Indiana University Athletics
Get To Know Assistant Coach David Jack
1/19/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Jan. 19, 2007
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana volleyball assistant coach David Jack sat down with IUHOOSIERS.com to talk about himself and his transition to Indiana.
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
If I could visit anywhere in the world, it would be Africa. Why? I heard it's one of the most beautiful places in the world. My main reason for going would be to help decrease the plight of AIDS that is devastating a continent.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life and why?
Clinton Reid, Oliver Gordon and Earl Reid have been the biggest influences in my life growing up. They all introduced me to the game of volleyball that made my life what it is today. Without volleyball, I would not have met a wonderful lady you call Coach Jack (IU head women's basketball coach Felisha Legette-Jack).
What are your pregame rituals or superstitions?
I personally do not have any pregame rituals nor am I superstitious.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
The food ... for breakfast, fried dumpling, callaloo, friend plantain, for dinner, rice and peas, chicken or beef, boiled bananas. The food is delicious. I dream of having dinner at home every once and a while.
Something that many people don't know about you is:
That I come from a large family, consisting of six brothers and four sisters, most of whom are still living in Jamaica today, including my mom.
What do you like to do when not coaching volleyball?
I try to be the best father and role model to our 8-year-old son, and a supportive husband to Felisha Legette-Jack, who is doing a phenomenal job in her first year at the helm of the IU women's basketball program.
What is your favorite sports memory?
I am a fan of coaches in the various sports arenas. My favorite sports memory happened recently, when the Boise State head football coach's bold initiative was to go for the win on a trick play instead of tying the game and playing for overtime against Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. That was exciting stuff.
Name one thing that you wish you were better at:
Staying in touch with close friends and family.
If someone played you in a movie, who would it be and why?
Will Smith. If he can play Muhammad Ali and most recently Chris Gardner in "Pursuit of Happyness," then he can definitely play me. He would have to work on his vertical, though.
What attracted you to coming to Indiana to coach?
First of all, it's Indiana, and secondly, it's in one of the best conferences in the country for volleyball.
What has stuck out to you in your move to Bloomington? What do you think about the community, the school and the environment?
The people in Bloomington are very friendly. I love the community, the school system that our son is enrolled in and the Hoosier-friendly environment that surrounds us.
What do you think has been your greatest accomplishment in coaching and why?
When I was coaching my 18-1 Elite team, teaching them to believe in themselves and each other and that hard work will pay off in the long run. Hard work resulted in one of my players earning Rookie of the Year as well as All-MAAC first team honors this past season.
What aspect of coaching in the Big Ten are you looking forward to the most?
Competing against some of the best schools in the nation.
What qualities do you look for in a student-athlete?
A student of academics with exceptional athletic ability who is the ultimate team player and a competitor.
As far as coaching, do you try and implement a particular style in your approach? Do you have a specific coaching philosophy?
First you have to understand the mental and physical makeup of your team. Then, design and implement a system and style of play geared toward your team. My coaching philosophy puts a lot of emphasis on defense - it wins championships.
What are your long-term goals for the program?
To contend for a Big Ten championship and eventually a national championship.
What is the most exciting thing about college volleyball?
Every aspect of college volleyball is exciting. The physical and mental preparation, offseason, preseason, traveling, and most important, scouting and competing against your opponent. I love it all.
What can the fans expect from the Hoosiers next season?
Playing hard, competing and challenging the best teams in the Big Ten. That type of intensity every time you step on the court can only lead to success.
