CVC Chat is a weekly interview series with a student-athlete from around the Continental Volleyball Conference. This week's feature is with Travis Abele, from Eastern Mennonite University, and how he went the unconventional route from coaching to playing volleyball.
“Having Travis on the team motivates me to become a better coach because he wants to get better even though he’s already good,” said men’s volleyball coach Dominick Porter. “I’m forced to come up with ways that make him perform better on the court.”
Porter has been succeeding in his ways as right side hitter Travis Abele (Mechanicsville, Va./Lee-Davis) has given remarkable effort this season. The standout has averaged 2.46 kills and 2.01 digs this season and recently was named the CVC Player of the Week.
“It was a dream of mine just to play in college. My career and my choices kind of took a weird turn,” stated Travis of his past.
After graduating from high school, Travis attended Mid-Atlantic Christian University (MACU) and played his favorite sport, basketball. He later realized that MACU was not the right place for him and he began coaching volleyball, the sport that had also run in his family, at Hanover High School.
Coaching provided Travis a new perspective that allowed his knowledge of playing volleyball to expand even further. Attending coaching clinics and learning from well-known coaches and players influenced his style of play.
“I’ve learned from different coaches that I’ve talked to, their philosophies, styles of play, their defensive mind and offensive mind,” Travis explained. “Now that I’m playing again I’ve been able to take all that I’ve learned and project it onto the court even more.”
During Travis’ recruitment, Coach Porter knew that the player had coaching experience and was sure he would contribute great things to the team.
“The reason that we brought him here was to help us be successful,” Coach Porter said. “I’m not surprised that he’s doing well, I’m surprised that he’s a standout as fast as he has been. But I’m not surprised that he’s doing well, that was going to be his role coming in. To help us go far.”
Travis takes pride in bringing versatility to the team. Although he enjoys being an outside hitter he doesn’t mind filling in as a setter or right side hitter when Coach Porter needs him to. Earlier this season, Travis played setter when starter Christian Taylor (Richmond, Va./Deep Run) was injured, averaging 8.2 assists per set.
“I love being able to be put where I’m needed at the time,” said Travis. “I take a lot of pride in being able to be an all-around player, not just a one-position player. When my name is called, I love being able to go in and do the job that’s needed.”
Coach Porter visualizes Travis being nothing short of a leader for the team.
“He does everything I ask of him,” explained Coach Porter. “He’s a utility player because he can play multiple positions and that’s always great to have on a team. He’s started games as an outside hitter this year, as a setter and as a right side hitter. That doesn’t happen on most teams.”
A business administration major, Travis views himself as a dedicated employee who’s willing to go the extra mile for his team.
“I’m definitely one of the full-time laborers,” he said. “I’m the guy who's going to punch in the nine to five everyday, volunteer for the overtime work, put in the extra effort, come in and help with other hitters and teach them what I’ve learned over the years, and put my input in when they want it.”
Travis plans on finishing out his eligibility at Eastern Mennonite, which will allow him to play three more years for the men. Coach Porter could think of only one thing for him to improve on.
“Because he’s never played in college yet and hasn’t had to practice consistently, that’s the one thing that has to get better for him and it is getting better,” Coach Porter pointed out. “College sports are about being consistent in practice and once he gets over this small hump he’s going to be an outstanding player.”
STORY COURTESY OF EASTERN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION OFFICE