Grassroots Volleyball

I am consistantly looking for new ways and ideas to train volleyball players and particularly young athletes. I recently completed a Coaching Accreditation Program through USA Volleyball and met, among others, John Kessel (Grassroots development and disabled volleyball at USA Volleyball).

He is just about the most creative coach I have met to date. I am blown away by his simple ways to incorporate more volleyball in a small or confined space. He simply uses deer netting and rope to turn one simple court into four; thereby creating more opportunities to play! To read more visit Kessel's blog.

Field Day

The Johnston YMCA is hosting its first annual Field Day event to raise money for Community Outreach. Every year, Johnston tries to raise $230,000 that enable it to give out over $200,000 in financial assistance to those seeking memberships and access to programs.

So far this year, Johnston was able to give free swim lessons to a Make a Wish patient that wanted to swim at Carowinds all summer; provided over 90% of Day Campers with financial assistance to attend camp; and helped saved a woman's life by losing over 100lbs in our Medical Referral Program.

Field Day will consist of an Obstacle Course, a Scavenger Hunt and lots of Races. There are two divisions to register in, Adult ($100/team of 4) and Family ($75/team of 4). Register online at SportOften

For more information, contact me at 704-716-6372 or email Khalilah

HEEL YEAH!!!

The 2009 and 2005 National Championship teams will be playing against each other September 4 at 8pm in the Dean Dome. Purchase tickets for the Professional Alumni Game for only $20. Read about the annual event at Alumni Game. It looks like there are only upper level seats left. Don't miss out on what will probably be the most exciting Alumni Game in the past 10 years!!!

Pressure, Pressure

Cody Chestnut has a song called "Eric Burdon" and the lyrics go "Pressure, pressure...Ooh, you placed her on this Earth with Expectations...Way past my limits just to get in it...Got me gutter bound with no place else to go, soForgive me GodIf Im nothing at all without my Mojo. I asked my friends have they experienced/ This kind of Shut your mouth/ But I want to say/ It loud/Its gonna make me feel much better/ If were feeling it togetherUnder pressure."

I'm feeling like I've lost my MoJo right now. With some tough decisions about my family, my career, and my housing situation; I'm feeling very torn and worn thin right now. I'm feeling tired and I'm usually spunky. I know you've all experienced it.

So, How do you get your MoJo back? When your placed in this world with expectations that seem way past your limits, how do find the strength to meet those expecations and surpass those expectations to get yourself to the next level! How did Leroy get the glow? Somebody dunk my head in a keg of water and ask "Who's the Master?"

I want to be the Master of my situation right now. I know what I have to do, the tough part is doing it with respect to others while still holding my ground and keeping my position.

"Who's the Master?"

I AM!!!

Firsts

This is my first ever blog, I mean for real not for play play on yahoo personals! I set this up for school but will probably keep this up since I seem to have a lot to say and people are generally interested in what I have to say! Anyway, I guess you are supposed to say something profound or pose an interesting question, so here goes...
As I finish this Masters program and look at what it is that I want to do, I know that I want to coach. I have coached volleyball for about 10 years and played the sport even longer. I didn't play in college but I could have. I am finding it very difficult to even get a phone interview for a coaching job let alone make it past the initial HR screening. I went to a Minority Coaches' clinic where they stated that schools were looking for more minority women coaches. Well here I am!!! But nonetheless, I struggle. I know I should volunteer coach, be a GA (tried to do this but didn't want to just "get a Masters" in whatever), or accept maybe a part-time gig at a smaller school; but how am I supposed to even live and take care of myself doing these things? What job will allow you to leave work early or not show up in order to travel with a team, work summer camps, or go to practices? If someone is doing this, help me out!

Over the past two years, I've had several firsts; finishing this Masters, completing my First Level of coaching accreditation, snagging a wonderific man, and planning a major fundraising event. But someone please give me some more advice on how to snag my first collegiate coaching job!!!