From the rugby pitch to the sands of Ios – Scotland’s Seain Cook

Seain Cook’s story is not one you come across very often. The Scottish athlete excelled in rugby from a young age, winning national titles in his age group and being named MVP in consecutive seasons. Despite his success and his involvement with Scotland’s national team setup, Cook eventually changed course and dedicated himself to Volleyball, first indoors and later on the beach. He mainly competes on the AVP Tour, but after finding the right partner in Euan Fraser, he decided to test himself on the European circuit this summer.

Starting from the qualification tournament they contested last week in Ios, Cook hopes to continue the tradition of teams coming through the qualifiers and making deep runs in the competition, as he explained in an interview with Volleyball.gr.

You mainly compete in the United States, but you are currently in Ios for the Ios Futures. What made you decide to come to Europe this summer?
I decided to come because of my partner. I was looking for a good teammate to compete with on the World Tour and eventually I found one in Euan Fraser.

What are the differences between Beach Volleyball on the international tour and in the United States?
The pace of the game is quite different. The game is faster on the FIVB tour, but there are not many other differences apart from the balls.

Speaking with other athletes at the event, there is a feeling that you can compete above the Futures level. Is it your goal to prove that?
My points say that I am a Futures-level player until I prove otherwise. I can say that I am an Elite16 player, but until I prove that I belong at that level, it does not mean anything. I compete in Futures events, I try to be successful, and if I am, I will move up to the next level. If not, then this is my level.

What are your impressions of Ios and how much of a factor is the wind?
Wind? What wind? Is there any wind? (laughs) We have been here since Monday. During our first two training sessions there was no wind at all. Today, on the day of the qualifiers, the wind picked up and the conditions became difficult. But it is a beautiful place.

You played rugby for many years. How did you decide to make the switch to Beach Volleyball?
I played rugby for years, but at some point I realised I was not good enough and I was not going to make it. Then I tried indoor volleyball and realised I was very bad at that too. After that I started playing Beach Volleyball and thought, “Maybe I can make it here.”

Did rugby help you in any way in becoming a better Beach Volleyball player?
In terms of teamwork, definitely. More generally, playing a variety of sports improves your athletic IQ.

Do you miss physical contact?
Sometimes I do, but I was always one of the smaller players on the field, so the concussions came pretty frequently. In Volleyball I have only had two concussions, so that is a good thing.

We could also call you an entrepreneur, considering that you make your own clothing. How did that come about?
There was a photographer on the AVP Tour who first used the phrase “Anti-defence, defence” because, historically, my defence has been pretty bad. I am mainly a side-out player. I ended up creating a brand around that idea. It is important to have merchandise that helps support me, but I also have great sponsors such as Lost Traveler and Clear Street. Having my own business is great because it helps me build an audience and support myself financially.

You spent years as a defender, but this season you are mostly playing split-block defence. How has that changed the way you see the game?
I always thought it would be very difficult. You have to change your mindset on every point, but so far it has been going really well. I feel a little more comfortable in defence, and when it comes to blocking, my mentality is that every block is a positive because I am not naturally a blocker.

What do you enjoy more, defence or blocking?
There is nobody who does not love kill blocks. But there is also something special about chasing down a ball in defence, then getting back up and being able to attack. It is a great feeling.

Historically, teams coming through the qualifiers have done very well in Ios. Do you think you can continue that tradition?
Really? (laughs) Yes, hopefully we can continue that tradition.

Note: Cook/Fraser eventually finished the competition in 13th place.