Bryce Teachout’s Record Breaking Journey Built on Faith and Defense
Story By Kenneth Perez
Bryce Teachout is a hard person to miss on campus. Whether it's his 6'8 stature or his incredible sense of humor, chances are that if you've spent time around Pacific Union College, you've come across the Pioneers' middle blocker. And if you play volleyball in the CAL-PAC, there's a good chance you've run into him at the net too.
The Pioneers' #23 has built a reputation as one of the conference's most dominant defensive forces. Teachout finished the season ranked second in the CAL-PAC in blocks per set and third in total blocks. But at PUC, he now stands alone. With another huge season at the net, Teachout officially became Pacific Union College's all time leader in blocks since the program joined the NAIA.
For Teachout, the accomplishment is something he never expected.
"Becoming PUC's all time blocks leader means genuinely so much to me," Teachout said. "This is huge, and a very big deal to me. It is something I never thought I would have accomplished. I'm definitely astonished with this accomplishment and I can just tell myself that it will just go up from here."
Surprisingly, Teachout said he was not tracking the record during the season. His focus remained on doing his job as the Pioneers' first line of defense.
"I honestly didn't even know I was close to breaking this record or know what the previous record was," Teachout explained. "When playing in games it's something I try not to focus on. I just do my best being the first line of defense on the court. I try my best to not let any balls pass over the net without getting through me first."
That defensive mentality has become part of Teachout's identity as a player. While many middles become known for explosive offense, Teachout takes pride in controlling the net and shutting opponents down.
"I've always found myself more of a defensive middle instead of an offensive middle," he said. "Being a big block and wall on the court is something I have worked on since I started playing this amazing sport."
Teachout approaches every block attempt with purpose and aggression.
"I always tell myself when I'm playing to go up and block each time with intention," Teachout said. "I'm not just putting up my hands over the net just for show. I'm putting them up to stuff the ball straight down to the ground and end the point, because I do not want that ball to pass me."
That intensity only increases when facing elite hitters across the net.
"When I see we are playing against hard hitters who are good, it makes things even more accomplishing," Teachout said. "I tell myself, 'the harder the hitter, the harder they will get roofed from my block.'"
For Teachout, few things in volleyball compare to the feeling of a momentum changing block.
"Getting a huge block to me is more fulfilling than getting a crazy bounce ball," he said. "It definitely shifts momentum shutting down the other team and not letting their hit pass."
His journey to becoming the program's all time leader was not easy. During his sophomore season, Teachout suffered injuries to both ankles, forcing him into a long recovery process that kept him away from the game for months.
"I broke both my ankles during my sophomore year and recovering was a huge deal," Teachout shared. "It took me 7-8 months to be back on the volleyball court, so getting back into my groove took a lot of discipline. I couldn't have done this without God."
Teachout credited his growth not only to physical recovery, but to improving his aggressiveness, conditioning, and defensive instincts at the net.
One of his favorite memories from this season came in the Pioneers' opening win against Walla Walla, where he recorded 10 blocks in a single match, the highest total of his season.
While the record now belongs to him, Teachout says he is far from finished.
"Yes I do have another year, or two," Teachout said with a smile. "Moving forward I want to make this blocking record and lead of mine not only program history but also record forever."
Beyond the numbers, Teachout consistently pointed back to his teammates, coaches, and faith as the foundation behind his success.
"I am forever thankful and grateful for all of them," Teachout said. "They have all shaped me into the player I am today. I play in honor for those who aren't here at PUC no more. Their time may be done here, but I carry their torches and fire they all have passed down to me."
Faith has played an enormous role throughout Teachout's journey at PUC, both on and off the court.
"Jesus has saved my life many times and has been there when I've needed Him most," Teachout said. "My faith has definitely increased throughout the years I have been here on and off the court. Praying with my teammates and coaches has been something I always have loved and felt a connection with everyone."
Teachout explained that his faith is something that stays with him every time he steps onto the court.
"When I play I do it for Him," Teachout said. "I play in the honor and glory for Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. I try to do the best I can to put God first."
He also credited Pacific Union College's Seventh-day Adventist environment for helping him continue to grow spiritually during his time as a Pioneer.
"Playing at a school that is Seventh-day Adventist has been such a blessing that I am so beyond grateful for," Teachout said. "God placed me here and helped me make an impact on others around me while sharing my faith and spiritual journey with others."
One Bible verse that continues to guide Teachout both in life and in competition is Joshua 1:9:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Teachout said the verse constantly reminds him that he is never alone regardless of the moment or pressure in front of him.
"Just as David was not afraid of Goliath or focused on how big he was, he was focused on how big his God is," Teachout said. "That's something I remind myself when I am at the net. It doesn't matter who I am facing, nor how big or strong a player may be. I am focused on how big my God is, knowing He can get me through anything."
Teachout also shared some of the prayers he says before and during matches, asking God not only for strength and focus, but for safety, leadership, and the ability to reflect Christ through competition.
"Lord please remind me that you are with me, and that I have nothing to fear," Teachout prayed. "Help take away my anxiety, my pain, and any emotion that is getting in the way of me focusing on this moment."
His prayers go beyond personal success. Teachout says he also prays for the safety of everyone on the court, for fair competition, and for the opportunity to uplift his teammates no matter the result.
"Regardless of if we win or lose, I pray that you help me uplift my teammates and lead by example," Teachout said. "That people see Christ in me, that I bear fruits of the Holy Spirit while playing."
Teachout says his faith also shapes how he handles competition and everyday interactions off the court.
"On the court, or in a game, it's easy to get frustrated," Teachout explained. "But I try to remember what it says in Colossians 3:23, 'Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.' So even when I'm competing, I'm trying to do my best for God, not just for myself or to win."
That mindset extends far beyond volleyball.
"Off the court, it's about how I treat people, how I talk, how I act," Teachout said. "Am I showing love and kindness, even to people who might not be so kind to me? It's not always easy, but that's the goal."
Another verse that continues to motivate him is 1 Corinthians 10:31:
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
For Teachout, that verse serves as a reminder that every action, no matter how small, can reflect something bigger than himself.
As his record continues to grow, Teachout hopes people remember more than just the blocks.
"I truly hope people remember me by the way I not only carried myself but the way I uplifted my team and encouraged everyone," Teachout said. "Volleyball is a mentally challenging sport. Winning or losing, we must pick each other up and stay positive."
For Bryce Teachout, the record may place his name in PUC history, but his impact on the program continues to stretch far beyond the stat sheet.