After going 3-5 in pre-season play, the men’s volleyball team is 4-0 in the regular season thanks in a large part to the contributions of second-year setter Jackson Dakin.
Dakin said the pre-season was a chance for him to learn and settle in.
“Pre-season was kind of interesting, we played a few really good teams. McMaster and Laval are nationally ranked so we got to test our metal against them,” he said. “We got to see what worked and what didn’t. Seems to be working out right now.” Although he has played volleyball since grade 6, adapting has been a major part of Dakin’s experience this season. With starting setter Dan Rosenbaum sidelined by an ankle and hip injury, Dakin has had to cope with more responsibility.
“I’ve had to step up and take a starting role, so it’s been good,” he said. “There’s certainly more pressure but this is a place I’ve wanted to be for two years now.”
Dakin played with the British Columbian U-19 provincial team this summer before the Gaels started practising during frosh week. The season runs deep into February and potentially into March, so Dakin certainly doesn’t lack practice.
“[We are] basically playing all year round” he said.
Since stepping into the starting role, Dakin has made big contributions. With 38 assists and 7 digs against Royal Military College followed up by 30 assists against the York Lions in two wins last weekend, Dakin exhibited his preparation for the starting role.
“You want to keep those assists numbers high, but it was just as much [my teammates] putting the ball away as it was me setting people up.”
—Lauri Kytömaa
What is your favourite team in any sport?
Vancouver Canucks. I’m a B.C. boy.
Who is your favourite Superhero?
Batman.
What’s your favourite bar/club?
Ale House.
What is on your iPod?
New Miley Cyrus song, Party in the U.S.A.
Mullets or Mohawks?
Mohawks.
Celebrity Crush?
Megan Fox.
Any Hidden Talents?
I play the bagpipes.
Anyone you’d trade lives with for a day?
I’m pretty happy being myself, but Hugh Hefner does pretty well for himself.
Childhood Dream Job?
Astronaut.
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Vanilla.
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