Midway through Mountain Pacific Sports Federation play, UCLA men’s volleyball has consistently listed areas in which it needs to improve. Execution, defense and passing have been acknowledged by players and coaches alike as facets of the game that the team could hone and perfect. Yet the Bruins agree they need no help in one discipline: team chemistry.
“Chemistry is not our team’s issue – we have plenty of team chemistry,” said coach John Speraw. “Guys get along great no matter where we are. It’s always good for team chemistry to travel, but I think we’re really solid there.”
Beginning Friday, the Bruins will spend six days on the road, allowing for maximum team bonding away from home. The entire team, including the coaching staff, travels together to venues and shares meals before games.
While some teams might value this time as a way to improve on-court dynamics by growing closer, for the Bruins, it is unnecessary.
“We’re very close as a team, and then spending as much time together as we can can only benefit us,” said freshman setter Hagen Smith.
The Bruins’ travelling squad includes four freshmen who are new to long road trips and missing classes in a quarter system where one week makes up 10 percent of the term, but according to redshirt sophomore Trent Kersten, the more seasoned players are there to help the newer members of the team.
“School’s really important, and coach Speraw understands that,” said freshman libero Grant Chalmers. “We have the day off (Tuesday) to focus on our grades. I’ve been talking to some of my professors.”
UCLA won’t return to play at Pauley Pavilion until March 8, when it takes on UCSD.