Reflecting on the 2024-25 High School Volleyball Season: Growth, Resilience, and a First Gold Medal

This year’s high school volleyball season was unforgettable, and not just for the wins. As a coach and classroom teacher, I had the privilege of watching both our varsity and JV teams grow in incredible ways. It was a season of firsts, hard work, and unexpected bonds. Despite injuries and setbacks, both teams rallied to improve, eventually bringing home gold medals from KISAC—and for me, it was my first gold here at KISJ.

​Rising Above Challenges and Celebrating Milestones

Injuries hit hard this season, from broken noses to sprained ankles. It could have been enough to shake any team, but our players rose to the occasion. They stepped up in new roles, adapted quickly, and learned to trust each other in ways they hadn’t before. Watching them dig deep and build on one another’s strengths reminded me that success isn’t about a perfect season but about the resilience we build along the way. Every match prepared us for the ultimate victory at KISAC, where both teams delivered outstanding performances to bring home gold.
Winning my first gold medal here at KISJ was a special moment, made even more meaningful by witnessing how far these players had come. It was a season filled with personal and team milestones, each one building toward that shared triumph on the court.

Coaching: A New Perspective on Connection and Growth

​Coaching volleyball, as a classroom teacher, has given me a unique insight into my students. Seeing them outside the academic environment reveals sides of their personalities I might not have seen otherwise. On the court, I got to watch their competitive spirit, resilience, and determination—qualities that don’t always show in the classroom. This experience deepened my connection with them and gave me a greater appreciation for the strengths they bring to school each day. Coaching these athletes has shown me how powerful a different setting can be for understanding and guiding students.

A Season of Skill Development and Connection

​Both JV and varsity worked hard to grow their skills, with JV focusing on foundational techniques and varsity building advanced tactics and court awareness. This development wasn’t easy, and it didn’t happen overnight, but each player pushed themselves to learn and improve. Practices became spaces of dedication, with everyone contributing to the team’s progress, learning new plays, and perfecting their game. Their work paid off when it mattered most, with both teams finding their rhythm and delivering impressive performances to earn those KISAC golds.

More Than Teammates: Building a Sisterhood

More Than Teammates: Building a SisterhoodBeyond medals and trophies, what I’ll remember most is the sisterhood these teams built. Supporting one another through the challenges of the season, they became more than teammates—they became family. Their bond was forged through shared struggles, long practices, and hard-fought victories. This connection, based on mutual respect and trust, will carry them far beyond the court. Watching them come together as a united team was one of the most rewarding aspects of coaching this year.
As the 2024-25 season closes, I’m filled with pride and gratitude. Coaching has given me a new window into the lives of my students, and seeing both teams grow and succeed has been an honor. Here’s to the gold, the grit, and the sisterhood they’ve built—on and off the cour