Standing seven feet tall means Cole Hartke rarely blends into a crowd. Whether he is walking through an airport, shopping for clothes or stepping onto a volleyball court, his height is often the first thing people notice.

Hartke has learned to take it all in stride, finding humour in the everyday moments that come with seeing the world from a different perspective. Some of those moments, he says, have nothing to do with volleyball.

“I’d say the biggest advantage of being seven feet tall, with nothing to do with volleyball, would be going to the grocery store and being able to reach something on the top shelf, or taking clothes from the top rack. Just the whole shopping experience,” Hartke said. “The biggest disadvantage would be flying and going on airplanes.”

Height may help Hartke stand out, but he knows it does not do all the work. Every player has areas to improve, and for someone his size, one of the biggest challenges comes closer to the floor than above the net.

“I think the skill that’s most challenging in volleyball to learn while being this tall is probably defence and being able to get low with faster action speeds to the ball,” Hartke said.

Hartke’s perspective reflects the way he approaches his own game. Even with the advantages his height provides, he knows there is always something to improve.

“On World Volleyball Day, I’d tell young athletes that if they love the game, they should continue to give it everything they’ve got,” Hartke said. “You never know what future lies ahead for you in the world of volleyball. Just keep working as hard as you can and be the best you can be.”

Height may be the first thing people notice about Hartke, but he hopes it is not the only thing they remember. Beyond the reach and the attention is a player who knows there is always room to improve and believes the love for volleyball should never be lost.

Quick Fire with Cole Hartke

Do you ever feel short around anyone?
No.

What’s the tallest thing you can reach without jumping?
Probably a basketball hoop.

Have you ever hit your head on a doorway?
Yes. A lot.

How often do people ask how tall you are?
About five times a day.

What’s the most annoying thing about being seven feet tall?
Having to duck for doorways.

What’s the best thing about being seven feet tall?
Volleyball.

Can you fit comfortably in an airplane seat?
Not even close.

What’s harder to find, shoes or clothes?
Finding clothes.

How often do people ask if you play basketball?
About three times a day.

What’s the first thing people notice about you?
My height.

If you could swap heights with a teammate for one day, who would it be?
Erik Shoji.

This World Volleyball Day on July 7, share a post using #WorldVolleyballDay on what makes you unique, whether you’re short or tall.