NAME: Marty Quinn
THE ROLE
At any given time, the Purdue volleyball team is decked out in Nike gear. From the suitcase to shoes, travel suit and the jerseys worn on gameday, Marty Quinn is behind the threads. He is the one who puts in the Nike orders and hands out the apparel every year. And yes, because of this, he is known by members of the team and staff as their year-round Santa Clause. As Purdue volleyball's equipment manager, Quinn's role is to check and ensure the team has what it needs to train, practice and compete from an equipment and apparel perspective. Not only does Quinn oversee ordering gear for the team, but he maintains them for the student-athletes. "I'm kind of like their mom who does laundry for them, too," he said, poking fun.
"Marty has been a huge help when it comes to finding the right gear. He is always aware of our needs and patient with us. I also love how Marty is always so positive when he stops by. I have never encountered him without getting a high five and 'Boiler Up'!" - Emma Terwilliger, #11
THE RIGHT FIT
Quinn and Assistant Coach Kathy Jewell work together when selecting gear from the Nike collections. Ordering the items a year in advance, the two look for pieces that will be both exciting and useful. "I know the girls seem to like the winter parkas and fleece jackets every year," reflected Quinn. Among his favorites from the 2019 season was a long-sleeved hoodie T-shirt and a gray winter coat.
SERVICES PROVIDED
Quinn and the rest of the equipment staff provide the volleyball team with equipment, apparel, uniforms, shoes, laundry and athletic awards throughout the year. "Sometimes therapy or comedy relief, too," Quinn said.
GAMEDAY PREP
Before the Boiler Box Band arrives, before the students and fans begin lining up outside Holloway, Quinn and the Boilermaker staff prepare the locker rooms. "Either the morning of or night before a match, I will hang the jerseys and warm-up clothes on the back of the players' chairs for them to wear," Quinn said. He also uses that time to return any items the players turned in to wash previously. Then on his way out, Quinn also leaves two baskets for the the team to use post-match: one for their jerseys and other for additional items that needed to be cleaned. "After the match I collect everything and wash it for the next night, or get it ready to wash the next day," said Quinn.
For the visiting locker room, Quinn makes sure there are clean towels available for the players and coaches. "Barb and Tina - the maintenance people here - do a great job at making sure the space is clean and ready to go. They also put the visiting team's sign on the door," he said.
FAVORITE MEMORY
"By far my favorite memory was in December of 2010 when we were in the Sweet 16 and facing the No. 1 overall seeded Florida Gators in Austin, Texas. The team went down there and absolutely took the No. 1 team in the country to the woodshed that night. We won 3-0. Everyone had a great night and we almost pulled off the upset the next night again against No. 6 Texas on their home court. That was a special year and season."
- Marty Quinn
MORNING ROUTINE
In addition to running equipment for volleyball, Quinn works with the wrestling, swimming & diving and golf programs. In the morning when it comes time to get the volleyball team's laundry, he stops by Belin Court while the team is training. There you can find Quinn chatting with Assistant Coach John Shondell about the Reds or Colts, catching up with the players, or shagging balls, too. "This is where I get to know them better as a person and they learn about me," said Quinn. "This, along with being able to travel with them when I can, is what I really like doing. Being able to be involved as much as I can in different ways makes it fun."
“Marty Quinn has been a staple in our program since the day our staff arrived in 2003. Marty will do anything for our program and for the girls who have worn the black and gold. Players and former players love Marty because he cares so much about people and the way he feels towards Purdue volleyball.” - Assistant Coach John Shondell
"The volleyball team always seems to have ladies that are respectful, helpful, smart and just good hearted people. This goes back to how their parents have raised them. The parents should be proud because their kids - the players - make Purdue a special place to be. In my point of view, the Purdue volleyball family and Big Ten conference are unmatched." - Marty Quinn
"Like I say at the end of everything ... BOILER UP!"
- Marty Quinn
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