Volleyball tryouts Archives - Your Sports Network

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.

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MINERAL RIDGE, OH- Mineral Ridge’s volleyball coach, Heather Ault, has been making headlines as she leads the 7th and 8th grade volleyball teams to consecutive championships. Ault, who has been coaching this group for five years, credits her lifelong passion for volleyball and her strong connection with the girls for their success.

Ault’s coaching prowess is evident in the team’s exceptional performance, having won back-to-back championships and going undefeated in their league for two years. A proud moment for Ault and her team was when they secured a league victory for the fourth time during her coaching tenure.

The success of the Mineral Ridge volleyball team is a testament to the strong foundation laid by Ault. Her dedication to the sport and the close relationship she has with her players is evident as she mentions how players have wanted to come and play for her from a young age. Ault’s involvement with the girls even extends to her role as a fifth-grade teacher, where she uses her influence to foster enthusiasm for volleyball among her students.

Looking ahead, Ault is confident in the future of Mineral Ridge’s volleyball program, with a strong batch of freshmen and underclassmen ready to carry the torch. When asked about the possibility of coaching at the varsity level, Ault remains evasive, hinting that she’s not ruling out the idea as she focuses on her own children for now.

Ault’s impact as a coach and mentor goes beyond just her players; she’s a respected figure in the community. Andy Hake, who conducted the interview with Ault, acknowledges her exceptional coaching and teaching abilities, indicating the deep respect she has earned within and beyond the volleyball community.

With Ault at the helm, Mineral Ridge’s volleyball program is gearing up for a promising future, driven by passion, dedication, and a love for the game.

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