The University of Illinois-Chicago Student Recreation Facility buzzed with energy on Sunday, Feb. 15, as the DePaul University men’s club volleyball team competed in the UIC Valentine’s Invite. Facing off against ten collegiate club teams, including UIC, Loyola, Michigan State, and Illinois Tech, the Blue Demons used the tournament as a crucial opportunity for growth and preparation ahead of the National Collegiate Volleyball Federation Championship in April. The team’s success isn’t solely built on athletic prowess, but likewise on a unique blend of experienced transfers and a commitment to fostering a strong team dynamic.
For DePaul, the day-long tournament wasn’t about racking up wins as much as it was about maximizing court time. Club president and libero Rileigh Jose explained that the competition provided invaluable opportunities to identify patterns in their play and refine their strategies. “It’s a long day, but we get a lot out of it,” Jose said. “We need the competition for our next ranked tournaments and nationals.” The National Collegiate Volleyball Federation Championship, held in Kansas City, Missouri, attracts over 5,000 participants annually and is recognized as the largest intercollegiate volleyball tournament worldwide, according to the National Collegiate Volleyball Federation.
A Team Built on Transfer Talent
What sets this year’s DePaul club volleyball team apart is its composition. Nine of the thirteen players on the roster are transfer students or freshmen, bringing a diverse range of experience and perspectives. This influx of new talent has been a significant asset, according to Jose. “Transfer students bring in volleyball wisdom that we need during practice, they realize how drills are usually run and what might be helpful,” she said. “There’s just a level of dedication and operate ethic that they know is required and help push the rest of the team.”
Joaquin Montieo, an outside hitter and transfer student from Olivet Nazarene University, found the tournament particularly insightful. He appreciated the chance to gauge how DePaul’s program stacked up against other schools he had previously considered. “It’s really good to observe what could have been,” Montieo said. “A lot of these schools I applied to… You see kind of where every school is in a sense because you immediately get a vibe off the team and off the people from there.”
Navigating the Challenges of Student-Led Competition
Club volleyball presents a unique set of logistical challenges compared to NCAA Division I athletics. Often operating without dedicated coaches or official referees, teams like DePaul rely on self-management and mutual support. Players frequently capture on responsibilities such as refereeing matches for other teams, a task Jose also participated in during the UIC Invite. This hands-on approach provides a different perspective on the game.
“Being a student-led organization without a coach definitely has big benefits because you really get everyone’s input,” Jose explained. “We get a lot of open feedback and open discourse with each other in this way.” Jose added that officiating offered a “bird’s-eye view” of other teams’ strategies, allowing him to incorporate new ideas into DePaul’s own gameplay.
Building Team Chemistry and Looking Ahead
Beyond the technical aspects of the game, the DePaul club volleyball team prioritizes team cohesion. Jose emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming environment and fostering strong bonds among players. “Team chemistry is really vital, especially early on,” he said. “We try to cherish our time together, especially during practices and during these longer tournament days,” adding that teammates connect through casual activities like grabbing food or visiting each other’s dorms.
Arriz Hashwani, a first-year transfer student, noted the team’s evolution. “At the beginning, it wasn’t as fun for me because we just weren’t playing at the level we are now,” Hashwani said. “The level has improved drastically. We still have fun, we’re just a lot more serious, and I feel that made a big difference.”
As upperclassmen prepare to graduate, the remaining roster members are focused on building upon the foundation established this season. The DePaul men’s club volleyball team will continue to refine their skills and strengthen their team dynamic as they prepare for upcoming ranked tournaments and the National Collegiate Volleyball Federation Championship in Kansas City this April. The team’s commitment to growth, both on and off the court, positions them for continued success in the competitive world of collegiate club volleyball.
What do you think about the growth of club sports at the collegiate level? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
