A Chat With Jordan DuFault
October 21, 2011 | Men's Volleyball
Ucirvinesports.com sat down with former All-American Jordan DuFault to talk about being a member of the U.S. Pan American team.
Ucirvinesports.com: Talk about representing the U.S. at the Pan American Games.
JD: It is an amazing feeling to have USA on your uniform. It is the highest level you can get to. You are representing a country and that is a big responsibility to have, but also a nice one.
Ucirvinesports.com: Talk about working with coach Speraw again.
JD: It was nice to get back and train with him. He is such a good coach and looks at every little detail like footwork and technique. Watching film and breaking down the technical stuff is something he is really good at.
Ucirvinesports.com: Do you think playing at UC Irvine translates well into playing at the next level?
JD: The system at UC Irvine is just like the USA system so it translates easily. It is the same system I've been running the last five years so I felt comfortable joining this team. UCI plays at a fast pace so someone like me, who is smaller, getting to play with a fast tempo is helpful. The training at UCI, like spending time in the weight room, is also very helpful when you move onto the next level.
Ucirvinesports.com: You haven't played with anyone on this team before, who are looking forward to playing with?
JD: I'm looking forward to playing with Evan Patek. He has played professionally in Korea and is with the National Team. He is a good leader. There are a lot of young guys on this roster and he doesn't act if he is above anyone. He hits the ball really hard and has a great serve so it is fun to watch.
Ucirvinesports.com: The team trained at UCI a few times, are you happy to be home?
JD: It was really nice to be back. It was nice to see the athletes and the athletic staff. It is a really cool environment to be part of as an athlete as well as an alumni.
Follow Jordan and coach Speraw during the Pan American Games:
The 2011 Pan American Games are scheduled to be shown on ESPN Desportes and ESPN3. For more information, click here.
To view live online streaming of Pan American Games volleyball matches, click here.
Pan American Games Schedule (All times PT)
Group B
Oct. 24 at 11 a.m.: USA vs. Puerto Rico (Watch)
Oct. 24 at 4 p.m.: Brazil vs. Canada
Oct. 25 at 11 a.m.: Brazil vs. Puerto Rico
Oct. 25 at 4 p.m.: USA vs. Canada
Oct. 26 at 11 a.m.: Puerto Rico vs. Canada
Oct. 26 at 6 p.m.: Brazil vs. USA
Quarterfinals
Oct. 27 at 4 p.m.: A 2nd vs. B 3rd
Oct. 27 at 6 p.m.: B 2nd vs. A 3rd
Classification 5-8
Oct. 28 at 10 a.m.: A 4th vs. Quarterfinal loser
Oct. 28 at 5 p.m.: B 4th vs. Quarterfinal loser
Semifinals
Oct. 28 at noon: A winner vs. Quarterfinal winner
Oct. 28 at 3 p.m.: B winner vs. Quarterfinal winner
Oct. 29 at 11 a.m.: Classification 7-8
Oct. 29 at 1 p.m.: Classification 5-6
Oct. 29 at 4 p.m.: Bronze medal match
Oct. 29 at 6 p.m.: Gold medal match
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