DeKALB | Ray Gooden just entered his tenth season as head coach for the NIU women’s volleyball program. The veteran coach spared some time to chat with the Northern Star to discuss coaching, hobbies and his future in this week’s installment of Coach’s Corner.

NORTHERN STAR: What are some changes you have seen since day one with the program here at NIU?

RAY GOODEN: Like from ten years ago to now? I think more people enjoy the experience and I’m very happy for that. It’s great to see alums coming back. It’s great to see fun crowds, and I’m happy I have a fun team. It’s great to have all the things you’d want as a coach.

NS: When you stepped into your role at NIU, did you think it was the right time to take over a program?

RG: I don’t think you are ever prepared for all of it. I was very fortunate that the Athletic Director at the time, Cary Groth, and Dee Abrahamson allowed me to be in this spot and learn through it. So I feel nine years later I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge.

NS: Have you enjoyed your time coaching so far?

RG: Yeah, I mean the game is great, and it’s cool with the kids, and it is fun with the fans. I think they enjoy the experience and now realize how fun Victor E. Court is and what the atmosphere is like. We have a fun program and a fun sport trying to do the best we possibly can for NIU.

NS: What’s the toughest part of your job?

RG: Balance. Balancing everything between practices, recruiting, crisis management and administrative things is tough. Just balancing with my family is the toughest part of it, but I love what I do.

NS: I had spoken to you the other day about you being a DJ and how you really enjoy doing it. How often do you actually go out and DJ?

RG: You know what, this summer I feel like I did a few times. I have done some weddings here and there, but a lot of the weddings are for kids that I’ve coached. I grew up on music, and for some reason at my high school, a lot of the folks have DJ’ed at points in their lives.

It’s an incredible thing because you can always remember parts of your life around a song or a jingle or something. So to make a crowd feel good about what’s going on, whether it is in a club, a house or for a wedding reception, it’s a lot of fun to be a part of that.

NS: So you are familiar with NIU women’s tennis head coach Ryun Ferrel. He is quite a singer. Have you ever thought of laying down some mixes with him?

RG: (Laughs) Yeah, he is real good. I’m actually trying to hook up with [NIU sports media relations member], Zach [Peters]. Zach plays a few riffs and it would be kind of cool to do something like that.

NS: What is the harder job: DJ’ing or running this program?

RG: I love both. I don’t think either one is a tough thing to do. They are both fun and challenging things, but they are both things that I really enjoy, so I don’t think either is ever tougher.