An Interview with Volleyball star: Donavan M Bacon!
1) How did you get started in Volleyball and what initially drew you to it?
When I was a freshman, I was great cut for basketball. At that time, I really wanted to play basketball. I finally made the minimum GPA requirement, but I still couldn’t play. The volleyball coach who used to watch me at PE talked to the basketball coach and convinced the basketball coach to let me play because I had made the GPA requirement. The basketball coach agreed to let me play only on one condition. I was to play volleyball to repay coach Rodriguez. Since then, I have played volleyball and I love it. I also am on the road to getting scholarships for volleyball.
2) Can you share a challenging moment you've faced in your athletic journey and how you overcame it?
A challenging moment I have faced has to be quitting basketball. It was a very difficult decision because it would mean jeopardizing my teammates season because I was a big part of the team. I overcame this challenge by apologizing to my teammates and letting them know they can go far without me. I also told them the reason I quit. Which was because I wanted to focus on volleyball and try to go pro.
3) What are your personal goals for this season or the next few years in your sport?
My personal goals for this season are to get a ring for my upper-class men because it's their last year. I also have a goal if not this year but next year to get my coach a ring to thank her for everything she has done for me these past years.
4) How do you maintain a healthy lifestyle, including nutrition and rest, to support your athletic performance?
I am diabetic, so I have to stay active and take medicine. I also watch what I eat because too much sugar can have a bad effect on my body. I try to get at least 8 hours of sleep and work out to stay in shape. To help improve my athletic performance I do a lot of isometrics. This helps my body by improving my knee strength, ankle strength, shoulder strength, etc. This is a big role in my athletic performance.
5) How do you manage time between practices, competitions, and other commitments in your life?
I try to spread my day out after practice. From 5 to 7 I do homework. After that from 7 to 9 I eat and do my chores. Then from 9 to 10 I play around and have fun. Around 10:30 I shower and I'm in bed by 11 pm. Then I wake up at 6 and start my routine all over again.
6) What advice would you give to younger athletes who aspire to follow in your footsteps?
Something I would say is to start your school year how you want it to end. Keep your grades good because academics are very important. Also stay healthy and drink a lot of water. Last thing as an athlete stays humble and always try to help your teammates improve their game.
7) Can you share a funny or memorable anecdote from your time as an athlete?
A memorable moment must be when my mom took the whole varsity volleyball team to the beach. It was fun and everyone was laughing having fun enjoying their time at the beach. That's the best moment so far in my time of playing volleyball.
About the Contributor
Cielo Aguirre, Staff Writer
Cielo Aguirre is the president of The Steeler Chronicle. She is either found in the library with her nose stuck between a romance novel or running away from her problems if she isn’t injured. If found, please help her find her way.