from Texas Coach - November 2024 - Volume LXIX No. 3

Multiplicity in the DB Room: Drill Work

By Coach Kayla Allen | Vista Ridge HS

Being a part of an organization is so much more than just a membership. Obviously, you know that already, being a member of the THSCA. Professional associations give coaches resources, learning opportunities, recognition, community, and much more. So, how do you know which organizations to be a part of? Are certain organizations better than others? I think you have to lay out what you personally want to get out of joining affiliations and what matters to you most.

Personally, I am a member of THSCA and the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA). While many of the benefits are the same for both organizations, there are a few differences that I feel it is important to be a member of both organizations for personal and professional reasons.

Professional And Personal Development

Similar to coaching school, the AVCA hosts an annual convention. From Wednesday to Sunday, there are a wide range of seminars for attendees to go to. Over 120 sessions are put on for volleyball coaches to improve their craft, along with a recruiting showcase for uncommitted athletes and an exhibit hall. As a bonus, the convention is held in conjunction with the NCAA Division I National Championship. I always look forward to attending the convention not just because it is an opportunity to learn from some of the best coaches in the world, but because it is an incredible networking event for volleyball coaches. The last two years, THSCA and Baden Sports have sponsored a “Texas Get Together” at the convention. Without this social, I would have soaked up every minute of the convention and returned home without branching outside of the friends I traveled with. However, one of the best things that professional organizations provide is a community. Throughout the convention there are a plethora of opportunities to connect with college, club, and high school coaches. I look forward to growing my circle at the convention this year.

Representation And Advocacy

The AVCA represents all levels of volleyball: collegiate, professional, high school, club, and youth. Its mission is to advance the game of volleyball and to expose more people to the sport. The organization fights for changes in regards to rules, funding, Title IX, and other volleyball specific policies. It also provides insights into the latest volleyball trends and news at a national level. Both THSCA and AVCA advocate for coaches and volleyball in varying capacities.

Awards And Recognition

Being a national organization, AVCA provides the opportunity for my athletes and our program to be recognized at the national level. High School awards include AVCA All-America, AVCA Best and Brightest, AVCA All-Region Teams, and MaxPreps Players of the Week. There is also an AVCA Phenom Watch List for uncommitted athletes who are invited to participate in a College Prep Program, which is the only showcase that has over 200+ college coaches in attendance. Scholarships and polls are additional ways the AVCA recognizes athletes and programs.

In 2022, I was recognized on the AVCA Thirty Under 30 list. Though this was an honor to be recognized, receiving this award has provided exposure to my program and athletes as well. Each week, high school members receive the AVCA Weekly Assist in their inbox. The email includes a mini newsletter with important news about the organization, upcoming events and dates, as well as tips and drills from other coaches. In 2023, I was asked to include a drill used within my program for the forum as a result of being a Thirty Under 30 recipient. This was not only a personal and professional development opportunity for me, but it spotlighted my program, our athletes, and the Vista Ridge High School facilities. List past Summer, I was asked to create a presentation for the 2024 AVCA Super Clinic. Again, I got to highlight my athletes as they represented our program in drills for the video and I grew professionally as it was my first time to record a 45-minute presentation. Not to mention I had a total fangirl moment when my picture was posted on the same social media graphic as the legendary John Cook!

Being involved in THSCA and AVCA provides me with many benefits as a coach. Professional development opportunities allow me to be a role model for my athletes by having a growth mindset. Networking introduces me to college coaches which helps with straight line recruiting. Awards recognize my athletes and bring exposure to our program.

HOPE TO SEE YOU IN LOUISVILLE, THSCA VOLLEYBALL COACHES!