Player Profile: Cassie Dyoub

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Junior business major Cassie Dyoub has played volleyball since she was eight, continuing to play into high school. However, she might not have continued to be an outstanding outside hitter for the University of Dallas’ Crusaders if it hadn’t been for her parents.

“I thought I wanted to be done after high school since I was just so burnt out from playing club and high school ball year round,” Dyoub said. “It wasn’t fun anymore but after Covid, I decided to get back on the court and it was the best decision.”

Dyoub described her transformation from a loner and an introvert to a more socially acute and outgoing extrovert. She said that she flourished in her social life at her new home in Irving, but that she wishes and advises freshmen to be more responsible during their freshman year. 

Dyoub said that now she “[Has] a lot more friends than I ever did before college or on another team.”

Dyoub has made some great memories on the court, particularly enjoying the silly warm-up games that her team plays prior to competing against the opposing team. A particular one that gets the statistics table smiling and curious is when the team warms up by avoiding direct eye contact, giving finger guns to each other and ducking from their teammate’s finger guns. This warm up is always followed by many yells or even a dramatic standoff. 

Outside the fun with her teammates prior to each game, Dyoub relishes the thrill of the competition.

One of her greatest memories on the court was scoring “21 kills against Austin College in three sets,” Dyoub said. “We totally crushed them and it was amazing.”

Although volleyball is a team sport, there is an emphasis on individual performance in the basics and in cooperation with the team. Additionally, volleyball thrives on mental endurance on fighting to keep the lead, recovering from losing rallies and pushing to win the game point.

One of the places she finds inspiration to keep pushing is her models, football star Michael Gallup and performer Steve-O. Dyoub admires their unique athleticism which sets them apart.

She enjoys the business program at UD, particularly the caliber of the business professors. Additionally, the Core has given her cause for introspection, exposing her to weaknesses as well as strengths.

“I don’t and never will understand philosophy. Sorry, Aquinas and Plato. It’s just not meant to be,” said Dyoub.

Dyoub has gained the responsibility she said she lacked during her freshman year in learning to balance her academics and athletic schedule. 

“I just organize my schedule so I have time to do homework and sleep early,” Dyoub said. “It is really not that difficult so long as you are responsible.”

This is no easy feat. Volleyball culture can be daunting; Dyoub has found it challenging to keep up and, despite her years of experience, is constantly pushing herself to improve.

“I don’t think people realize how difficult it is. The control. The discipline. I have been playing [volleyball for] 12 years and am just learning mastery in some areas,” she elaborated.

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