2. Summary
Background:
• In an effort to stay connected with my
own daughter, I decided to get involved
with the City Volleyball program.
• I teamed up with a skilled coach who
was hesitant at first to take on the team
since he had obligations coaching a
Club team. I assured him if he could
provide the skills, I would do all the
other tasks to ensure a successful
season.
• In the first few weeks we faced multiple
challenges on the team with players
shuffling between teams causing
disruption and confusion.
• For several weeks there was no bonding
or communication between the players
and as a result the team lost their first
two games.
Team Facts:
– 50% of the team had either never
played VB before or played only one
season.
– 45% of the team had played at least 3
seasons and had experienced winning
the Division Championships.
– This Team lost half of their games
during the season.
– Rumors indicated that this Team was
not expected to do well in the season
or tournament by other coaches.
3. The Formula: When you get lemons…How do you make
lemonade?
1. By consistently practicing twice a week-three times a week
prior to the tournament
2. Having a “never give up” and play with your “heart and soul”
mentality for every game.
3. Organizing various social events early in the season so
the players would get to know each other and bonding
would begin to take place:
– Picnic in the park, Beach outings, meeting up at Starbucks
4. The Formula
3. Begin early in the season to motivate:
– Created Affirmation cards, laminated them and handed them out.
Discussed how if they reviewed the affirmations at least once a day
it would have a positive impact on their season’s performance.
My Affirmations
1. I am a Warrior and a Champion
2. I like to improve my VB Skills
3. I like to encourage and support my teammates
4. I am thankful for my teammates
5. I always do my best
6. I like to keep my body healthy and fit
7. I am strong and talented
8. I am energetic and positive
9. I love and appreciate myself
10. I am grateful every day for what I have
4. Discussed the 80/20 Rule regularly with the players-
80% is attitude and 20% is skill. Made sure their minds
were in the right place-to help them gain more confidence.
5. Implementing the Formula
• Set an example by first showing commitment level from
the coaches. If you want the team to be ALL IN the
coaching staff needs to be ALL IN.
• Set the bar high by encouraging the team to attend the
Scrimmage for Team USAVcup at a local high school
50% of the team attended. Watching Team USA play
encouraged many of the players and made a difference
in their performance.
• Some even met Coach Krach.
6. Implementing the Formula
• Consistently sent weekly motivational text messages and
email messages to parents so they can encourage the
players.
• Communicated 2-3 times a week of updates, practices
and game times.
• Provided athletic drinks and snacks to keep players
hydrated during tournament games-this was addition to
the snacks they receive after the games. This was a
favorite item as the players looked forward to these
treats.
• Some players stayed connected by using Social
Media…Instagram, email etc.
7. Monitored Results
• Tracked Attendance for practices and games
– Direct correlation between missing practices and how well the
players preformed in the game
Jersey Number
Player Name
29-May 30-May 2-Jun 3-Jun 5-Jun 6-Jun 10-Jun 11-Jun 12-Jun 13-Junbanquet
3 x x x x x x x x x
10 x x x x x x x x
8 x x x x x x x x x
4 x x x x x x x x x x x
7 x x x x x x x x x x x
2 x x x
1 x x x x x x x x x
11 x x x x x x x x x
9 x x x x x x x
6 x x x x x x x
5 x x x x x x x x
8. Keeping it Fresh and current
• The semi final game in the tournament
was at 8:30 against an undefeated team
• Knowing the team and their sleeping
habits, we decided to have a Tail-Gate
Party the morning of the semi-finals
• Team met at 6:30 for a light breakfast,
some music and conversation
• This strategy worked as the players were
less nervous already warmed up and
ready to go. They won the semi-finals
• Final Results placed 2nd out of 14 teams
• The season ended with an Awards event
with Pizza and Laser Tag
• The team also received the
Sportsmanship Award
9. Final Comments
• This was the first time I had actually participated in the Volleyball program as an
Assistant Coach. So glad I did. It was so heart warming to work with these
young girls and see their skills get better as the season progressed.
• It was a proud moment to see them pull together at the end and play with their
“heart and soul”.
• My hope is that the time spent with these girls and the life lessons shared with
them can help them along in their journey.
