Eventually, the FBI could be calling the name of Providence’s Sean Dovin.
The senior outside hitter was at a crossroads, weighing volleyball versus his future career plans. But he’s choosing to go to Iowa to play club while working on an accounting degree.
He also has some lofty plans for after college.
“I want to be in the FBI,” he said. “I’m not exactly sure what I want to do for them, but that’s the end goal. I wanted to go to a bigger school, and I know a lot of kids gong to Iowa and a cousin who could help me out there.”
His parents, Mark Dovin and Carmel Finnegan, were Cook County probation officers. Sean is interested in federal government law enforcement.
On the volleyball court, the 6-foot-3 Dovin has been an enforcer lately. He stayed hot with 10 kills, four blocks and four aces Wednesday night to lead the Celtics to a 25-12, 25-23 nonconference win over host Evergreen Park.
“Sadly enough, this was a down night for him,” Providence coach Lee Rucinski said of Dovin. “He’s been playing some of the best volleyball I’ve seen him play the past couple of weeks.
“He went back-to-back nights with 17 kills and had 14 and 12. This was a great match, but compared to what he’s been doing … he’s on an amazing tear.”
Barton recruit Jackson Fowler added six kills for Providence (14-18), while Andrew Lubinski had four kills and 19 assists. Omar Torreblanca finished with five aces, including three straight in the first game.
Rahsaan Davis and Connor Gallagher totaled four kills apiece for Evergreen Park (11-21), which is in its first season of playing varsity boys volleyball.
Dovin, meanwhile, is hoping Providence can continue a strong close to the season. At one point, the Celtics were 7-18, but they have won seven straight and are 5-0 in the Catholic League White.
“Obviously, we started a little rough,” Dovin said of the Celtics, who have league matches remaining against Montini (7-14, 2-3) and St. Laurence (14-14, 3-3). “I think now we’re playing super consistent and playing more as a team than as individuals.
“If we can get it super together at the end of the season, we can be strong in the playoffs.”
Providence drew the 22nd seed in the 31-team Hinsdale South Sectional, but despite the tough start to the season, Rucinski is fired up about how his players have responded with a big push.
And Dovin, who opened Wednesday’s match with three kills and two aces to set the tone and give the Celtics a 5-1 lead, has played a big part. He also had four kills in a row in the second game.
“When he plays like this, it really opens up our entire offense,” Rucinski said. “Everyone knows the lefty (Fowler) is there, but you can’t forget about Dovin because he just comes in and has all the shots. The blocker can’t take one away because he has all of it.”
Torreblanca, a sophomore outside hitter, related how much he admires Dovin.
“He brings energy and is very consistent,” Torreblanca said. “I think he brings the team together.
“I look up to him and I hope to be like him.”
Dovin, who has been involved in volleyball for nine years, is happy that he will be able to play on the club level in college so he’s not giving up being on the court entirely.
“I feel like it’s one of the most team-oriented sports,” he said. “It says a lot about your personality on the court. You have to work as a team. You can have the best talent, but if you don’t work as a team, you are never going to win.”
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
