Unsung Hero: Preston Cook

At most varsity girls volleyball games, one of the team’s biggest supporters can be found at the top of the bleachers, screaming into his headset. His name is Preston Cook, and he has broadcasted almost every home game this season onto the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Network and Mustang Live, with help from weightlifting teacher Greg Irish.

“I heard about the Sports Broadcasting class from some of my football friends,” Cook said. “They said it was an easy A, so I signed up.”

But what started as a wish for an easy class ended with a newfound passion and a very grateful team. The girls varsity volleyball team admires his energy, passion, and vigorous hand motions.

“We love his enthusiasm,” varsity captain Sage Kushner said. “He’s extremely expressive and likes to really get into it.”

Coach Michael Mann admires Cook’s dedication to the team and his passion for the game, as well.

“He gets to tell the San Marin volleyball story, which enhances the experience for our fanbase,” Mann said.

Cook started broadcasting girls volleyball his junior year, when it was offered up to him in Sports Broadcasting. Going into the first game, he didn’t know anything about the sport.

“The first game was so bad; I was making up my own terms,” Cook said. “After that, I went home and studied volleyball terms like ‘shank’, ‘serve’, and ‘ace’.”

Cook is now a senior and has continued to broadcast, even though he is no longer in the class, because of his love for the game.

“Volleyball is such an awesome sport,” Cook said. “It’s so fast-paced, which makes it really fun to commentate.”

Cook wants to pursue Sports Broadcasting in college and is looking forward to finishing out the season. He will be missed greatly by the team.

“Preston feels like another senior in our program,” Mann said. “I don’t know if we’ll ever find someone with the same passion, determination, and relentlessness that he possesses.”