Now in his ninth year as NIU volleyball head coach, Ray Gooden has evolved his coaching philosophy. The Northern Star sat down with him to learn of his journey, what the 2010 team has taught him and about the allegations of moonlighting as a DJ.

Northern Star: David Letterman has a top 10 list. What is the Ray Gooden top three list of phrases to describe the 2010 volleyball season?

Ray Gooden: Wow, I think the three I can think of are awesome, fun and team-oriented.

NS: Where would your 150 NIU wins, that you accomplished this season, fit into your overall view of the 2010 season?

RG: Pretty low. The 150 wins is really about my record, and for me that’s not really a big deal. It’s really important that we’ve been successful, and I think getting to 150 wins is a by-product of that. Just like everything else, different milestones have been a by-product of what the team has been able to do to reach its level of success thus far this season.

NS: With this year’s team, what would you say defines them? What makes them unique from some of the other NIU volleyball teams you’ve coached?

RG: I think it’s their ability to interact and to do things well together. I think our group does its best not to single one person out. Our group does a really good job of trying to incorporate as many people as possible, if not everyone. It’s helped out.

NS: How has your coaching philosophy developed over these years? Has it changed at all?

RG: Yeah, it’s changed. When I first started off I was always the bouncy, jump up and down, fiery, crazy kind of guy. Some people say, “you’re not any different than you were before.” But I think I’ve mellowed out a bunch. I’ve tried to put things in its proper perspective. I’ve worked really hard on being more patient and to educate as much as I possibly can, as opposed to just show volleyball. I’m trying to help everybody with the process. I think having a family helps out a ton too. It helps me put things in its proper perspective.

NS: Is there any truth that you moonlight as a DJ?

RG: I cannot confirm or deny, but I do. Music’s been a big thing for me. Back in the day, in high school there were different little crews of DJs. House parties were the big thing. Now I do weddings. It’s a blast; it’s a lot of fun. Yeah, it’s kind of random, but some people read, some people collect stamps. I play music.