How many years have you coached?

I started coaching in 1987 at Tabb High School and have coached off and on since then. That’s almost 35 years! I have coached at three different high schools as well as for the youth recreation program in  Williamsburg.

When did you start coaching for WVC?

Last year was my first year with WVC. I was an assistant coach for the 14 Patriot team. This year I am the head coach of the 14 American team.

Have you yourself played volleyball?  If so, where?

Yes, I began playing on a club team in college. Since then, I have played in the Williamsburg adult recreation leagues and on travel teams. I currently play on a co-ed team and a women’s team. I have played 6’s, and 4’s indoors and 4’s and doubles in the sand.

What is your coaching philosophy?

My coaching goals are to develop skills, attitudes, knowledge and self-awareness in my players that transcend the court into life. I want my players to take with them lessons that will help them be good people. I value hard work, learning, growing, and developing. Team goals are always placed over individual goals. Treating others with dignity and respect and meeting them where they are and moving them forward is my focus. I want my players to learn the game, improve each day, and respect those around them. A little progress each day adds up to big results. Most of all I want them to have fun and learn to love volleyball. If we all focus on these areas, things like scoring and winning will come.

What is your best suggestion to improve a skill?

You get out what you put in. Be willing to listen and learn. Be willing to try different ways of doing the skill. It will be difficult at first but by giving more effort and trying harder and the results that you want will come.

What do you think makes a great player?

A great player puts forth full effort at all times. I believe that a great player is one who is open to coaching and willing try new things in order to improve. They put team goals above their personal goals. The best team players are the ones who act unselfishly and make decisions for the good of the team.