As Mangun approaches the end of his third year as a Rambler, he said his adoration for all things sports continues to run deep, letting him understand the game from all angles. When watching Mangun on the court, he is typically the first to huddle the group together.
Dan Mangun, a 21-year-old redshirt sophomore setter, is an athlete known within the men’s volleyball team for his high energy and persistent determination to be the best he can be. Mangun has recently become nationally recognized for his performance as the sole setter, recently claiming the American Volleyball Coaches Association’s (AVCA) National Player of the Week title March 14.
As Mangun approaches the end of his third year as a Rambler, he said his adoration for all things sports continues to run deep, letting him understand the game from all angles. When watching Mangun on the court, he is typically the first to huddle the group together.
“We all have very different personalities, but we’re a lot of real, fun, loving guys,” Mangun said. “I think that helps me settle in and be myself. I don’t really care if I look crazy out there, I just think it’s cool that these guys allow me to be who I am.”
To get into the gameday mindset, Mangun said he sticks to a typical pregame ritual — eating a nice meal, quickly stopping at the hot tub, and taking a moment to sit at his dad’s favorite spot in Gentile Arena. Mangun said that incorporating this into his routine helps him lock into focus, emphasizing the importance of the support of his family.
Mangun reflected on the memories he has of watching his middle sister pursue her volleyball career, describing his passion originating from growing up in the gym watching her. As he bounced back and forth between different sports during his childhood, he said volleyball just ended up sticking, leading him to his current career as a Rambler.
Behind the number 19 jersey, Mangun is a sports management major, one whose passion for collegiate sports runs further than just his position as an athlete. As Mangun remains unsure of his commitment to a fifth year as a student-athlete, he pursues classes covering the behind-the-scenes work that goes into the sports he loves.
“I know I want to work in college athletics when I’m done,” Mangun said. “I just really have a passion for this stuff. My plan is to kind of stick around in college sports, whether I’m in coaching or in an advisor position.”
Mangun described his enthusiasm for getting to learn the ins and outs of the athletic world, especially what goes on beyond the court. He said the chance to view the crucial parts of both sides lets him balance each interest cooperatively, allowing him to learn more about the sides of athletics that he doesn’t normally see.
Loyola Head Coach John Hawks said that Mangun’s innate drive to conquer new personal goals allows him to continue to grow within his athletic career, Mangun adding that he is fueled by the belief that he can always gain something from each day. Mangun expressed he values discipline in his routine, helping him wake up every day with the motivation to get better.
“We’re working with him daily, and Dan is absolutely, 100% all-in.” Hawks said. “Watching his development, it’s not surprising to see where he is now. Dan’s the kind of guy we feed off of. As Dan’s going, we go.”
Hawks reflected on Mangun’s high-stakes foundational position, commending him for his ability to keep the Ramblers’ offense running at its highest efficiency.
“Dan works hard and he runs a great offense for us,” departing redshirt senior outside hitter Cole Schlothauer said. “Nobody wants to play us come the NCAA tournament, I’ll tell you that. I think Dan should be in that conversation, and I think that it’s great that he got that.”
Schlothauer also expressed his appreciation of Mangun’s lively spirit, describing him as someone who consistently brings great energy to the rest of the team. His persistent communication with the coaches, as well as the players, has become what Schlothauer said he admires greatly about Mangun.
As of Loyola’s regular season home-game finale April 1, Mangun had a total of 946 assists, 156 digs and an overall attack percentage of .311, according to Loyola Athletics.
Mangun and the Ramblers finish out their regular season April 6 and 8 at Ball State University and The Ohio State University. First serve is at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., respectively, and are set to be broadcast on ESPN+ and Big Ten+.
Featured image courtesy of Steve Woltmann for Loyola Athletics
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