COACH KNIFFIN SAID:
“Ron has coached at every level of the game. It would be easy to assume that his experience justifies his place on our staff. But Ron returns to us time and time again because of his passion to teach, to invest in these young men, and to serve as a patient mentor. We are honored to share the journey with him.”
5 Questions for Ron Larsen:
Q: Why do you keep coming back to teach and serve in the UC Irvine community?
A: I have been blessed with the opportunity to coach and teach in five of the UC’s. I believe in the system and UC Irvine provides the students and student athletes with a tremendous opportunity to experience success.
Q: What is the most important quality in a teammate?
A: I believe that the cornerstone to being a great teammate is character. A player with great character is ethically and morally strong, and has personal integrity. As John Wooden said, “Character is who and what you really are. A person of character is trustworthy and honest.”
Q: What would you want a potential student-athlete to know about UC Irvine Men’s Volleyball?
A: When you join the men’s volleyball team, you are starting a journey that is about more than just becoming a great volleyball player, but rather learning to be a unique and great person. UCI Volleyball is a vehicle towards excellence.
Q: How do you want to be remembered for your time in Intercollegiate Athletics?
A: That I was more than just a volleyball coach. That I helped in the development of these players’ character and pathways to success.
Q: What is one thing, unrelated to volleyball, that you love about UC Irvine?
A: Aldrich Park! (The 19-acre botanical park in the center of campus)
