During the season, I don’t spend a lot of time here with my introspective, general blogging. I do, however, blog about each match and tournament in a separate location. CLICK HERE for the direct link. Otherwise, you can find it on the Grantsburg Volleyball Website under “2011 Photos, Recaps, and Stats” page on the left.
When you’re part of a highly scrutinized program–even with mostly positive buzz–it is VERY important to stay focused, humble, confident, and team-oriented.
RANKINGS
I highly recommend IGNORING state rankings, whether Grantsburg is listed or not. Remember that these are the compiled opinions of other coaches, mostly based on superficial data.
Do I think the Grantsburg girls are a strong team worthy of recognition and honor? Sure. However, it is best for us to tune out the noise and keep our attention on the team, our goals, and our individual matches…one. point. at. a. time.
Rankings mean nothing until the last point of the season has been scored.
MEDIA
I appreciate the media. Local reporters are positive, attentive, and supportive. The fine staffs at the Sentinel and Leader, as well as Bob Rombach of “We Are Grantsburg” work hard to bring great coverage to our athletes. Many of these folks are real life friends and classmates, fellow GHS alumni, and just flat-out great people.
There will also be media coverage from various outlets around the state that do a nice job. It can be fun to see what others have to say about our little ‘burg. MaxPreps and Wisconsin Sports Network are two more well-known sources. Reporter Jay Messar of Wissports is the son of a man I greatly respect: Marty Messar, longtime girls basketball coach at Luck. Marty coached there even when I played hoops at Grantsburg, so we go way back.
No matter how skilled and professional members of the media are, it is always possible that a quote will be misunderstood or shared out of context. Writers will often interject personal opinions. There is always the potential for inaccurate information to get published, or a typographical error to occur.
Be sure to read ALL news and information about Grantsburg volleyball (or any subject, for that matter) with the understanding that it may or may not be 100% true. In other words, don’t believe everything you read.
After each match, I write a summary and share stats. Even this is obviously subject to my own perspective. I might miss a fact, type the wrong number, or share an opinion that ruffles someone’s feathers. I invite all members of the media to use anything I post publicly. So if you ever read a “quote” of mine somewhere that “makes you go hmmmmmmm…” be sure to check the original source, which is found on the Grantsburg volleyball website under “2011 Photos, Recaps, Stats.”
My goal is to be gracious and accommodating to the media, speak only positively about our opponents, and spread the credit around among our team members. This is not about me.
SMACK TALK
A little good-natured smack talk often goes hand in hand with any sports team. I respectfully request that my players NOT engage in this kind of activity, however innocently intended.
We are placing a STRONG emphasis on sportsmanship, including not getting sucked into the hype of “big matches” and other teams’ methods of motivation to prepare for competition against US. We know we have a target on our backs. We know other teams get fired up and play BETTER when they compete against us. That isn’t said with even a trace of arrogance. It is simply a fact due to our past reputation.
We have a job to do. We intend to do our job well, with flair, and with a fun spirit of togetherness.
We FEAR no one. We RESPECT everyone. We BELIEVE in each other.
Sometimes the “smack talk” comes from supposed supporters. The fan who says, “Well, you guys won, but…” Or the innocent comments after a flat performance: “THAT sure didn’t look like GRANTSBURG VOLLEYBALL…” Not to mention the inevitable comparisons to past teams or coaches.
We are here to make our OWN mark. We will work to block and minimize distractions and maintain focus, humility, confidence, sportsmanship, solid effort, strong work ethic, determination, and heart.
We are off on our OWN adventure, following the “yellow brick road.” ;o)
I want to share word about NUTRITION.
Although high school athletes are at the age where personal responsibility increases, I’d like to ask parents to please encourage their daughters to eat a good breakfast and lunch each day, and possibly even pack a pre-practice or pre-game snack.
Good choices are whole grains, nuts & seeds, real cheese, fresh fruits & veggies, granola bars, etc. There are many good resources online about pre-competition nutrition and food choices. I always suggest a little fat, a little fiber, a little protein about 3-4 hours before playing. Eating too light means it is digested too quickly. Fiber and small amounts of (good) fat slow digestion so you aren’t feeling famished too soon. Too much fresh produce can cause upset stomach. Balance is key.
Because athletes sweat, fluid replacement is also essential. Water is an ideal beverage choice, or milk or 100% fruit/veggie juices…not artificially colored & flavored &
sugared “sports drinks” or “fruit punch” or “juice cocktail.” Read labels. =)
Sugary treats are the least desirable choices. They tend to cause spikes and crashes with energy levels, and offer little nutritional value.
Now that school is back in session, long days followed by volleyball practice can leave athletes without sufficient energy and fuel to focus and perform well. Dizziness, light-headedness, headaches, and fatigue have already been evident among several players at practices and games.
I always encourage young female athletes to look at food as fuel for their bodies. I talk about good nutrition, good food choices, and healthy body images, etc. (Sorry if varsity athletes now consider white bread & pasta to be poison. Oops.)
I want to convey the message that it is more important that we are strong and healthy and to value our bodies for what they can do rather than the “number” or “size” on a clothing label or scale.
Skipping meals actually sends the body into starvation mode so that metabolism slows down to burn energy more efficiently. It is not an effective weight-management tool. We need to eat to perform well.
Be healthy. Make good choices. Get proper rest. Pay attention to adequate fluid intake. Eat nourishing meals and snacks. Be strong. Fuel your machines for optimum performance!
Many coaches refuse to discuss playing time. I am not opposed to an occasional inquiry under the right circumstances.
{ALL CAPS words and phrases are for emphasis. I am not shouting.}
First, let me just make a few things PERFECTLY CLEAR.
These things will determine who plays:
I will put what I BELIEVE is the best combination of players on the court.
These things will NOT determine who plays:
I do not keep score of who did what during the off-season…whether you played club, lifted weights, attended open gyms, did the solospike workouts, went to camps, etc. NONE of these things will have any bearing on my decision to assign players to a certain team, a certain position ON a team, or a certain amount of playing time. Might they have something to do with YOUR personal level of skill and ability? YES! That is why they are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for personal improvement and fulfillment of potential.
High school athletics does not adhere to the same middle school philosophy where everybody plays equally if she puts in the same amount of practice time. C squad and JV usually have fairly regular starting line-ups, and most players will play in most games, but not necessarily equally.
Varsity will have a consistent starting line-up, but nothing is set in stone. Some varsity players will get little varsity game time, but might be given the option to contribute on JV. All varsity players will be important contributors because we do a lot of 6 on 6 work during practice and need quality competition.
For everyone, improvements can be made which cause some to move up a level or play more. Disappointing performances and attitudes occasionally arise, causing some to move down a level or play less.
The coaching staff makes constant decisions, evaluations, and changes based on player talent, skill, effort, success, consistency, attitude, attendance, team chemistry, and position needs. There are always GREAT kids with GREAT attitudes and LOWER skill levels to whom we would love to give court time; however, there is an expectation of winning at the varsity level. There is more wiggle room with playing time at the younger levels.
I care about my players. My goal is to teach, inspire, encourage, and win. I will work hard to help everyone have a good experience and improve skills whether they are “starters” or “regulars” or “practice players.” When I feel comfortable with a lead, I may give others the opportunity to contribute or prove themselves.
This year might have the largest number of players in the entire history of Grantsburg volleyball. This poses additional challenges.
I have coached volleyball 21 years, 15 at GHS. My husband has coached GHS baseball 19 years, with 14 seasons as head coach. Between the two of us, we have seen it all. There are always parents who cannot accurately and objectively assess their child’s athletic ability, OR who simply have different opinions about how things should be done. Most parents have been very supportive and respectful, appropriately addressing concerns when they arise. A tiny handful of baseball and volleyball parents have been rude and ridiculous. This is frustrating.
Unless parents attend every practice to see who actually shows up, works hard, and gets the job done, they really have little to say about who should play. Even if parents have coached some of these kids in the past, it is entirely possible that the coaching staff sees things from another perspective, or that situations have changed, or that some players perform differently for other coaches and with other players.
We live at a time when kids grow up believing the sun rises and sets on them. We have worked so hard to develop good self-esteem in our children, that we occasionally create situations where parents and players have unrealistic expectations. The reality is that everyone is NOT the same. Everyone is NOT the best. There is a wide variety of God-given gifts, work ethics, mental toughness, attitudes, and personalities.
I know how it feels as a parent to hurt for my kids when things don’t go their way, or when I believe there is an unfair evaluation. When people can accept their roles, enjoy being part of something bigger than themselves, and make positive contributions REGARDLESS of the amount of playing time, then there is more potential for good experiences and valuable life lessons.
We coaches can handle people questioning us; we’ll never get everyone to agree about the best possible way to do things. Not all coaches have the same philosophy, and we will always make mistakes–even as we try to do what we believe is best for the TEAM.
It is human nature for players and parents to grumble about playing time or other issues, and it is perfectly acceptable for them to want to discuss problems.
The respectful way to deal with concerns is to address them directly with the coaching staff. Griping, gossiping, and group speculation cause hard feelings, tend to MAGNIFY a negative situation, and don’t get to the root of the issue–which might have a perfectly understandable explanation.
Point of emphasis: anonymous letters of complaint are unkind, unfortunate, and unacceptable. They will be disregarded. Authentic, respectful relationships come through conflict resolution rather than secret stone-throwing. I am approachable and reasonable. I do not hold grudges and NEVER let a parent’s issues interfere with my coach/player relationships.
Here are some guidelines:
1. Model polite and respectful behavior for your daughter and other fans. Do not make “loud enough to hear” negative remarks about the coaches during matches. I usually have ear plugs in and won’t notice anyway.
2. Choose an appropriate time. Stopping by after practice, setting up an appointment, making a phone call, or sending a matter-of-fact email are acceptable. Before hitting “send” on an angry email, take time to cool off, choose your words carefully, and tone it down a bit. Do not approach coaches during, in between, or immediately after matches when emotions tend to run high.
3. When you ask a coach a question like, “What does my daughter need to work on to contribute more?” it is received MUCH better than demanding, “WHY DOESN’T LITTLE SUZY EVER GET TO PLAY?” It is always best to take an inquiring approach rather than a confrontational one. It is troubling and insulting when people question our morals or motives, so keep it specifically related to observations rather than assumptions.
It is my GOAL, early in the season, to have individual meetings with each varsity player to discuss my vision of her role on the team, suggest areas that need improvement, and point out strengths. I will share the information with parents. I will never make promises about future playing time because there are too many uncontrollable variables in athletics, including eligibility issues, injuries, improvements by OTHER players, and changing needs based on the type of competition we face, etc. I am also willing to talk to younger players to explain why they landed at a certain level, if they wish.
I expect a season without drama and distraction. I expect excellent leadership from our captains and returning players, and excellent behavior from every athlete. I expect courteous and respectful communication from players and parents, and you can expect the same from me and my coaching staff. (And an apology if I mess up!)
I highly recommend this YouTube video that Steve Johnson posted on the girls softball website. It’s called “My Coach Sucks.”
Click this link to see it.
Peace.
Sabbatical.
A year off from coaching Grantsburg volleyball. After twenty-nine years of leading teams to victory, stepping back is certainly warranted and understandable. The 2010 American Volleyball Coaches Association National High School Coach of the Year is taking a break to pursue some professional goals and support his youngest daughter as she takes flight in her college volleyball experience.
Shoes.
I won’t be filling Bill Morrin’s shoes. It is an impossible task. Those shoes are to be dipped in gold and placed on a shelf. Not in any ridiculous false worship sort of way. Simply in a way that honors excellence gratefully, respectfully.
My husband already knows how it feels to be thrust into the role vacated by a giant when long-time successful head baseball coach Dick Peper unexpectedly passed away mid-season in 1998. One of my greatest challenges lies ahead.
Seeds.
They have been sown: skills, eagerness, experience, intensity, competitiveness. It is said that success breeds success. Today’s young girls have grown up watching success, dreaming of success, preparing for success. We have a vital youth volleyball program with capable coaches helping to lead the way on the path to continued . . .
SUCCESS!
Grantsburg volleyball has a long history of victory. Even before Bill Morrin’s tenure, the Pirates were growing accustomed to winning ways. Conference champs in 1982 under coach Ramon Anderson. Conference runners-up in 1985 and 1986 under coach Bill Hicks (finishing second to Bill Morrin’s Webster Tigers). Coach Morrin arrived in the fall of 1987 and began building for the future in a program that had graduated some outstanding athletes from the two prior seasons.
By 1989, Bill had put Grantsburg on the state volleyball map with its first trip to the big show and a state runner-up trophy to start filling the case at GHS. The string of 22 consecutive conference championships began. The thriving club volleyball program was implemented in 1993.
In his 24 years at Grantsburg’s helm, Bill coached six All-State players, captured the regional title 19 times, took teams to state eleven times, finished state runner-up five times, won the state championship twice, and ended one season completely undefeated.
Sentiments.
Shock. Disappointment. Curiosity. Fear. Uncertainty. Sadness. Regret. I have to contend with the aftermath of players and parents grieving a missed opportunity to work with a legend–if even for one year.
Support.
People are good to me, encouraging and optimistic. I am humble and grateful. Still, I understand that some of those who are supportive of me moving into this role are thinking in terms of “JV Coach Deb.”
JV Coach Deb worked to get everyone court time during matches. JV Coach Deb clapped and cheered, offering praise, positive feedback, and consolation after criticism. JV Coach Deb didn’t have to take the heat for tough decisions. I understand that others’ perceptions of me will change and, sadly, some hopes will be dashed as players and parents realize that things become much more intense at the next level. There is an added element of anxiety when coaching your kids’ friends and your friends’ kids.
Strength.
I need thicker skin. It is a challenge to stand strong in the face of criticism and comparison. It bothers me to disappoint players eager to earn a certain spot. It is painful to be the subject of negative discussions. I strive to live at peace with everyone, even with those who disagree or dislike. I work through conflict. I don’t ignore problems. I will set my face like flint. I will cling more fervently to my faith. I will remain approachable, courteous, and enthusiastic.
Seasons.
I have coached volleyball teams every fall since 1990, the first year after my successful college playing career ended. I have 20 years of experience–15 under the guidance of my mentor here at GHS. However, Bill’s 29 years were not simply 29 teams (one every fall) compared to my 20 teams and assorted camps. Bill coached a minimum of two seasons in every calendar year, in addition to running scores of summer camps around the state over the years. You could almost say he has at least three times as much experience as I do rather than simply nine more years.
I fully intended to be a head varsity coach shortly after college graduation. That wasn’t to be when marriage to my childhood sweetheart was a package deal that included living in our hometown–where a volleyball dynasty was already well established.
There are seasons in life. Our timetable doesn’t always align with the bigger plan. Embarking on this journey now gives me a different perspective as a 40-something than it would have as a 20-something.
System.
There is a lot to learn. It has never been a one-man show. I need to delegate to capable people as Bill has done over the years. I know how to communicate. I know the routine. I know the formula. I know the players and families. I know the game. I know the tradition.
Here’s the deal. Some things will remain the same. Some things will change. Some things will not be as good. Some things will be better.
I know this is Bill Morrin’s program, and that I have the honor of taking the wheel for a time. My goal isn’t to “not mess it up.” My goal is to stay the course. Anyone who has played for Grantsburg knows about “playing to win” vs. “playing to not lose.”
The difference in words is subtle. The difference in attitude is substantial.
We’re going to play to WIN.
1.18.11
