Get to know the Cheetahs: Men Volleyball Team
The Men Volleyball Team is packed with energetic and talented athletes. To find out more about the team, The Insider took the time to interview returning player Oliver D’Avino. Here is what he had to say:
What is your team’s goal for this season?
‘’Our goal is to improve our skills individually and to improve our synergy as a team. We plan to get better each practice and hopefully go up a division’’ (D’Avino, 2025).
Any predictions for this season’s outcome?
‘’I can’t say for certain since I haven’t seen the enemy teams yet but I’m very confident in our team’s abilities and I am sure we will do very well this season’’ (D’Avino, 2025).
Visible team strengths and visible team weaknesses?
“Not everyone on the team is at the same skill level, and we have a slight influx of outside hitters compared to middles. We have a great work ethic and everyone on the team gets along like a family. Our team is also taller than it used to be, so I’ve been told. Our coaches are also very knowledgeable and want us to get better as well’’ (D’Avino, 2025).
Why did you decide to join the Cheetahs?
‘’I decided to join the Cheetahs because of the community. Most of the team knew each other beforehand so it feels like hanging out with your buddies every practice. I also love volleyball and I want to learn as much as I can’’ (D’Avino, 2025).
What do you love most about this sport?
‘’I played sports all my life, but I have never felt the thrill of spiking a ball in any other sport. I recall the first time I hit the ball properly, and I never felt that hype in another sport. Now, I love the journey because there is still so much I need to learn and improve. I get the feeling of learning something new, and I love that feeling’’ (D’Avino, 2025).
What’s been your favorite moment with the team so far?
‘’Every practice is a blessing being able to play with a bunch of guys that share the same love for volleyball as me. I would say the very first moment joining the team was the best because I felt the thrill of getting through the tryouts over the 60+ players who tried out’’ (D’Avino, 2025).
Do you have a personal ritual or routine before games?
‘’Yes, before practice and games we do a question of the day and 1 minute of silence to stay locked in on what we want to achieve. We follow up by doing our dynamic workout which stays the same before every practice and game. Personally, I also like to visualise how my practice or game will go beforehand because it helps me relieve any nerves I have’’ (D’Avino, 2025).
How do you balance academics and athletics at Vanier?
‘’I am in a tough program so I find it difficult to find time to study but I made a calendar to manage both my schooling and sports’’ (D’Avino, 2025).
What does wearing Vanier’s jersey mean to you?
‘’Wearing a jersey represents passion and effort. I just recently started playing volleyball so I feel as if I am quite behind most players on the team, but I put in a lot of effort and time over the last year. Having the jersey is proof that my hard work has paid off. Just because I have the jersey, it doesn’t mean I’m done working, it is just a new chapter of my volleyball career and I plan to get much better’’ (D’Avino, 2025).
Why should one join the team?
‘’If you love the sport I would definitely encourage you to join the team. You get to learn from great coaching and the players around you will welcome you and teach you things along the way. Whatever you love doing, do it 100%. If you want to be the best at something, no matter the obstacles, keep working and prove to yourself that you can see it through’’ (D’Avino, 2025).
The Insider would like to thank Oliver D’Avino for taking the time to answer our questions and the rest of the team for welcoming The Insider to their practice. We wish them all the best this season!
