Farewell Parkers

By Brian Garcia

UC Irvine men's volleyball is saying goodbye to beloved assistant coach and alumni David Parker as he embarks on his new journey working in the medical field. As his two-year tenure is coming to an end, Parker has been an impactful figure to many throughout his time as a coach and a player for the men's volleyball program. And as for me, an incredible friend.

Parker signed as assistant coach back in late 2020 at the beginning of the notorious 'Covid' season while fulfilling his full-time position as an EMT. Head coach David Kniffin jokingly discussed Parker's potential in becoming a coach for UCI then soon enough, they agreed and he was back in Crawford.

"I was working a couple 24-hour shifts a week, and I had a lot of full days off," Parker said. "I was joking with Kniff about finding stuff to do, and he mentioned that the spot was open."

Working as a full-time EMT and assisting Kniffin, Parker still consistently brought energy and fire into the practice every chance he got.

As the 2021 season came to an end, Parker began to realize his main objective as a coach and the impact he may have on his players. Thinking back to his own experiences as a player, his pure intention as a coach was to give his team a better or even greater experience than he once had.

"When I jumped on after the Covid, non-Covid season, it became apparent to me that it was about giving back to the guys," Parker said. "And giving them the same, if not better experience that I got from UCI."

Parker's mission became instantly seen through the influence he had on each individual on the team. With natural fire and tenacity, a different side of Parker arose as the year went on.

Seen to many as a confident and demi-god leader, Parker slowly began to develop stronger relationships with each player and established a big brother image for himself. With this unknown persona, he was able to easily guide significant members of the roster, especially junior libero Cole Power.

"He made me feel a part of the team from the very beginning," Power expressed. "We had a really close relationship all season long. To me, I look up to him and have tremendous respect for him as a role model."

As for myself and many others, Parker has always been an amazing figure to follow.

Alongside Parker is his wife and UCI women's soccer alumni, Shelby Lee, who shares the passion for providing for others. Shelby is set to graduate from UC Irvine's Nursing program with hopes of working in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) while Parker follows the similar path in working in the emergency room.

"My wife Shelby has always wanted to become a NICU nurse ever since she was a little baby," Parker said. "It's unreal to see her working a 12-hour night shift and still see her walk in with a smile on her face."

Both David and Shelby mean a great deal to head coach David Kniffin. Over time, Kniffin's gratitude towards David has increased immensely as they worked together.

"I remember sitting around with Debbie [wife], decompressing the 2018 season and thinking that David was one of those guys we hoped we would be able to continue to grow with. The fact that he and Shelby are now on life's journey together. We are just so grateful they are a part of our lives and this program. "

This power couple has always been a prominent icon in the men's volleyball program. With their genuine care and love for the program, the Parkers have imprinted themselves into the lives of many, including mine.

The Parkers have always taken tremendous care for my being as I grew through my time at UCI. Their simple but moving acts towards me are memories that I will cherish forever in my life.

For Shelby, her compassionate behavior has always struck as remarkable. While I was ill, Shelby would constantly offer to drive me to my chemo, radiation or even blood test appointments to insure my well-being. As subtle as those offers were, it illuminates the benevolence that contains Shelby and shows what amazing human she truly is.

And as for David, sharing our first and last encounters together, ironically, was me crying on his shoulder. The level of care he provided for me was as if I was one of his own. The lessons he taught me, the encouraging words he said, even the smack talk across the net has always been to guide me in becoming a better person. As my former teammate and coach, I knew it was due to pure love, not obligation.

As these two are shipped away into their new intensive careers, their charisma and innate purpose in life will serve thousands of people they will encounter. The service they brought to UC Irvine and their respected programs will always be remembered and appreciated as their legacy continues on.

Thank you, David and Shelby Parker.

Good Luck and Adios,

Brian