Rutgers-Newark Athletics

By Jim Hague

The role of the libero on the volleyball court is a very thankless position.

“He’s like the middle reliever or a long guy out of the bullpen in baseball,” said Rutgers-Newark head volleyball coach Karl France. “No one wants that job, but someone has to do it. And it’s a very important position and role to have.”

On the Rutgers-Newark men’s volleyball team, the role of the libero (or defensive specialist in layman’s terms) falls on the shoulders of senior Derek Wolfe.

And it’s a role that Wolfe doesn’t mind doing. He’s not going to grab the attention of a middle hitter and certainly not going to compile gaudy statistics, but Wolfe is perhaps one of the most important members of the Scarlet Raider program.

“Sometimes you don’t get the headlines and you don’t get the stats,” Wolfe said. “But the libero is a very important part of the team. Even though you’re not the one getting the hits and the kills, you play a big part in making those plays happen and that has always been a big motivation to me. You know that you’re going to play a major part in your team’s success and the outcome of a match.”

Wolfe has been the starting libero for the Scarlet Raiders for the last three seasons and has developed into a steady performer and flawless leader.

“He’s always been a solid player,” said France, who remembers recruiting Wolfe when Wolfe was a high school player in Florida and France was coaching at New York University. “He always had a good skill base and is always at the right place at the right time. It’s a good attribute to have as a libero. He’s one of the best passers we have and is a good service reception player. Having a senior in that position is a huge help, because he can lead the other guys. I lean on Derek to be a good leader for us. He’s definitely one of the most important players in our league.”

Wolfe came to R-N from Timber Creek High School in Orlando. It’s not often that you find a kid wanting to leave sunny Florida for downtown Newark.

“I was recruited by the former coaching staff and Rutgers-Newark was the only school to offer me a scholarship,” Wolfe said. “I came up to the school and visited and I liked the school. I liked that it was so close to New York City.”

However, when Wolfe arrived, there was a bit of a culture shock.

“Yeah, and it wasn’t just the weather,” Wolfe laughed. “In Florida, people move at a much slower pace. I come up here and everyone is in a hurry to get somewhere. That took some getting used to. But I really like it now.”

Wolfe also likes the role of being a leader on the Scarlet Raiders.

“I don’t think that we are that young of a team, but we do have some young players,” Wolfe said. “We do have some experienced guys at important positions. I like helping the other guys out. I think most of my leadership qualities come out in practice. I think it’s easier to be a leader in practice.”

Wolfe is in his second year of being a team captain, something that France doesn’t overlook.

“What Derek has to do is show the others what has to be done,” France said. “He’s been toeing the line and making sure that the others do what’s expected. He’s been like my eyes and ears when I’m not there. Derek has a great personality and the others look up to him. They admire his drive, his leadership capabilities and his work ethic. It’s tough being a leader as a libero, but he handles it well. He keeps us in games by keeping the ball off the floor. His skills as a volleyball player are developed, even as a libero. He’s one of the reasons why we can be a successful program.”

France also likes Wolfe’s approach.

“He’s a more cerebral guy than most,” France said. “He’s passionate about the game and wants us all to succeed. He definitely decided to take a step back when he became the libero, but he’s comfortable with the role now.

Added France, “Derek is a likeable guy and a lot of people respect him. I think he also commands respect because of the way he works.”

Wolfe wants to make sure that this season, which begins next week with matches, is the best one yet.

“I’m treating every day like I’m playing volleyball for the very last time,” Wolfe said. “I feel like my career is almost over, so no question, having a great year this year motivates me and pushes me hard every day. It’s my last year playing against the big teams. We have a chance to have a very good season. I’m definitely excited, with the teams we’re playing this year. It’s exciting just to show people what we got. I think we’re going to stun a lot of people and turn some heads.”

France likes the way Wolfe is thinking in terms of the season.

“I know he’s the bridge to the last group and is one of the last guys left from that group, so I know he wants to leave a legacy here,” France said. “Hopefully, we’ll get to go someplace this season and he can lead us. We’re making a move up and Derek has played a pivotal role to make sure we’re going in the right direction.”

Wolfe will graduate in May with a degree in business finance. He doesn’t know what the future holds, except for one thing.

“The plans are for me to move back to Florida,” Wolfe said. “I had a job interview over Christmas break and I hope it pans out for me. Nothing against this area, but I just like it better there. I have a girlfriend there and my family is there. Hopefully, I can find something and everything will work out.”

For now, Wolfe is concentrating on one thing – leading the Scarlet Raiders to one last successful campaign.

“It’s really important to me for the team to do well this year,” Wolfe said. “I’ve been thinking about that a lot, how this is my last year. I’ve worked very hard and I’m going to continue to work as hard as I can to make sure this year is a success.”

As long as the libero can lead the way.