Jasper Ang, an undergraduate in the Class of 2028 from Riverside, California, intends to major in Behavioral Science and plays as an outside hitter for the DKU Men’s Volleyball Team.
Motto:Be great.
For Jasper, volleyball is not just a sport—it is a space for self-discovery, discipline, and conviction. Since picking up the game in high school, he has developed not only as an athlete but also as an individual who values authenticity and self-trust.
Q:What first drew you to volleyball, and what keeps you playing?
Jasper’s journey into volleyball began in an unexpected way—through the anime Haikyu!!. What started as curiosity quickly evolved into something deeper.“I’d always been drawn to sports that involve jumping,” he explains. “In volleyball, that takes the form of an approach when hitting.”
But beyond the physical aspect, it was the unique mental experience that truly captivated him.“The moment you take off, everything around you fades. For a split second, the world feels completely still. Then, as soon as you land, everything rushes back. That contrast—the stillness and the intensity—is what hooked me.”That fleeting sense of calm within chaos continues to define his relationship with the sport and keeps him coming back to the court.
Jasper’s handsome figure attacking on the court
Q:What is the most important thing volleyball has taught you?
For Jasper, volleyball has been one of the most influential teachers in his life.“The most important lesson I’ve learned is to bet on yourself.”Through years of playing, he has come to value authenticity over external validation. He emphasizes that constantly seeking approval can dilute one’s sense of identity, both on and off the court.“Don’t shrink yourself for the comfort of others. Be willing to take risks, make mistakes, and grow from them.”
He also challenges the common perception of team sports.“A team doesn’t mean everyone gives up a part of themselves—it means everyone brings their whole self. To truly commit to a team, you first have to commit to yourself.”
Jasper’s figure on the court
Q:How do you approach high-pressure decisions during matches?
Rather than framing situations as “safe” or “risky,” Jasper approaches them through a different lens: commitment.“I try to think in terms of ‘committed versus hesitant,’ not ‘safe versus risky.’”
Drawing from the idea that performance reflects preparation, he believes that training transforms uncertainty into instinct.“We don’t rise to the level of our expectations—we fall to the level of our training.”
During matches, this mindset allows him to reduce hesitation and focus on execution. Instead of overanalyzing, he prioritizes recognizing the right moment and trusting his preparation.“It’s not about avoiding risk. It’s about recognizing opportunity—and fully committing when it comes.”
The silhouette of Jasper in the game
Q:How do you mentally prepare for critical moments, and does that mindset apply to your life?
In high-pressure moments, Jasper focuses on staying present.“At that point, all the preparation is already done. There’s no reason to overthink—my job is just to trust my work and compete freely.”This perspective helps him not only perform better, but also appreciate the experience itself.“Volleyball reminds me that these moments are limited. At the end of the day, I’m out there with friends, doing something I love.”
This mindset extends beyond sports into his daily life. By focusing on process rather than outcome, he is able to manage pressure more effectively and find greater enjoyment in what he does.“Staying present is a form of trust. You focus on what you can control, and let the results take care of themselves.”
Q:What does volleyball mean to you on a broader level?
For Jasper, volleyball is ultimately about growth—both individual and collective.It is a space where discipline meets self-expression, where mistakes become learning opportunities, and where trust—both in oneself and in teammates—is constantly tested and strengthened.
More importantly, it is a reminder to live authentically.
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