Caydann Cox becomes first Blue Jay to commit to men's volleyball team

Katie Ringer, The Jamestown Sun, N.D.
Updated ·4 min read

Apr. 8—JAMESTOWN — When Caydann Cox was 11 years old, he probably didn't think he'd be moving to Jamestown, North Dakota.

He also probably didn't think he'd be the first North Dakota athlete to commit to the University of Jamestown's men's volleyball team — but here we are.

Cox is the first athlete out of Jamestown High School to sign with a collegiate men's volleyball program. The University of Jamestown is the only North Dakota-based university to offer a men's volleyball program.

"I have been playing since I was about 4 or 5," Cox said. "One of my earliest memories of playing is we would strap a volleyball onto like a beam and we would try to hit the ball to teach us how to approach and to hit the ball."

Cox officially committed to UJ on Aug. 18, 2022. Cox primarily plays outside but can also do some damage on the right side.

"The sport is getting bigger and bigger," Cox said. "More people are starting to play it and it is spreading in the U.S. Downey (Huynh) has been doing a wonderful job coaching some of the kids here and showing them what men's volleyball is like and I feel like some more could commit somewhere."

Huynh is currently playing for the UJ men's team The 6-foot senior outside is in his third year playing for the Jimmies. Of Huynh's 232 career kills, 192 came this season. He was also credited with 98 digs and has scored a total of 223 points.

Huynh was also one of the assistant coaches for the JHS volleyball team this last fall.

"I have been wanting to play collegiately probably since I was 11," Cox said. "That was when I felt the most love for the sport. I just love the team dynamic of volleyball on how it is not just one guy and it takes a whole team effort to win a game."

Cox plays volleyball all year round with the Spaceneedle Volleyball Foundation (SVF), an elite volleyball club out of Seattle. Cox said playing year-round has involved playing in adult tournaments like nationals. Cox has been on the all-tournament team at nationals and taken third.

"Caydann started playing with us when he was 12 years old," Mark West, SVF co-director and co-founder, said. "He has one of the best wrist shots I have ever seen. There have been many wins, many awards, and many learning opportunities for him with us over the years. He's a great kid. We are very excited for his senior year."

Playing big-time tourneys and practicing year-round not only bettered Cox's recruitment profile, but it has helped to develop his athleticism — something the Jimmies — and the Blue Jays — were looking for.

Cox was a two-year Blue Jay varsity basketball team member. The senior was responsible for scoring 303 points. His experience as a top-tier hitter helped him underneath the hoop as he used his hops to nab 239 rebounds — 184 of which came this last winter. Cox helped the Blue Jays advance to their first state tournament since 2020 last month.

While Cox was busy helping on the Jays' hoops crew this winter, he still made an appearance at a handful of Jimmie men's games.

The men's volleyball program at UJ is just finishing up its fourth season of operation. Cox's father Travers took over the program after former head coach Riley Salmon pursued a different coaching position.

Travers acted as Salmon's assistant coach in 2020-21 before taking over in 2022. In the last four years, the Jimmies have produced a 73-14 record and are headed to its third straight national tournament. The NAIA National Tournament begins next week in Des Moines, Iowa.

"I chose UJ because I wanted to play with my brother and play for my dad," Cox said. "Another reason is some of the guys there are people I would love to play volleyball with.

Cox's older brother Caylor, a 5-foot-8 outside, has been named to the GPAC All-Conference Team for the last three years and is pretty much a shoo-in for a fourth-time selection. Caylor, one of the Jimmies' original signees, is planning to come back for a fifth year.

"I cannot wait to finally focus on volleyball and play with my brother," Cox said.

The feeling is mutual.

"As Caydann's dad I'm excited to see him play at the collegiate level," Travers said. "He's fun to watch. We are happy he decided to stay in Jamestown and play for the Jimmies. As a coach, I'm excited to see what he can do at the next level. Caydann is a dynamic player which will add value to the team."