Q&A with Kingsway boys volleyball head coach Brent Dodulik
WOOLWICH TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A Q&A with Kingsway boys volleyball head coach, Brent Dodulik.
What is your background in this sport?
Brent Dodulik: I was asked to coach the team when Kingsway first introduced boys鈥� volleyball in 2008.聽 At the time I had no experience in volleyball aside from being a PE teacher and teaching it in class. I鈥檝e learned a lot in the last 15 years such as to stay calm, because the team will react as you do.聽 I鈥檝e definitely learned that cool heads prevail.
Name a person who inspired you to play/coach this sport.
Dodulik: Kingsway鈥檚 Athletic Director at the time, Joe Galliera, was the one who strongly encouraged me to take the job despite having little experience in the sport.聽 Early in my career, I brought in some experienced volleyball guys as volunteer coaches and I was very fortunate to have them around.聽 John Clendening, Craig Wolfe, and Jolen Aldaya all volunteered countless hours over the years to not only help the team learn the game, but to also help me build my own coaching style and philosophy.聽 There is no question that our program would not be where it is right now if it wasn鈥檛 for them.
Please describe the most memorable games/tournaments/championships your team has won.
Dodulik: We have won a few county and conference championships over the years but I always enjoyed our team trip to Rhode Island each season.聽 Regardless of the results, our team always came back from the Rhody Invitational with a stronger bond.聽 It鈥檚 amazing what a 5-hour ride on a school bus and a night in a hotel can do to boost the team morale.聽 Unfortunately, the tournament hasn鈥檛 been held in the last few years due to Covid-19 so I look forward to taking the team back when they run it again.
How do you encourage the team after a disappointing loss?
Dodulik: We typically play 3-4 times a week so there is very little time to stay down after a loss.聽 I just let them know that we have to get back to what we do well and get the next win, I always stay positive with the team. We train the fundamentals every day.聽 It is important to focus on the little details
Describe your proudest coaching moment.
Dodulik: In the 2018 season, the program earned its 200th win.聽 This was a great moment for the program, a true culmination of the efforts of all players and coaches over the years. As a coach, I just hope to have set the foundation for a successful program that can prosper for years beyond me.
Please share a message of support for the team.
Dodulik: I wish the team the best of luck this year.聽 I set the bar high by scheduling the top teams in the state and now it鈥檚 up to you guys to make a statement with some big wins!
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