Devotion rediscovered: Volleyball's David Russell back for the Final Four

DAILY BRUIN SENIOR STAFF
sparikh@media.ucla.edu

Walking into UCLA men's volleyball coach Al Scates' office last spring, David Russell didn't know what to expect.

Just one season earlier, the redshirt junior had walked away from the team, and now he was asking the coach for a second chance.

"I told him there was a spot open for him if he wanted it," Scates said. "But I also told him that he would have to work his way back on the team."

Nearly a year later, Russell and the Bruins are in the semifinals of the NCAA Final Four, where Russell is expected to play a major role after starting middle blocker Allan Vince suffered an ankle injury during Tuesday's practice.

When asked if he could have seen himself in this position a year ago, Russell would have thought it was a joke.

"To have the opportunity to contribute to a team of this caliber is just amazing," Russell said. "I just have to thank God for what he has given me."

Russell, who has played in 11 games this season, wasn't always motivated seek out this opportunity.

Coming in as a highly recruited middle blocker from volleyball powerhouse Royal High School in Simi Valley, Russell did not have things go his way early on.

He started only one match his freshman year and played sparingly his sophomore year, which was also the worst season in UCLA volleyball history.

It was at the end of his second season when Russell, who was a math major, began to doubt whether volleyball was his top priority.

"I just wasn't sure what I wanted to do" Russell said. "Academics were very important to me, and I was having a hard time competing in volleyball."

Russell decided to step away from the team and devote his time to the one thing he did really believe in, which was God.

"God really rejuvenated my life," Russell said. "It gave me a purpose to the things that were happening and renewed my focus on everything."

That focus included playing volleyball.

After playing in mostly open recreation volleyball games last year, Russell has rededicated himself to the game this season, working out heavily with strength and conditioning coach Phil Wagner.

"I have to give Phil a lot of credit for my success," Russell said. "He has really helped me get back in volleyball shape after sitting out last season."

Russell's hard work in the weight room has paid off, as he recorded a career-high 15 kills with a .684 hitting percentage against UC Santa Barbara on April 9, and is currently the Bruins' backup middle blocker.

If the starting middle blocker Vince can't play, Russell will be looked upon to play an even larger role tonight against Penn State's potent hitting attack.