April 8, 2020 – By NJP
Some say versatility is a key to success. Dov McGuire-Berk is a solid example of that concept. Dov is not only an outstanding volleyball player for Moorestown High School but he is an All-State 1st Team Soccer player in Division 3 as well, racking up 12 goals in his senior season at center midfield. He also spent some time in the swimming pool during his freshman and sophomore seasons. In addition to his athletic ability, Dov is the Senior Class President at Moorestown. He does not sound like the “social distancing” kind of guy. We will put him in the category of being a high achiever.
The Quakers are coming off an outstanding season where they finished 18-4. They won 15 of their first 16 games and only lost to Sterling (2x), Atlantic Tech, and Southern in their final state regional game. This season, they must make up for losing 9 senior varsity players but with Dov, and juniors Logan Jagodzinski and Ajay Bhalodia, they have a solid core. Only two seniors return to this years squad so added pressure will be on Dov to be a leader.
He is used to that role. Whether as Class President, a Team Captain, or the many other leadership programs he is a part of. The team will be in good hands.
Here is our interview with Dov…
Tell us a bit about yourself? (What school do you attend, what town do you live? What year are you graduating?, family?, etc…)
I am from Moorestown High School and I live in Moorestown. I graduate in 2020. I like to listen to music, work out, and hang out with friends. I enjoy learning new things both in the classroom and on the court. I am Class President.
How long have you played volleyball and what inspired you to take up volleyball initially?
I’ve played volleyball for 4 years. The first time I picked up a volleyball was the first day of practice my freshman year. I had always wanted to play volleyball, but had never had the real opportunity.
What are your metrics/details? Height, vertical, position, club team, etc… What’s your favorite position to play?
Height: 5’10” Weight: 175 Approach jump: 10′ Favorite Position: Outside. I like being able to contribute on both sides of the ball and putting my team in the best position to win matches.
How are you dealing with current world situation with COVID-19?
I’ve been passing the volleyball around with my sister and waiting for the word to go back to the gyms.
Do you support potentially moving the spring season to summertime when the world will be safe again?
I absolutely support moving the spring season to summertime. Sports have an incredible affect on so many of us that I am unwilling to give up so soon. While the COVID-19 situation remains very serious, games should occur if the world becomes safe by then.
Have you won any awards such as All County or All State or others?
For soccer I was First Team All-State for Group 3 as well as Midfielder of the Year in South Jersey. But no awards for volleyball.
How will your high school team do in the upcoming season? Do you have a lot of returning players? What will be the key to success?
We graduated more than half of last season’s starting lineup. No one was worried about this season, however, because we knew we had just as much talent in this year’s team. The difference between this year’s and last year’s team is chemistry. When you play together everyday for 3 months, you begin to rely on each other in ways that only come with time. This team would have gotten there.
Who is your favorite college or pro volleyball player and why?
My favorite pro volleyball player is Micah Christenson.
Tell us about your high school coach? Club Coach?
My high school coach is Scott Atkinson. He coaches both the boys and girls volleyball teams at Moorestown. He has something insightful to say in any situation and will invest as much time as it takes to put the best volleyball team on the court.
Dov
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Bear