Student-Athlete Spotlight: Cole Duncanson

Queen’s Men’s Volleyball middle blocker Cole Duncanson has been selected to Canada’s national junior team each of the past two summers. After partaking in a virtual experience two years ago, Duncanson (St. Catherines, Ont.) got the full experience last year.

“I couldn’t complete my 18U season with the pandemic, but I was selected to the virtual Junior National Team roster,” Duncanson said. “That entailed weekly Zoom meetings and training and workouts over Zoom for the duration of the 2020 summer.

“Following that, I trained here last year with the limited availability and time we had with all the restrictions. This most recent summer I was selected to the Junior National Team again, except this time it was in-person training in Gatineau, Quebec. I was in Gatineau from late June until early September and then I was selected to go to Slovenia to continue training and playing with them.”

Duncanson was joined by Gaels teammate Erik Siksna and Queen’s Men’s Volleyball Head Coach Gabriel DeGroot with Canada’s Junior Team in Slovenia for the 2021 FIVB Volleyball Men’s U21 World Championship, finishing 10^th.

Prior to his time with Canada’s junior team, Duncanson played two summers with Team Ontario and also competed with the Niagara Rapids Volleyball Club in St. Catherines and Pakmen Volleyball Club in Mississauga, Ont. It was during this time DeGroot first contacted Duncanson about playing his university volleyball with the Gaels, and he said he made his commitment to Queen’s shortly after competing in an 18U tournament at the ARC.

Duncanson sat down with GoGaelsGo.com to share more about himself on and off the court.

Why did you choose Queen’s?

It was a combination of a couple different factors. I would say the main two factors being the reputation of academic and athletic excellence that Queen’s has and that I observed prior to coming here. Also the team culture that Head Coach Gabe deGroot has built. It’s one of family, inclusivity, and holding each other accountable. That was what really drew me into the program. And academically speaking, Queen’s is one of the most renowned universities in the country, so I think overall it had a really good pull.

What’s your favourite team memory?

I hope to make more memories as my time here goes on, but so far, my favourite memory was experiencing my first road game. It was back in November against U of T, a game we ended up winning. Just the feeling of winning and reveling in that with the team. The whole bus ride home, we were all so excited and ready to bring that energy to continue training.

What’s your pre-game ritual and how did it come about?

I have a specific playlist. It’s a pre-game hype playlist and I will listen to that before every game with my headphones in. And I’ll always take at least 30 seconds to a minute, I’ll close my eyes and basically get into the zone, get into the moment. I don’t say a word, I don’t talk to anybody, I’ll just be in my own space, preparing mentally, and getting my focus right.

I think that came about from realizing that at times throughout my volleyball career, be at in club or here so far, I get nervous sometimes and sometimes it takes me a little longer to get started than I’d like to. So rather than have to find my rhythm on court, I like to find it beforehand and get in the zone.

What’s your favourite pre-game meal and why?

I have an outline for what I like to eat pre-game. Mainly it consists of some type of meat, so generally either fish or chicken, and some rice and vegetables. And a big glass of water. That’s generally it because it’s a healthy option, it gets me ready, and allows me to focus and feel energized for the game.

Who’s your favourite professional athlete?

In the sport of volleyball, I would say one of the biggest idols that I’ve ever had, ironically enough he plays for Team USA, his name is Maxwell Holt. He’s also a middle blocker, same position as me. He’s probably one of the best of all time.

Outside of volleyball, my favourite professional athlete is LeBron James. I’m a big basketball fan. His determination and relentlessness, especially given how long he’s been at it, that inspires me. My goal is also to play professionally in the sport I love. After I’m done at Queen’s I hope to be able to play professionally, I hope to bring that relentlessness over a long period of time and, fingers crossed, have a long and healthy career with that same intensity. Never giving in.

What’s your favourite place on campus and why?

I’d have to say the volleyball team room. Obviously now not as many people can be in there and whatnot, with COVID, but definitely just because I feel like it’s our own space. The camaraderie can flow freely, and we all know everybody has each other’s back. It’s a safe space of trust and friendship.

What’s your favourite off-court activity?

Spending time with friends; just doing things together would be it. Going out to a restaurant, a movie, just hanging out in general. I’m a very social person, I just enjoy spending time with the people I care about.

What do you hope to accomplish this season?

There are a few goals, we’ve discussed them as a team. Obviously, our ultimate goal is to win a U SPORTS National Championship and bring that home for Queen’s. That is the end of the road and Head Coach Gabe deGroot, he’s all about taking care of business and the little details first. Our goal first is to regain our undefeated streak for the rest of the season and bring home the OUA title; that’s where our goals stand in the short-term. And then in the long-term, it’s to bring home the U SPORTS National Championship. One step at a time, as they say.