The most fulfilling volunteer experience I have had is coaching the St. George elementary volleyball girls for the past three years. Regardless of whether we won the Championships this year, the girls have always been winners and a success in my eyes. They are my heroes, because they are always willing to try new volleyball techniques, and never give up whenever I push them. I’ve been fortunate to watch them grow maturity and game wise. We were very close to winning last year, but lost in the playoffs. We won the championships because our team has courage and bravery beyond their years. From experience, playing in high pressure situations, is not a very fun place to be, but they pushed on through. I’m very excited for these girls, because they have a bright future ahead of them. They were so tiny when I met them for the first time, and some girls could barely serve over the net. It makes me chuckle. I’m so proud to be able to have been called coach by the girls. Thank you for enriching my life in ways I can’t even explain.
Lastly, I can’t help but think about Jan Kirk, a volleyball legend in the Puget Sound. She was my coaching mentor, I was on her coaching staff at Fife High School many many moons ago. Jan won tons of championships, I was fortunate to partake in a win of one of the many. She ran a tight program, but the most valuable thing I learned from coaching with Jan, was teaching the team how to aim high and to go beyond their expectations. A virtue that can be applied in so many avenues of our life. Good luck girls and I wish you much success in high school!
