Daily 49er, February 25-March 1, 2019

D 49

LONG BEACH STATE | VOL. LXX, ISSUE 33 | FEBRUARY 25-MARCH 1, 2019

SPECIAL ISSUE

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PERFEC set up

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2 SPECIAL ISSUE

FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 1, 2019 | DAILY49ER.COM | CITYD49ER@GMAIL.COM

INSIDE

ON THE COVER

Senior setter Josh Tuaniga sets up redshirt senior Nick Amado for a kill against UCLA Feb. 16.

THE

NINER

PAULA KILEY Daily 49er

Q&A with the six graduating players page 5

Daily 49er Editorial Office Phone (562) 985-8000

1250 Bellflower Blvd., LA4-201 Long Beach, CA 90840-4601 Kat Schuster Editor in Chief eicd49er@gmail.com

News Editor Sports Editor

COLUMN: The 49ers on the path to a back-to-back page 8

Arts & Life Editor Special Projects Editor Multimedia Managing Editor

Long Beach featured in Big West docuseries page 9

Advertising Account Executive

Copy Editor Design Editor Photo Editor

Editor’s note: Finally, a winning team at LBSU

W

hat’s up everyone? We’ve got 19 teams at Long Beach State, but there’s only one team who can call itself national champions. In this issue, we’ve taken the time to get to know the players of the Long Beach State’s men’s volleyball team and what makes them so unstoppable. Local high schools such as Huntington Beach and Redondo Union have become a breeding ground for high level volleyball players. We’ve written stories ranging from where the Final Four is being held to what it is like to be a freshman on the reigning national championship team.

This issue will be on stands all week and the next regular issue will be on stands March 4. We will have coverage on all our social media platforms throughout the week, and you can listen to the sports section podcast “Chugg it at the Nugget” Wednesday for more LBSU sports content.

We’ll have one issue on stands this week. We’ll resume our regular print schedule of two days a week on March 4.

- Kevin Colindres, sports editor

Business Office Phone (562) 985-1740

Samantha Diaz Managing Editor managingd49er@gmail.com

Austin Brumblay d49ernews@gmail.com Kevin Colindres sportsd49er@gmail.com Rachel Barnes artsnlifed49er@gmail.com Carlos Villicana spprojd49er@gmail.com Paula Kiley Eddie Infante d49ads@gmail.com

James Chow Claudia Mehranbod Ryan Guitare

Social Media Editor

Lizbeth Galeno

Video Editor

Adam Pacheco

Assistant Design Editor

Mia Bradford

Assistant Copy Editor

Sarah Vehrs

Assistant News Editor

Hannah Getahun

Assistant News Editor

Perry Continente

News Assistant

Nikki Nelsen

News Assistant

Suzane Jlelati

Deputy Sports Editor

Alex Manfredi

Assistant Sports Editor

Bryan Aparicio

Assistant Sports Editor

Sierra Martinez

Assistant Photo Editor

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Social Media Assistant

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Andrew Myer

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Content Adviser Advertising and Business Adviser

Barbara Kingsley-Wilson Jennifer Newton

Editorials: All opinions expressed in the columns, letters and cartoons in this issue are those of the writers or artists.

The opinions of the Daily 49er are expressed only in unsigned editorials and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the journalism department or the views of all staff members. All such editorials are written by the editorial board of the Daily 49er.

Letters Policy: All letters and email must bear the phone number of the writer and must be no more than 300 words.

The Daily 49er reserves the right to edit letters for publication in regard to space.

FEATURE 3

FEBRUARY 25-MARCH 1, 2019 | DAILY49ER.COM | SPORTSD49ER@GMAIL.COM

It runs in the family The future of the men’s volleyball team is right in its backyard.

By Samantha Diaz Managing Editor samanthadiaz98

W

hen TJ DeFalco and Josh Tuaniga won their first high school championship together, they told their Huntington Beach High School coach, Craig Pazanti, they wanted to put “dynasty” on their rings. They didn’t know it would actually come true.

“They knew what it was going to take,” Pazanti said. “That’s what it’s about, creating something that lasts.”

And that’s exactly what they did.

After winning back-to-back CIF SoCal Boy’s Volleyball Championships, the pair signed with Long Beach State with the goal of bringing the same acclaim to their college. Success that came out of Huntington Beach High School became a gateway to bring glory to Long Beach State.

The high school volleyball powerhouse only recently hit the 49ers’ radar, beginning with Edgar Palos who was recruited as a freshman in 2013. Since then, there has been a steady flow of players coming from Huntington, with six currently on the roster, half of them being freshman.

Middle blocker Shane Holdaway is one of the most recent recruits from Huntington, and although he only begun playing the sport his freshman year of high school, when the time came, it was a clear choice where he would continue his volleyball career.

“I think the coaches are the ones that really convinced me to get [to Long Beach] because it’s such a loving community … I

Courtesy of Shane Holdaway

The Huntington Beach High School boy’s volleyball team won the 2015 CIF SoCal Boys Volleyball Championship. think that’s a lot of the reason why a lot of guys end up here,” Holdaway said. “It’s a very family-oriented, group-based program we run and that’s why there’s a lot of success that comes out of it because we all got each other’s backs.”

The family sentiment couldn’t ring more true for Long Beach men’s volleyball head coach Alan Knipe and one of six incoming freshman for the 2019-20 season, Aidan Knipe. The head coach’s son, like many other local volleyball players, grew up watching the historic Huntington years in which it went on an 80-game winning streak and is now witnessing another dynasty at Long Beach State. He signed to the team in November along with five other freshmen and one sophomore transfer, according to LBSU Athletics.

“He wanted to be part of something where he’s going to get significantly better and play with players who have college aspirations,” Knipe said about his son. “I don’t think it was really difficult for him for where he wanted to go.”

This is the case for many kids that go to Huntington for its volleyball program. The two-year undefeated streak with DeFalco and Tuaniga set the school apart from its competitors on both a local and global scale. Division I volleyball athletes Alex-

ander and James Anastassiades, who play for Long Beach and Hawai’i, respectively, moved from halfway around the world with their families in order to join the high school and its volleyball team.

“It was a special time in high school volleyball in general,” Pazanti said. “Kids grow up watching this team play and grow up wanting to play. We don’t look for kids. The truth is, kids were seeking our program.”

The school has cooled down since those years and opened up the opportunity for surrounding high schools, such as Newport and Mira Costa to compete for the spotlight. But the drive for glory is still there for the players and its coach. Huntington has made it to the CIF quarterfinals every year since DeFalco and Tuaniga graduated and is determined to take it all the way.

“It’s not a problem at all, it’s a challenge to get back on top,” Pazanti said. “If you were to give us a motto it would be ‘compete.’”

The spirit of competition between the surrounding high schools means only one thing for Long Beach: more opportunity for local recruits. Since four of the top five schools in the nation belong to the Big West conference, it’s crucial for Long Beach to get an edge on recruits, and it’s that much easier when high schools like Huntington

Beach and Corona Del Mar are right in its backyard.

Except it’s not just about high school volleyball anymore. While you’re expected to play for your school if you have plans of going professional, college coaches especially keep their eyes on the players who play club or travel volleyball. This is something, Pazanti says, high school coaches and players are keen on. He says about 90 percent of his varsity team is currently enrolled in club volleyball as well as the school’s team.

“We still go to high schools and it’s an important part of the recruiting process, but most of the guys we’re recruiting are out of club,” Knipe said. “You can go to a tournament where you can see hundreds of teams play whereas with a normal game, you’re only going to see two teams play.”

This style of recruitment seems to be working out for the team so far. Currently, about 80 percent of Long Beach’s roster is from local high schools, most under an hour driving distance.

Whether players just joined the sport in high school, or traveled great lengths to join a specific team, the city and those surrounding it are oozing raw talent, a source Long Beach will continue to tap into for years to come in hopes of creating a lasting dynasty.

4

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FEBRUARY 25- MARCH 1, 2019

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Q&A 5

FEBRUARY 25-MARCH 1, 2019 | DAILY49ER.COM | SPORTSD49ER@GMAIL.COM

Any last words?

No. 1 Volleyball seniors talk brotherhood, playing overseas and leaving LBSU.

By Kat Schuster

(All laugh)

Editor in Chief CoastalKatalyst

Molina I’m just kidding, don’t write that.

It’s hard to miss the chemistry and brotherly connection between Josh Tuaniga, TJ DeFalco, Nick Armado, Jordan Molina, Kyle Ensing and Louis Richard. They finish each other’s sentences and share a level of comradery that they carry off the court and into their daily interactions.

For them, walking out of practice and straight into a photoshoot with the Los Angeles Times isn’t unusual. And while the Times snapped photos of the reigning champions, they spoke with the 49er about plans for the future, their volleyball family and the menagerie of nicknames they have given each other.

How do you think being on the team has prepared you for your future?

TJ DeFalco, outside hitter I want to try to go pro and see what that holds. But a lot of the coaching staffs in the world are not going to be as good as this one.

This is probably the best coaching staff in the country. It’s going to be kind of a letdown when I go pro because no coaching staff is like this because of the way they break stuff down.

Josh Tuaniga, setter I’m on the same route here, I just want to play overseas and see how that goes. It’s always been a dream of mine when I was young.

I think going along with what TJ said, the communication with the coaching staff, they’ve prepared us to do things on our own and take things into our own hands — they’re on top of things.

Tell me about the connection you’ve made with other players on the team.

DeFalco

Louis Richard, outside hitter Not talking to anyone ever again except for Nick Amado.

Amado Yeah I’m going off the grid after college. I’m completely disappearing.

Molina We’re probably going to stay in contact.

Richard There’s people that have graduated now that we-

Seniors on the team celebrate a point against USC Jan. 25.

It’s a brotherhood here. We’re family. When you spend eight, nine, 10 hours a day with these guys for four years straight, it’s kind of hard not to be a little bit involved you know? To have that relationship and desires to hang out afterwards just because how much time you put into getting to know each other and joking around and then being serious and getting on the edge of argument and understanding that boundary between one another — it’s kind of hard to just say, ‘OK I’m out of college I’ll see ya later.’

Do you guys have nicknames?

Tuaniga We’ve got Shane the Great Dane. Sometimes they call me JT. Then we’ve got DJ Thick Neck, Lu Lu Lemon, Lou, Jordan Molina, J-Mo, Beefcake.

DeFalco What’s that other one?

Tuaniga Siegfried.

Did you say Beefcake?

DeFalco Yep Beefcake. We just throw shit out there and it kind of sticks.

What have you gained in your time at LBSU? Nick Amado, middle blocker I’ve gained a family. Just 20 other dudes that I can confidently call my brothers. Dudes that are here now, dudes that have been here in the past and not a lot of people truly get to feel like they are a part of something significant and I truly feel that we have a significant family here at Long Beach — one that’s here presently and one that’s been here in the past and one that’s going to be here in the future.

What are you planning on doing when you graduate?

Kyle Ensing, opposite Just playing volleyball.

In what capacity? Like where

AUSTIN BRUMBLAY | Daily 49er

would be ideal?

Ensing Hm, where do I want to play?

Italy.

And how has being on this team prepared you for that?

Ensing Watering the green spots. It’s our motto. Get one, two percent better everyday and that’s what kind of helped me get better at the fundamentals of the game and it’s improved the basic parts of the game which has helped me rise in other parts of the game.

Do you guys think you’ll stay in contact after you graduate?

Amado Oh yeah.

Jordan Molina, libero Yeah they’re all coming to [the] wedding.

Amado Yup.

Amado Still talk to. Like I was saying before, once you’re in this program you’re family. That goes beyond generations. You’re going to run into people who played here in the early 2000s who will come up to you and talk to you like they’ve known you for years because they understand what it’s like to be part of the Long Beach men’s volleyball team.

Molina They know what we’re going through and they come to our games to see the legacy they’ve left behind.

Richard Definitely some of the best friendships have been made playing in this program for many years.

Amado Absolutely.

Richard I don’t know why they don’t interview us more often.

To read the full Q&A, visit daily49er.com/sports.

6 PREVIEW

PREVIEW 7

FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 1, 2019 | DAILY49ER.COM | SPORTSD49ER@GMAIL.COM

Bracing for the Big West

Starters

Photos by LBSU Athletics

The 49ers will begin play against the Matadors, one of four nationally-ranked teams in the conference.

By Bryan Aparicio

Assistant Sports Editor BryanAparicio_

N

o. 1 Long Beach State men’s volleyball has done its job so far setting the tone for the season, currently sitting with an undefeated record. Now that the 49ers are heading into Big West matchups, the toughest conference in men’s volleyball, they’ll need to be as sharp as possible.

Long Beach will play No. 11 CSUN March 1 in a back-to-back series, kicking off Big West Conference play.

The Big West includes four of the top five teams in the national rankings, while CSUN (8-6) holds its place at No. 11 on the poll and UC San Diego (6-10) remains unranked. No. 1 Long Beach sits on top with a 13-0 record. Hawai’i (10-0) stands at No. 2 and also boasts an undefeated record, followed by No. 3 UC Irvine (13-2) and No. 5 UC Santa Barbara (13-3).

The 49ers will face Hawai’i the last two games before the Big West Tournament, it will be their toughest opponent this season. The Rainbow Warriors lead the nation in hitting percentage with a .489 clip, while also leading in kills and assists per set with 14.67 and 13.27, respectively.

The rest of the Big West matchups won’t be simple for the 49ers. Both Irvine and Santa Barbara are on winning streaks and hoping to carry their momentum into upcoming matchups. The Anteaters have won seven straight, with their last two wins against the Tritons, kicking off conference play. The Gauchos are on a 10-game winning streak and recently jumped into the top five in the national rankings after defeating then No. 4 UCLA in a five set matchup.

Long Beach has been nearly flawless this season, dropping only one set to USC in its home opener. Overall, the 49ers have made their presence known inside the Walter Pyramid, carrying a program record 33 straight home wins dating back to March 26, 2016.

Long Beach will look for its starters to continue their outstanding hitting while displaying a high level of defense. On the season, the 49ers are averaging a .429 hitting percentage, second in the nation while limiting opponents to .189.

Senior outside hitter TJ DeFalco leads the team in kills, averaging 3.40 kills per set on a .442 clip.

The starters are hitting no less than a .358, while being set up by senior setter and reigning AVCA Player of the Year Josh Tuaniga, who averages 10.68 assists per set, making the team a force for opposing defenses.

“We just have to keep putting in the work,” Tuaniga said. “We have a lot of things we want to get better at … so I’m excited for the week of learning and getting better [before facing CSUN].”

The Big West Conference allows teams to play the same team in back-to-back nights, one at home and one away, giving teams plenty of time to scout and prepare for each other.

“We have to do things that we can control, we don’t know what teams are going to do for sure against us. One night is not always going to equal what the next night looks like,” head coach Alan Knipe said. “The best thing we can do is give them all tons of respect, train as hard as we can, try to be as tight with our systems and make adjustments as needed, not massive adjustments each night.”

CSUN will have to get its offense rolling when it squares off against Long Beach, so the Matadors will lean on senior and junior outside hitters Dimitar Kalchev and Ksawery Tomsia, who average 3.20 and 3.34 kills per set, respectively.

CSUN relies heavily on these players as they’ve accumulated a combined 346 kills, more than half of CSUN’s total kills on the season.

However, the Matadors do not having a great hitting percentage from Kalchev and Tomsia, mainly due to their volume of attempts. Regardless, CSUN will surely continue utilizing them for its upcoming matchup.

Long Beach will face off 7 p.m. March 1 against CSUN at the Walter Pyramid.

#13 Simon Andersen (sophomore) Middle Blocker

#25 Nick Amado (redshirt senior) Middle Blocker

#11 TJ DeFalco (senior) Outside Hitter

HOME SCHEDULE

#2 Louis Richard (senior) Outside Hitter

#9 Jordan Molina (senior) Libero

#10 Josh Tuaniga (senior) Setter

#5 Kyle Ensing (senior) Opposite

MARCH 1 NORTHRIDGE

MARCH 14 SANTA BARBARA

APRIL 12 HAWAI’I

MARCH 8 STANFORD*

MARCH 30 IRVINE

APRIL 13 HAWAI’I

MARCH 9 ST. FRANCIS*

APRIL 5 UC SAN DIEGO

*NONCONFERENCE GAMES

ALL GAMES PLAYED AT 7 P.M. IN THE WALTER PYRAMID

8 COLUMN

FEBRUARY 25-MARCH 1, 2019 | DAILY49ER.COM | SPORTSD49ER@GMAIL.COM

Long Beach has a target on its back and must respond The Big West is stronger than ever, which means the 49ers will have to buckle down to get back into the Final Four.

By Kevin Colindres Sports Editor kevinjcolindres

Going back-to-back in NCAA men’s volleyball has become the norm in the last eight years. It all started in 2012 when UC Irvine won back-to-back NCAA championships under two different head coaches. Irvine was followed by Loyola Chicago the next two years, and Ohio State after that. Last year, Long Beach State won the national title, and is looking to be the fourth team in a row to accomplish the feat.

Many believe Long Beach is way above any other school in the nation, but there is something the team should be paying close attention to. In the NCAA rankings, the 49ers

haven’t moved from first place since last season. But on their heels are Hawai’i, Irvine, Pepperdine and Santa Barbara, respectively.

Four of the top five teams are in the Big West, which means each of them see each other at least two times in the regular season, and once in the Big West tournament.

Last year was almost a surprise for Long Beach, coming off of a semi finals loss in the Final Four. No one expected the 49ers to only lose one game. Long Beach went through the inaugural Big West tournament, but when it came to championship day, the team struggled. The Bruins exposed the 49ers going up 2-0, but couldn’t finish the job. Like a true champion, Long Beach found a way to make a comeback at Pauley Pavillion. That’s when fans realized the 49ers were the real deal.

Long Beach has only dropped one set so far this season, but its true test comes March 1 when conference play begins.

Big West schools have had the last two years to study this team and see what its weaknesses are. It will be interesting to see what adjustments other conference teams make when playing the 49ers.

Long Beach head coach Alan Knipe will have to keep his team confident, yet humble if he wants to add a third ring to his collection. To end the year with a plethora of bonus checks, he will have to remember what happened against UCLA in the National Championship. Long Beach is beatable, but true champions figure out a way to win it all again regardless of the competition. The next two months will be interesting to say the least, but we can expect to see another banner hanging in the Walter Pyramid next season.

DOCUMENTARY 9

FEBRUARY 25-MARCH 1, 2019 | DAILY49ER.COM | SPORTSD49ER@GMAIL.COM

Lens legacy

By Bryan Aparicio

Assistant Sports Editor BryanAparicio_

Long Beach State hasn’t seen any one team execute a recipe for success the way the men’s volleyball team has since the late ‘90s. Coming off a national championship season, the team has shown the tools to outlast opponents and is poised to make another championship run.

The Big West Conference announced a partnership in December with Still Moving Pictures, a production company, to create a five-episode docuseries.

Titled “LEGACY: Long Beach State,” the series offers behind the scenes exclusives from the team while chronicling its 2019 campaign.

The first episode launched Dec. 27, focusing on the team’s first official practice while featuring a sit down interview with redshirt senior middle blocker Nick Amado, detailing the team’s mentality on what they can do to build off the 49ers’ success.

“Putting our head down, going to work, spending the time getting better and understanding there’s a target on our back … playing with that pressure and finding a way to emulate that in practice so we can perform under that [pressure],” Amado said.

The second episode debuted Feb. 20 and

The team is featured in a docuseries showcasing its 2019 season.

Big West

Senior outside hitter TJ DeFalco is interviewed by Olivia Phelps of the Big West.

showed the team’s performance with its three set sweep over UCLA at Pauley Pavilion Jan. 19, while also detailing senior outside hitter TJ DeFalco’s mentality leading up to games.

Olivia Phelps, director of communications for the Big West, pitched the idea to the Big West and Long Beach State.

She said she thought it was an incredible opportunity for the Big West to showcase a defending national championship team, with five returning starters, including backto-back national players of the year, DeFalco and senior setter Josh Tuaniga.

“I had the idea for a while and was excited to present the project, because I felt the collegiate volleyball community would be interested in the content,” said Phelps.

“I worked with Steve Chen and Joe Hood on the details and they matched my level of enthusiasm, as did the commissioner Dennis Farrell, deputy commissioner Rob Halvaks and Long Beach State.”

Although the docuseries will serve as quality exposure for Long Beach, head coach Alan Knipe says the team has to remain focused on its opponents instead of letting it get to their heads.

“Those are good things for people to talk about, they’re good things for our fans and our alumni to follow and it makes for good excitement, but it has nothing to do with helping them as a volleyball team.” Knipe said. “ It could only hurt them if they let the noise get in the way.”

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10

FEBRUARY 25- MARCH 1, 2019

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NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 11

FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 1, 2019 | DAILY49ER.COM | SPORTSD49ER@GMAIL.COM

Countdown to the Final Four AUSTIN BRUMBLAY | Daily 49er

Long Beach will have the opportunity to win a National Championship at home.

Fans crowd the student section during the men’s volleyball game home opener against USC on Jan. 25.

By Sierra Martinez

Assistant Sports Editor MistJournalist

L

ong Beach State volleyball fans will get to experience the National Championship at the Walter Pyramid this May. With the location selected back in 2017, the reigning national champions will get to host the biggest event of the year in college volleyball May 2-4.

The Walter Pyramid has a capacity of 4,000 people, and additional seats will only

be added if that number is reached with ticket sales. The matches between the final four are the most anticipated volleyball games of the year, so the tickets are expected to be a hot commodity.

“It’s the fear of missing out. I want it to be this thing where you have to be there,” Athletic Director Andy Fee said. “That’s what the feel of a really unique event is.”

If the Long Beach State men’s volleyball team qualifies for the championship, 200 seats will be reserved specifically for students attending LBSU to purchase.

“We have to purchase tickets for students,” Fee said. “There are no free tickets at

“

It’s the fear of missing out. I want it to be this thing where you have to be there.

”

Andy Fee, Athletic Director an NCAA event. Every single ticket has a cost to it.”

Set up for the event will begin on April 28, where everything will be rebranded to represent the NCAA. “Everything will have NCAA to make it a more neutral environment,” facilities manager Mike Habura said.

Long Beach State has hosted the NCAA Men’s Volleyball Championships twice before. The first time the Beach hosted was in 2001 when BYU knocked off UCLA in straight sets to win the National Championship. Two years later, Long Beach hosted the 2003 NCAA Championship which saw Lewis edge out BYU in five sets, before Lewis vacated its title due to infractions.

To prepare itself, Long Beach State has invested in making the venue ready for high-level play.

Thanks to donors, the Walter Pyramid will be receiving a new Taraflex floor that will be used specifically for volleyball games.

According to Fee, the “volleyball only” floor

cost around $72,000 and is expected to arrive later this week. The floor is being added for safety reasons and to provide the best quality equipment for the team.

“Were investing into the program, [the floor] is a substantial investment, little things like that matter,” Fee said.

National championship attendees can expect additional concession stands, including booths selling both Long Beach and NCAA merchandise. Fee explained that Long Beach State Athletics is focused on bringing together the campus and the community around the event. There will be additional artwork, banners and promotion that will go around the city.

“I want people to walk away from here going, ‘That is the best volleyball experience.

That university embraces volleyball, that community embraces volleyball, that city embraces volleyball,’” Fee said.

12 PROFILE

FEBRUARY 25- MARCH 1, 2019 | DAILY49ER.COM | SPORTSD49ER@GMAIL.COM

Freshman middle blocker Shane Holdaway celebrates with senior middle blocker Nick Amado after UCLA calls a timeout Feb. 16.

PAULA KILEY | Daily 49er

Holdaway in pursuit of glory with ex teammates From a senior star to an important role player off the bench, the freshman has adjusted well to playing at Long Beach State.

By Kevin Colindres Sports Editor kevinjcolindres

I

t’s a rare feat to win at the highest level both in high school and college. For their first year at Huntington Beach high school, Shane Holdaway, Mitchell Bollinger, Grant Guinasso and Alexander Anastassiades received their first taste of championship gold when they won the 2015 CIF SoCal Boys Volleyball Championship under the leadership of seniors TJ DeFalco and Josh Tuaniga.

This year, the same scenario can play out, but at a higher level — winning a National Championship for Long Beach State.

“My initial thought coming here was that I had a lot of friends on this team from high school and club,” freshman middle blocker Holdaway said. “Heard a lot of good things about the program, heard a lot of good

things about the guys, so coming in I knew it was going to be a lot of fun, but also a lot of work.”

Winning is nothing new for Holdaway.

The four-year letter-winner posted a 121-0 record while playing at Huntington Beach high school. He won three national titles and was named a First Team AVCA High School All-American. Joining him on those national titles were freshmen Bollinger, Guinasso and Anastassiades.

“The adjustment is huge, I mean it’s a big change in the mindset coming in,” Holdaway said. “Now I like to think of myself as the wolf at the bottom of the hill, with the food on the top. I’m the hungriest wolf trying to get up there so I just need to put in the extra work to get up there.”

He recalls his first practice with the team as intimidating, but a lot of fun.

“It was nerve-racking having to come into a new gym and learn a new system,” Holdaway said. “Coaches and players were in my ear the whole time to help, which made me feel at home right away.”

Holdaway has been impressive in nine sets this season, contributing 1.79 kills per set and .33 blocks per set, playing the backup role to sophomore middle blocker Simon Andersen and redshirt senior middle blocker Nick Amado. His high school counterparts haven’t been able to get as much playing time, but they can be seen cheering on the sidelines and putting in the work at practice.

“He knows what role he has to play on this team,” head coach Alan Knipe said.

Usually rookies and sophomores have certain duties to fulfill for the more veteran players, but Knipe and his players have implemented a next man up style of play that has integrated the team as one.

“There’s not a whole lot of separation between the upperclassmen and lowerclassmen,” Holdaway said. “It really is a big team environment and that’s why we all love it.”

Holdaway can’t recall ever being outed as a freshman, which he said makes him feel welcome and has given him further reason to work harder.

The team is filled with freshmen from local schools such as Redondo Union High, Huntington Beach High and Millikan High, all rivals when it comes to high school boys volleyball.

“We just love playing together, it’s a fun group of guys and I enjoy getting to know these guys,” Holdaway said. “We might have been rivals in high school, but now we’re family.”

The freshmen have bought in as valued members of the men’s volleyball team, which only gives more power to the team.

“This season, I’m doing whatever I can to help this team and that’s no matter if I’m coming off the bench or starting,” Holdaway said. “I’m just doing whatever I can at this point to help the team.”

With Big West play coming up, the freshmen realize their playing time may take a significant dip, but they are prepared to do whatever they can to get the job done and end their first season as a 49er with a national championship.