The San Diego Mesa College men's volleyball team opened their 2023 campaign with a split against Santiago Canyon College and Fullerton College on Friday. The Olympians dropped their first match against the Hawks, 3-2, in a tough back and forth battle. Later that day, the Olympians bested Fullerton College 3-0.
"I was very pleased with this weekend's play. The team worked extremely hard in the offseason and it really showed in our first match of the double header," states head coach David Proffitt. "I think we have a good mix of returning players, incoming freshmen, as well as a couple great transfer student athletes."
Head coach David Proffitt is entering his 4th season at the helm of the Mesa men's volleyball program. Proffitt previously served as an assistant coach for the women's volleyball team in 2014. He also served two seasons as head coach for Cuyamaca College before returning to Mt. Olympus in 2018.
The program prides itself with solid defense. During the offseason, the coaching staff focused on being in the right position as well as being tenacious and fearless tracking down the ball. Another strength of this team is for everyone to stay positive and be great teammates.
Volleyball is physical as well as mental. The ability to stay positive throughout the match normally separates a win from a loss.
The defense impressed. However, Proffitt doesn't shy away from the performance of the offense. "Although we have improved our defense, and will continue to do so, I do think our offense will be better this year compared to last," adds Proffitt. "With our returners and new faces on this squad, I think our offense will have the ability to carry us through some games."
TJ Letuligasenoa and Austin Kinnear both played well. Letuligasenoa had a solid start to his career showing his ability to attack. Against Fullerton College, Letuligasenoa had 12 kills and 0 errors. Against Santiago Canyon, Letuligasenoa finished with 20 kills on 38 attempts, hitting efficiency of .447, 14 digs, 2 blocks and 1 ace. Not to be outdone, Austin Kinnear showed his experience by making the right offensive decisions at the right time. Kinnear finished with 16 kills on 38 attempts, hitting efficiency of .256, 7 digs, and 5 blocks against Santiago Canyon. Against Fullerton College, he finished with 6 kills, 0 errors, and had a .462 hitting efficiency.
The play from libero Mike Whalen and Roy Rojas were also superb. Rojas, who is normally a libero and defensive specialist, was asked to play outside hitter and stepped up when needed.
The opener against Santiago Canyon College was an opportunity missed. In the first set, the Olympians were able to create a 13-7 lead, but like any strong program, the Hawks climbed back, tying the game at 14-14, and with momentum shifting, captured the first set 25-27. The second set was another hard fought battle, and similar to the first set, the Olympians built a 13-8 lead. Santiago Canyon fought back hard, but with timely offense and solid defense, Mesa captured the second set 25-22. In the third set of the match, the coaching staff experimented with different player combinations, "it is early in the season, and I'd like to see what all of my players have to offer during these early season matches," states Proffitt. "It's also a great morale booster when we can get players experience. We have a great bench so when they get in there to play, it was great to see everyone supporting each other." The Olympians captured the third-set, but eventually surrendered the 4th and final set 21-25 and 11-15, giving Santiago Canyon College the victory.
The program has continued to grow and improve under the watch of Proffitt. In 2018, the program didn't win a single match. In 2019, the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a full cancellation of the season in 2020. Last season, the team returned to action and finished with an 8-14 mark. Although not an ideal record, the program earned enough RPI points to qualify for the state playoffs.
It has been a long time since the Mesa men's volleyball program qualified for the state playoffs. Although the team lost to a very talented Long Beach City College team, who eventually finished 2nd in the state, the experience was something the coaching staff will build upon.
When asked what is the most important element this team needs to have a successful year, Proffitt says, selflessness. "We have to stay committed to our training the entire season. We have to continue to sharpen our skills every day in the weight room and at practice. It's one thing to have talented players on the team, but in order to win we have to leave our egos at the door and consistently be working to sharpen our skills."
There is a lot of buzz within the program and the conference has taken note. If the team continues to stay focused, Proffitt believes this team can once again qualify for the state championship and improve upon their results from last season.
"We have set some high academic goals for our athletes this spring," adds Proffitt. Ultimately, my vision for this program is to help matriculate volleyball players to four-year colleges to continue their volleyball career's as successful student athletes. None of that can be achieved without providing them with the tools to achieve the high academic standards needed to move on to universities and state schools.. As long as we are consistent and do what is expected, things will always work out in our favor."
Mesa will host Golden West College on Tuesday, February 7 at 2:30 p.m.