inspired me to be just as welcoming to the guys coming in. Knowing I'll have always have those guys in my corner is special.
Q: Aside from the graduating seniors, personnel-wise, do you think the team will look a lot different in 2023?
A: I'd assume, but truthfully I have no idea. Getting a new coach means getting an entirely new philosophy, so what he goes with his personnel will be a gradual thing. I don't know the details on what's going to happen to our lineup, but everyone on the roster is going to have an opportunity. And I haven't seen the freshmen class a ton, but from a talent standpoint, I hear they're great.
Q: What are some of the expectations for next year?
A: It's the same goal. Every year we can do it — and a big reason why is phenomenal coaching. And in overall culture, Pepperdine is always in a position where they can fight for a national championship. It's just a matter of getting on the same page as soon as possible.
Q: Are there any up-and-comers we should keep our eyes on?
A: I'll go with Akin Akinwumi. Keep an eye out for Akin this offseason, alright? He and Joe Deluzio are going to be some big guys for us next year.
Q: In your own words, how would you describe the 2022 season?
A: We started off the season pretty well. We played some lower-level teams at first and handled them. To be honest, I think we got some humble pie when we played UCSB on our alumni night. We had the mentality that no one could really touch us because we were the No. 1 team in one poll and No. 2 in another. So I think that we kind of got ahead of ourselves at first. We ended up going through some changes in the lineup, including me coming off the bench and Spencer (Wickens) playing libero. That lasted for a couple games in the regular season. When we finally settled on the lineup that we wanted to use, we were playing like a different team and it carried us through MPSF. We went to the NCAA Tournament, played a great match and lost to a really good UCLA team.
Q: Was there anything that you felt was missing from last year's team?
A: I don't think we were necessarily missing anything. The struggle was that we had a lot of talent on our team across the board. I think it was tough for us to manage all that talent, and put together a lineup that we really felt comfortable with. When things went bad, there's so much talent there are so many different changes and possibilities you can make personnel-wise. Because you want to utilize the resources you have but you also want to get really good with one lineup. We weren't missing anything, we just struggled to find that core lineup and stick with it.
Q: How surprised was the team to hear Head Coach David Hunt was stepping down?
A: We were surprised but happy for Coach at the same time. He sat us all down and he was super straightforward with us. All of us love Coach Hunt, so it was a super emotional thing, especially for the younger guys that had no idea. It was tough, but we all care about each other so much in this type of program, we knew we could get through it.
Q: How did the team react?
A: It was difficult at first. There were guys that were confused. When a coach leaves there's always a bit of a gray area as to what happens next. We were anxious, but how we left things with coach was, 'We love you, we care about you. We want you to go and do what's best for you and your family.'
Q: Tell us about the team's new head coach, Jonathan Winder.
A: So I've actually spoken to him once or twice so far, he's incredibly kind and an excellent coach. We didn't really talk too much about volleyball but he gave me some insights into his life and his volleyball experience. Being a Pepperdine grad, he gets what our program is about and he has a lot of Marv Dunphy's philosophy ingrained in him. So, that gives me a lot of peace knowing that we have a guide coming in that Marv supports and has taught. There's a lot of Pepperdine culture already in him which is super exciting.
Q: You played in 86 of 108 total sets this year, were third on the team in digs at 139 and first on the team in digs per set at 1.62. Individually, how would you rate your performance?
A: Early in the season, I was pretty confident and playing really good volleyball. Then, I started to think too much about technical stuff as the season went on, rather than just freeing myself up to go compete and do what I know how to do. After talking to Coach Paul Carroll, he said that the fall is the time to focus on technical stuff, the season is about repetition and going out there to compete. After that conversation it opened up this mental door of just playing volleyball as if I was playing in my backyard or with my friends. That made the season not only more fun but I started putting up some of the best performances of my career.
Q: The seniors from last year's team were a combination of high-energy role players and long-term starters like Spencer Wickens and Austin Wilmot. How would you say their presence was for the team?
A: Man, I can't say enough good things about those guys. When I came into Pepperdine, I was nervous. I was hoping that these older guys would like me and that we'd all get along. Two to three days into training and it all melted away because they were just so welcoming. They said 'Hey, you're one of the boys now.' It was that simple. Now that they're gone, their Pepperdine legacy isn't over. They're going to help us so much to win a national championship next year because of what they've already done for the team. And they inspired me to be just as welcoming to the guys coming in. Knowing I'll have always have those guys in my corner is special.
Q: Aside from the graduating seniors, personnel-wise, do you think the team will look a lot different in 2023?
A: I'd assume, but truthfully I have no idea. Getting a new coach means getting an entirely new philosophy, so what he goes with his personnel will be a gradual thing. I don't know the details on what's going to happen to our lineup, but everyone on the roster is going to have an opportunity. And I haven't seen the freshmen class a ton, but from a talent standpoint, I hear they're great.
Q: What are some of the expectations for next year?
A: It's the same goal. Every year we can do it — and a big reason why is phenomenal coaching. And in overall culture, Pepperdine is always in a position where they can fight for a national championship. It's just a matter of getting on the same page as soon as possible.
Q: Are there any up-and-comers we should keep our eyes on?
A: I'll go with Akin Akinwumi. Keep an eye out for Akin this offseason, alright? He and Joe Deluzio are going to be some big guys for us next year.
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