WARREN, OH- In the latest episode of YSN’s “Coach’s Corner,” we sat down with Sam Young, the remarkable head coach of the Warren JFK volleyball program. Now in his seventh year, Young’s journey from a novice to a celebrated coach is both inspiring and testament to perseverance and unwavering dedication.

Young reminisced about his unexpected foray into coaching, stating, “When I started here in 2018, I just wanted to help. I had no idea about volleyball at all.” His willingness to step up when the team had no stable leadership couldn’t be understated. Facing the challenge of potentially shutting down the program, Young accepted the head coach position despite his initial lack of experience.

Over the years, his commitment paid off. “Those first couple years were rough,” Young admitted, referencing the lack of equipment, players, and stability. Fast forward to today, the team has seen a significant turnaround. With 27 players coming out this summer, the program’s growth is evident, reflecting increased interest and stronger commitment among the athletes.

Sam’s coaching philosophy emphasizes persistence and the incremental improvement of both skills and team camaraderie. “For me, it’s always about taking it one day at a time,” Young shared, underlining the importance of continuous improvement and learning from past mistakes.

Highlighting influential players, Young gave special mention to senior captains Anaiah Johnson and Danielle Wickham. Their perseverance through tough times has been crucial. Additionally, players like Hannah Meyer and Riley Gillespie are setting new records and elevating team performance, demonstrating the high standards now synonymous with JFK volleyball.

Young also spoke candidly about balancing coaching with family life. With two young children, the dynamics of his responsibilities have evolved, adding layers of logistical challenges. However, his dedication to the sport and his family remains unwavering. “For me, it’s just the idea of, hey, it is what it is. So, there’s, you know, just go do it,” he noted.

The Warren JFK volleyball program has come a long way under Young’s stewardship. With promising young talent on the rise and an instilled culture of hard work and dedication, the future looks bright. Young’s journey from a novice coach to a revered mentor showcases the transformative power of commitment and passion in nurturing successful sports programs.

PRESENTED BY