From walk-on to starter

Men’s basketball player Dominic Muncey

college athletes are recruited out of high school, there is usually a lot of communication and ways where a coach and player can get to know each other. However, since Muncey walked on, he wasn’t able to establish a relationship with the coaching staff before joining the team.

Muncey commented on what it was like to walk on.

“Being a walk-on this year at USD has been amazing, because I finally got opportunities to show who I am as a player, ‘’ Muncey said. “Who I am as a player is someone that does what they can do. What I mean by that is, if I can do all the little things correctly — the parts of basketball where size and skill doesn’t matter as much — then I can make an impact. I have put countless hours in the gym and on the court, to get stronger and better, since I first had the dream to play college basketball.”

Muncey is from Las Vegas, Nevada, but moved to San Diego in 2017 right before his freshman year of high school at Cathedral Catholic High School. Muncey remarked on this move.

“Family is what originally brought me to San Diego and it is ultimately what kept me here as well,” Muncey said. “While I had opportunities to attend school elsewhere, it was hard to make the decision to leave the beautiful city of San Diego and my family.”

Muncey also shared his love for the University of San Diego that he has always felt.

“I also loved the USD campus and everything that this school represents. It’s important to find a school that fits your needs as a student and athlete. USD has many opportunities when it comes to academics and, thankful for me, I get to experience those same opportunities as an athlete. And it doesn’t hurt to be at a school that is so beautiful… doesn’t get much better”

Outside of the court, Muncey dedicates himself to his studies.

”I am currently undecided but leaning toward a major in Business. I have chosen business at the moment, because I believe with whatever I end up doing, I will be a part of a business,” Muncey said.

Dominic also understands the importance of life after sport. Post-basketball players want to carry out his grit he learned on the court, in anything that he does.

“One goal of mine after my sport is to be successful in anything I do,” Muncey said. “I want to use the skills I have learned from the sport of basketball and be able to apply them to whatever I end up doing. I think that anything I put my mind to I will accomplish. I also hope to keep my friendships after I move on from basketball. The people I have met at USD and on the basketball team will be lifelong friends.”

Muncey shared the one thing that he affirmed everyone should know about him.

“You don’t have to be the best to hang with the best,” Muncey said. “I feel like I have done a good job at controlling what I can control and that is what has gotten me to this point in my career.”

Catch Dominic Muncey on the court this basketball season, contributing to the team’s success.