The evolving coaching philosophy: A New Milford HS volleyball coach鈥檚 perspective
NEW MILFORD, Conn. — A coaching philosophy isn鈥檛 predetermined.聽 It is constantly evolving as you meet new players and face new circumstances. When I started coaching high school volleyball in 2004, I didn鈥檛 know what my coaching philosophy was.聽 I had some great coaches over the years who shaped me as an athlete, but I didn鈥檛 necessarily realize what was important to me until I started working with my teams as their coach.
The first team I coached was coming off a season of 0-16.聽 Many of the returning players didn鈥檛 know if they even wanted to play their last high school season, let alone meet a new coach.聽 I had to act quickly- be positive, gain their trust and give them confidence.聽 That 2004 team helped define who I am as a coach today.聽 The moment we won our first game, which was their first win in over a year and a half, was a great moment I reflect on.聽 Each subsequent game we played that season built on the foundation of being positive, confident, and supporting one another in our love of the game of volleyball.
Three years later, some of the players who were freshmen during that 2004 season brought us all the way to the finals of the Class LL State Championship.聽 There were so many defining moments in that season but our foundation we built throughout the previous seasons was strong and it gave us the confidence we needed to be successful. The core values of a team are passed on from year to year by the incoming and outgoing classes 鈥� it is learned behavior.
Recently returning to coaching after a few years away from the game, I have been reminded why I love to coach and why the focus always goes beyond the wins and losses.聽 No matter what age or what level you are coaching, you always want your players to leave their season with an appreciation for the team and a love and respect for our sport.
There are many sacrifices that are made along the way as athletes choose the sports and activities that are important to them. One thing that should always remain consistent is the support that the student-athletes receive from their coaches and the community.聽 Youth sports can be overwhelming and demanding on the athletes and their families but no matter what sport or activity is being played on what field, track or arena, we want our players to have fun and be positive. A lot of young life lessons will be experienced on those same fields and courts.
We are fortunate to live in a community that works to do as much as they can to give young athletes a great foundation.聽 In my experience it has been extremely rewarding to see players from years past playing in adult volleyball leagues; coaching teams or teaching their kids the lessons and values of the game that they learned along the way 鈥� supporting the community and giving back.聽 The greater New Milford volleyball community recently started the Western Connecticut Volleyball Club.聽 The club is not for profit.聽 It is founded by a group of former players and coaches who have come together to share their love for volleyball with young players in our area.
I鈥檓 looking forward to the next few years watching the young athletes in our community grow and develop as players and as individuals.聽 Some of the best lessons in sports will carry into every day.聽 In the end-
鈥淛ust play.聽 Have fun.聽 Enjoy the game.鈥� (Michael Jordan)
Lisa Stein (Verrastro) has had 2 stints as Volleyball Coach at New Milford High School. Her first was from 2004 to 2011.聽 She returned in 2018. Her 2007 team was CT State Runner Up.聽 Lisa was a standout Student Athlete and graduated from New Milford High School in 1997. She lettered in Tennis, Volleyball, and Basketball.聽 Lisa makes her residence in New Milford with her husband, Jared, and their 3 children, Dylan (15), Elena (14), and Tyler (10).
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