Men’s Volleyball
U SPORTS Top 10 launches Tuesday with new statistical format
U SPORTS sits down with one key athlete, coach, and staff member of each U SPORTS athletic program in our interview series “Getting to know…”
- Name: Dan Miller
- School: Nipissing University
- Sport: Men’s volleyball
- Position: Middle
- Year of eligibility: 4
- Program: Business
- Hometown: Port Elgin, Ont.
1. What attracted you to Nipissing University?
When I began thinking about applying to schools, Nipissing University stood out to me. Small classes were a big selling point; you are more than just a number at Nipissing University. The opportunity to get involved with Lakers Athletics on the men’s volleyball team enticed me. It’s a group of close-knit guys that always have your back, from the day I began the recruitment process. The business school was another big selling feature as it offers numerous opportunities that go above and beyond the typical business degree programs offered by other universities. Above all this, is the campus itself is beautiful. The school surrounds a pond that offers something to do during all four seasons.
2. What is your favourite memory, and your greatest athletic achievement as a U SPORTS student-athlete?
I would say my favourite memory, as a student athlete, is the Academic All-Canadian Breakfast. It celebrates personal academic achievement, as well as, my fellow athletes who worked hard to also achieve Academic All-Canadian status. The celebration for student-athletes over an 80 per cent average is an incredibly special event and gives you the opportunity to celebrate with all of Lakers Athletics.
3. Where are you hoping your path will take you after university?
I hope to continue making connections, being a key member of a team in the workforce and continuing to find my passion within the next phase of my life. I’ve been lucky enough to be a leader within the school of business and Lakers athletics, and the skills that I continue to learn will definitely serve me well moving forward.
4. Who’s had the greatest influence on your athletic career? Throughout my athletic career my parents have always been the greatest influence.
Growing up playing a number of different sports, my parents were always supportive and confident in whatever I wanted to pursue.
5. Who is someone in the sports world, past or present, with whom you’d love to have dinner with? Why?
Someone I have always admired growing up playing hockey is Sidney Crosby. I think it’d be awesome to have dinner with him; he is one of the greatest athletes and leaders to ever play.
6. What is your pre-game ritual? Do you have any superstitions/idiosyncrasies around preparing yourself for a game?
Playing 21 with one of my teammates! I think it’s important to have some fun and loosen up before a game.
7. What’s your go-to song to get pumped up for practice or a game?
The Climb by Miley Cyrus has been a pump up ever since I performed the song at my Grade 8 talent show.
8. What’s your favourite social media account to follow?
Any sports account. My favourite ones are the NHL and NBA Instagram pages.
9. If you could try another sport, what would it be and why?
Spike ball.
10. What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you as an athlete?
When I was in tyke hockey, and I got my first goal, I had the ref open the door and I walked up the stands with my skates on to tell my mom that I got a goal, while the coaches were yelling at me to come back.