SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – As a native of Brazil, volleyball runs in the blood of Diogo Silva.
 
"I'm from Brazil and I am very proud of the volleyball we have there," said Silva. "We are really passionate about playing the game, because you have to compete as hard as you can to get that spot. I had the opportunity to play for so long, so I was really engaged to be good every single day."
 
Entering his first year as a head coach this fall, Silva has leaned on his experience as a player to help establish his culture on the Hilltop.
 
"My focus here is to to take care of our culture, take care of our people and take care of our process," Silva said. "We have to be this way in the tough moments and in the good moments as well… we have to carry these three things."
 
For new assistant coach Noah Casaquit, the vision for the program is clear: "The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Diogo is hard work. Everything that we need to get accomplished, he is right there leading the way."
 
But in order to enjoy success at the highest level, the Dons know they must all share the same principles both in the present and in the future.
 
"Noah is a hard worker and I think he compliments me," said Silva. "He knows about the recruiting and has a lot of contacts here, but he is really huge in the aspect of organizing everything off the court."
 
Casaquit acknowledges that there are multiple steps involved in the process in building a program, which includes thinking outside-the-box: "A lot of what we talk about is read, plan, action… and if there are other things happening on the court, you got to be ready to read what is going on, to plan what you are going to do, and then to execute."
 
In addition to Casaquit, former Pepperdine star and new assistant coach Emily Cook also brings a wealth of experience to the equation.
 
"To see someone successful that has been there and won championships, and to have her on your side, I think that is huge for the girls", said Casaquit.
 
For Cook, her mission remains to support the athletes first and foremost: "I think having a female presence helps the girls feel more comfort, especially when you do play the sport… You understand, I went through this same stuff… just to be there for them. Volleyball is such a mental sport that we need to be mentally prepared as much as we are physically prepared."
 
No matter their journey, these three coaches understand the next step to take. 
 
"They have three great coaches right now that know the game, love the game and are there for them," Casaquit said. "They have everything they need, now it's performing when it gets tough and creating a culture that other people want to be a part of."

Through the ups and downs, Silva always remembers to emphasize his message: "Once they feel that we care, we can demand everything from them… and they are going to fight for you, they are going to fight for the team."