Lessons Learned, the Az. Edition...

In the last of our series on what lessons coaches took from this past season, here are Arizona coaches, who agreed to have their lessons made public so we can learn from them as well.

"The lesson I learned from this season is the importance of mental toughness. The successful players are those that keep pushing forward even when they think they can't. That will find a way when it seems like there are none. That will keep competing and fighting when the odds are stacked against them. Training the mental side is often overlooked but so many matches are determined by a such a small margin of two points, the successful players stay mentally tough until the end. This is a skill that should be trained starting at the younger ages and have the power to take a player to the elite level."

Megan Taylor, Grand Canyon University

"The landscape of collegiate volleyball is ever changing. Student athletes who transfer from one institution to another have the opportunity to fill gaps in a team's roster that might otherwise rely on an unproven player. That is exactly what happened at Arizona this year. It was a transitional year for us because we lost six starters from our 2015 team. We were fortunate to get a transfer opposite and two defensive specialist. All three played significant roles on their previous teams. Instead of relying on the inexperience of freshman we were able to fill those position with two seniors and a junior. The addition of those three players and the development of our current returning players helped power us to a NCAA Tournament bid in what would normally be a transitional year."

David Rubio, University of Arizona


“For me, our past season was one of high achievement coupled with a sudden re-grouping due to two significant injuries. No season goes as you expect. There are always issues and concerns that present themselves that you can’t even imagine. The level in which you coach has little to do with the challenges we as coaches face. So as our season progressed and our team re-grouped, our coaching staff, in particular my assistants, played a significant role in helping our team and me. You need to have good people on your staff. You need to be able to relate and rely on them. I’ve known that as a coach – we all do. But it’s not until you get challenged as a program, do you really see the significance and impact having good people around you has on you and your team. I’m so very thankful for an outstanding staff and great assistant coaches.”

Jason Watson, Arizona State University

"This season's lesson: The importance of time off. The longer I coach, the more I firmly believe in the importance to time off. I know a lot of coaches believe in the 'no time off' philosophy. However, over the years what I have discovered is taking time off not only has enhanced my coaching, but has also helped my players stay fresh and eager. The cycle of volleyball has become unforgiving. Kids go straight from their high schools seasons to club within a week or so. Club season runs for nine months and then it's summer camps and clinics and again back to another high school season. The kids never get a break. By the time these players enter college, many are tired, lacking a love and passion for the game they once had, and many are dealing with chronic overuse injuries. I have learned that sometimes 'less is more' and that a day off here and there, can have greater benefit than any drill or practice. Chances are, if you are needing a break, your players are feeling the same."

Lisa Stuck, Glendale Community College

"This year I was reminded that how you teach players is just as important as what you teach them. Confident, relaxed, optimistic players are capable of great things. One of the best things I can do for a team is to help them keep this mindset through the stress and adversity of a season."

Ken Murphy, Northern Arizona University

Thank you Arizona Coaches for your input and we hope you have taken some lessons from the last few Coaching blogs.