By Ryan Barney
Staff Writer
After four successful years of playing for the boys volleyball team at Mira Costa, senior D.J. White is taking his love for the game to Harvard University.
White’s career with the Costa volleyball team ended in a loss at Mater Dei in the CIF quarterfinals on May 14. Despite the loss, White helped lead the Mustangs to a 33-2 overall record and a perfect 8-0 record in Bay League.
“I am very excited he has chosen a school like Harvard where he can continue to excel academically and athletically,” coach Mike Ninnis said.
Even though the Mustangs were unable to make it past the CIF quarterfinals and complete a return to the finals, White feels as if the Mustangs had a good year this past season.
“It was a disappointing loss,” White said. “I do give Mater Dei a lot of credit for playing well.”
One aspect of Costa’s program White admires is the long-time rivalry between the Mustangs and the Loyola Cubs. During their only game this season, the Mustangs won three games to two.
“The Loyola game was one of the most exciting and competitive games I’ve been a part of,” White said. “Hopefully, there will be a rivalry like it at Harvard.”
White has been known as one of the most valuable players on the Costa team. He has served as an outside hitter for multiple years on the highly acclaimed squad. White concluded his senior season with a total of 282 kills out of 621 attempts, 106 digs, and 51 blocks.
“No matter where he was on the court, he made plays and helped the team,” teammate junior Karl Acres said.
College recruiters and coaches began noticing the 6’ 5” outside hitter when he earned Most Valuable Player, Bay League MVP, and a spot on the All-CIF team. During his senior year, White became no stranger to dealing with different colleges wishing to harness his talents.
“The recruiting process was pretty smooth,” White said. “After getting lots of messages from colleges, Harvard flew me out in September, and I fell in love immediately.”
White entered the realm of athletics at an early age. He took up volleyball at the age of 12 after being asked to play by his Little League baseball coach.
“My Little League coach Larry Mirick was my first volleyball coach,” White said. “I was playing a lot of sports at the time, and I fell in love with it quickly.”
As a result of his adept skills on the court and noteworthy academic achievements off the court, White earned an acceptance into prestigious Harvard University and will be enrolling in the school in the fall.
“I’m really excited to move on from high school,” White said. “I will be challenged, and I’m ready for the next step in my life.”
Harvard’s Ivy League reputation poses a new challenge for White. However, he feels he is ready to take on anything that comes his way.
“Balancing academics and sports is going to be a difficult task that I am more than ready to face,” White said. “On the other hand, I am also excited to meet a lot of new people and get a chance to learn at a great school.”
Off the court, White has a passion for math and science. At Mira Costa, White studied AP calculus and honors physics.
“My favorite subject is definitely math,” White said. “I’ve taken almost all of the advanced math classes.”
As head coach of the boys volleyball team, Ninnis has known White throughout his four years in the program.
“I’d especially like to thank Coach Ninnis,” White said. “He’s helped me develop my skills and be a better player.”
Ninnis has had the opportunity to see White progress and expand his skills over the course of his four years with the program.
“We’re losing a student who succeeds as a steady and consistent all-around player,” Ninnis said. “He always worked hard and strived to improve his game.”
Those who surround White have nothing but high expectations for him as he transitions to college and continues to utilize his abilities to compete on the court and in the classroom.
“He will be greatly missed by all of us,” Ninnis said.
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