| One of my favorite memories growing up
as a child was making trips with
my family to my sister’s volleyball
tournaments on the weekends. Those
memories are filled with being
a part of an exciting atmosphere,
sitting in the stands and watching
the action-packed games. Along
with watching my sister play,
I recall two other players by
the names of Christy and Liz,
who stood out to me because of
their athletic talent on the court.
Over the four years of my sister’s
high school career, I followed
their volleyball careers as well
because Christy was my sister’s
teammate, and Liz was a player
from a rival school.
Several years later, I started
high school sports, and during
the off-season, joined a club
volleyball team. When I met my
coaches, I was surprised to find
out that it was Christy and Liz.
They were coming off of seasoned
volleyball careers on the collegiate
level. I was eager at the opportunity
to play under the direction of
two favorite athletic role models.
When I think of that one particular
season with my two coaches, I
recognize it as the best season
that I have ever experienced.
Likewise, I can distinguish Christy
and Liz as the best coaches whom
I have ever associated with. As
far as my physical abilities and
coaching guidance are concerned,
I had the best physical and mental
growth with volleyball under their
coaching.
As effective coaches, Christy
and Liz have demonstrated ideal
qualities that have made a positive
contribution to their coaching
abilities.
Leaders as athletes: During their
playing careers, Christy and Liz
were both the go-to players on
the court, the MVPs of their team,
and arguably the most exciting
players to watch. Their leadership
attributes were demonstrated by
making amazing plays and scoring
many points for their team. Christy
and Liz were not just any former
athletes; they were the elitist
among their teammates. Their leadership
as players transitioned easily
into their new roles as coaches.
As coaches, they would expect
the same standards that they were
up against when they were players.
Those high standards elevated
us to challenging, but very attainable
goals.
Player experience: There are many
pros of being a former athlete
turned coach. First of all, Christy
and Liz could empathize with us
because they also had played on
the court. They knew of the competition
and conditioning needed to excel
in volleyball. They knew firsthand
how hard it was to balance sports,
schooling, and other activities
at the same time. They knew what
to look for in their players’
potential. I remember feeling
more confident when my coaches
gave me one-on-one advice about
what I needed to work on to become
a better player. I appreciated
their mentoring because I knew
it was backed by their own experiences
on and off the volleyball court.
Enthusiastic and energized: I
have come across many athletic
peers, and the ones who have succeeded
are those who have played for
the love of the game. Athletes
can perform at various levels
of talent, but if their heart
is not 100% into the game, they
will most likely not continue
playing much longer. My coaches
had incredible talent as players,
but it was not without their enthusiasm
and giving their all on the volleyball
court, that improved their performance.
Their positive energy excited
us as players and it impacted
the way we were playing. At practices,
Christy and Liz actually played
against us, giving us much competition
and hands-on coaching. Their animation
on the sidelines and constant
feedback and advice was very motivating.
I credit Christy and Liz for being
the best coaches to me during
my playing days in high school.
What sets them different than
any other coach whom I have had
was that I had the opportunity
to see them as players years before
they were coaches. They obtained
leadership coaching through their
many stages of playing volleyball
and brought that to their coaching
game.
Stephanie Tuia is a Client Account
Specialist with 10x Marketing.
To learn more about Leadership
Coaching and CMOE’s experience
with organizations around the
world please visit CMOE or contact
one of our Regional Managers at
(801) 569-3444.
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