"We need a new diversity-not one based on biological characteristics and identity politics but a diversity of opinion and worldviews."
~Ayaan Hirsi Ali
A Coaching and Education Resource
Although I've retired from university coaching and the USA Girls U-18 team, my interest remains in the coaching and academic world. My goal is for this site to be a resource of information and thought-provoking opinions that will assist you in becoming a better teacher and coach.
Habits are automatic behaviors initiated with little thought. Good habits can serve a player well by facilitating a rapid response without using mental energy to analyze a situation methodically.
The year before winning our first Big Ten Championship at Ohio State in 1989, we actually finished in sixth place in the conference. We battled hard that season—took several of the top teams to five sets—, but we didn’t have the intangibles to close out crucial sets needed in tight matches.
What made that team special, though, was their leadership and willingness to grind. They decided they were good enough to win a championship and made a collective choice to pursue a championship. That meant committing to a tough off-season—6 a.m. lifts, running sessions, attendance in “open” gym practices, the whole deal. Standards went up, both on and off the court. And it paid off. They reached their goal and won a Big Ten championship the following season. A few of the younger players maintained that same mindset, won another title two years later, and proceeded to take Ohio State to the Final Four in 1991.
How many times have your players said something like, “Let’s just have fun when we play”? Or maybe a parent says, “The team just isn’t having fun.” The tricky part is, “having fun” means different things to different players, let alone the definition that the coach might possess. For some, it’s “hit and giggle” volleyball—goofing around, not really focused on getting better or competing. For other players, on the same team, fun comes from pushing themselves, working hard, and chasing challenging goals. It’s a balancing act for coaches to have a positive atmosphere on the court while still challenging the players to improve.
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Build Routines, Then Build Habits
Habits are automatic behaviors initiated with little thought. Good habits can serve a player well by facilitating a rapid response without using mental energy to analyze a situation methodically.
Three Ideas Newsletter 12.10.25
The year before winning our first Big Ten Championship at Ohio State in 1989, we actually finished in sixth place in the conference. We battled hard that season—took several of the top teams to five sets—, but we didn’t have the intangibles to close out crucial sets needed in tight matches.
What made that team special, though, was their leadership and willingness to grind. They decided they were good enough to win a championship and made a collective choice to pursue a championship. That meant committing to a tough off-season—6 a.m. lifts, running sessions, attendance in “open” gym practices, the whole deal. Standards went up, both on and off the court. And it paid off. They reached their goal and won a Big Ten championship the following season. A few of the younger players maintained that same mindset, won another title two years later, and proceeded to take Ohio State to the Final Four in 1991.
Three Ideas Newsletter – 12.3.25
How many times have your players said something like, “Let’s just have fun when we play”? Or maybe a parent says, “The team just isn’t having fun.” The tricky part is, “having fun” means different things to different players, let alone the definition that the coach might possess. For some, it’s “hit and giggle” volleyball—goofing around, not really focused on getting better or competing. For other players, on the same team, fun comes from pushing themselves, working hard, and chasing challenging goals. It’s a balancing act for coaches to have a positive atmosphere on the court while still challenging the players to improve.
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