The role of coaches is just as crucial as the players at the 2018 USA Volleyball High Performance Championships. Throughout the 10-day event in Tulsa, these coaches are not only evaluated but also provided with opportunities for development and growth. With 60 dedicated coaches working within the USAV High Performance program, it’s important to understand who they are and how they contribute to the success of USA teams.
At this level, coaches have been actively involved in HP tryouts for years. They have gone through multiple programs and, if deemed suitable to represent USA, they are brought in. To ensure a seamless transition and foster growth, newer coaches are paired with more experienced staff. This allows new individuals to join the program and develop as coaches alongside their peers.
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Heath Hoke, the USAV Director of High Performance, emphasized the importance of constantly raising the bar and having a steady flow of coaches ready for the youth and junior national teams, college national teams, and ultimately the senior national team. This continuous development is not limited to the coaching staff alone; mentors are also available to support all coaches in their journey.
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The mentor program, now in its third year, brings in senior and respected coaches of the game to work directly with the coaches. In this safe and open environment, coaches are encouraged to take risks and try new approaches without the fear of jeopardizing their team’s success. This unique opportunity for mentorship and guidance sets the USAV High Performance program apart from regular seasons in club, college, and high school, where the pressure to achieve immediate results can hinder experimentation and growth.
Some notable mentor coaches involved in the program include Ken Shibuya, associate head coach for Stanford University’s men’s program; Cecile Reynaud, former long-time head coach at Florida State University; and Aldis Berzins, 1984 U.S. Olympic gold medalist and 1996 U.S. Olympic women’s assistant coach.
By having mentors actively involved in the coaching process, the USA and region teams boast exceptional coaching staffs. Imagine being a young player in Tulsa, receiving direction from an Olympic superstar. The presence of coaches like Jeff Nygaard, a three-time U.S. Olympian, and Danielle Scott-Arruda, a five-time Olympian, adds an unparalleled level of inspiration and expertise to the event.
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Aspiring coaches can find inspiration in the stories of those who have successfully climbed the coaching ladder within the High Performance program. For instance, John Speraw, now the head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team, started as an assistant coach at the youth and junior levels in High Performance. Erin Virtue’s journey also embodies the Path to the Podium for coaches. She worked her way up from tryouts to becoming an assistant coach in the program, and eventually landed a role as an assistant coach for the Women’s National Team.
Erin Virtue spent 11 seasons coaching in the High Performance program, mentoring athletes across different age groups, from U16 to U20. She even served as the head coach of the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team, leading them to a silver medal at the 2016 NORCECA U18 Continental Championship. Her dedication and passion for coaching volleyball led her to join Karch Kiraly’s staff and become an associate head coach at Northwestern University.
Reflecting on her journey, Virtue recalls the pride she felt when she first put on a USA jersey as a player. It was a defining moment that fueled her desire to coach the game she loves and represent her country through USA Volleyball. Working with talented athletes in the USAV High Performance Pipeline has been an absolute honor for her, and she remains grateful for the opportunities she has been given.
In conclusion, the coaches in the USAV High Performance program play a vital role in the success and development of USA teams. With a focus on evaluation, growth, and mentorship, these coaches embody excellence and are instrumental in shaping the future of volleyball in the country.
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