I don't want this to come across as sarcastic, but a NKY team hasn't won the state volleyball championship since 1994 (NDA) --> that was 21 years ago. St. Henry won their one and only in 1981 and Villa in 1980. A world of volleyball has happened since 1994. So while I agree this is on the parents, I just had to laugh at the 35 years comment. State championships in this argument are irrelevant in 2015. However, the 9th Region dominance by Catholic schools is very relevant.

Wow, I've agreed with the last three posts. Amazing. lol

lol, that's not condescending. Are you saying that Catholics are the only athletes of superior quality in NKY? Never mind, I reread your answer and that's exactly what you said... I disagree.

 

Public schools in NKY do not place an emphasis on sports... not at the elementary or middle school level, not like their counterparts in the parochial systems. And Public schools at the high school level are not much better at times, and those that are are severely handicapped by the lack of a quality feeder system.

 

Typically in public schools at the Elementary and Middle school levels when a school is searching for a coach or athletic director, the job might as well be posted solely in the teachers lounge. They do not seek out the best candidate unless they CAN'T find one internally who wants the gig, and that candidate for the most part need not have any prior experience or understanding of the game they are about to teach to the kids. In elementary and middle public schools there are no athletic booster organizations to speak of, and if you find one they function more like a fundraising branch than one that actually has input into the athletic process. There is no pressure to win, no pressure to succeed, and certainly no pressure to actually teach the kids the game. I'm not saying that some aren't successful, or that some don't try, I'm saying that all you need to do to get the job is already be on staff in most cases. That's not right.

 

I'd love to see a public school county in NKY that wanted to succeed on the court and field as much as they do in the classroom. The results would be eye opening for people who think such as you.

 

FWIW, I was simply saying getting coaches outside the school is not even close to the #1 reason why public schools are not as "competitive" as private (as you stated). I do believe you're on the right track regarding volleyball especially at a young age.

 

For the record, there are plenty of public schools (especially in Kenton Co) that fill head coaching positions outside of the teachers lounge.

 

My statement of underestimating players is this...it's not public vs. private. But kids are made up differently. Players decide how much they are going to sacrifice for a chance to be great. I've seen Boone Co basketball players with as much toughness and heart as any private school. And it was because they wanted it more than anything else...and I don't think it had to do with whether or not their coach was a teacher or a paraprofessional.

So, did we ever find out who the coaching staff will be at SK this year? Will Marx be retained as the JV coach?

I almost forgot we were in a SK thread.

So, did we ever find out who the coaching staff will be at SK this year? Will Marx be retained as the JV coach?

 

I guess that depends on the new HC. Usually they bring in their own coaching staff but we'll see.

 

You are correct in saying that kids learn volleyball at the club level, but if public school kids start playing in the 6th grade how on gods green earth are they going to learn enough in 3 short months to beat out a kid at tryouts who's been playing 3 years longer minimum. Not to mention that that kids has probably also played club for 2 years as well.

 

 

This! This is it. Where I'm at, in the middle of the state, volleyball (or sports in general) are not started until 6th grade. This is when my daughter was introduced to the game and immediately fell in love with it. (Now, in fairness) the rec dept did offer some sports opportunities but they didn't even offer volleyball).

 

And although (he says with some bias) she has some skill and potential she will always be behind. Ok. maybe NOT always, but I think we can agree it is extremely difficult to overcome a 3 year or more difference in practice, coaching, and playing time. I watch her play and think she is pretty good, however, we go to tournaments in Indiana/NKY/Cinci and I go "wow, she is so far behind the other girls". And there's nothing we can really do about it at this point. She will be lucky to win the district and there's no way she has a chance at regionals or state. I guess my point to this rambling is until public schools start offering sports at the elementary level these athletes will be at a disadvantage and unfortunately, I don't see this changing anytime soon.

 

ps: before someone says I should start a team in the elementary school - - let me say this. We have 5 surrounding schools and for the last 3 years I have advocated starting a volleyball team at each elementary school and having a little "unofficial" league where each school plays the others two games. Obviously, it would be a short season but it would introduce them to the game and at least get them some touches on the ball. All, I have gotten is resistance. "No money. No time. No one to coach. Must have a faculty rep. Extra costs for facilities, lighting, maintenance, janitorial, (enter your own excuse here.........)"

 

Thanks for your time.

Edited July 14, 201511 yr by Volleyball Dad
spelling and minor clarification

Parents/kids will have to be "creative" to get on pace. Outdoor volleyball is great for kids. No doubt volleyball (along with every other sport) is getting expensive to do indoors. When I was growing up we played far more outdoor and/or sand volleyball than indoor. 2 on 2, 3 on 3, 4 on 4 are all great. The more reps, the better off they'll be.

While 3 years may be a lot with fundamentals, I've seen girls catch up pretty quickly. Fortunately/unfortunately to do this it takes time and money. If you get your daughter in the right programs that can over her training I'm sure she can get caught up faster than you think. Repetition with doing things properly will give her the most results.

 

Good Luck..

So, did we ever find out who the coaching staff will be at SK this year? Will Marx be retained as the JV coach?

 

Both the JV coach and the Freshman coach are NOT returning. They do have a JV coach now but only know her first name. Still no Freshman coach.

Danah has coached at SK in the past. I believe she has coached at the Frosh level there. Not sure about her previous experience. I believe she took last year off and wasn't part of that staff.

 

Getting back to the purpose of the thread...She did coach JV the last several years. However her predecessor did not bring her back last year. It behooves me why the administration would hire her back given that circumstance. I also heard that "they" wanted to go with another candidate but was forced to go the teacher route as another poster already pointed out. They had some good quality candidates that had both HS & club coaching experience but teachers are the priority-unfortunately...According to a couple of parents I spoke with, they are very disappointed in the selection.

 

Its a frustrating experience for both players and parents. While it is true the scholarships are earned at the club level etc...but when you have a coach that is not well versed in the game and she tells your daughter one way to do something and it is wrong those habits have to be "unlearned" when she returns to club ball...

Both of my step daughters are public school kids in the Indianapolis area. They did not start playing vball until 5th grade at their local rec center. They both started playing at a very good club in 7th grade and caught up very quickly between the intense training and private lessons. It seems the girls that played early hit a certain point and didn't get significantly better, but my step girls improved dramatically! They are both playing vball in college now on the West Coast. I'm sure this isn't the typical path for most public school kids but it can be done. I know my husband and his ex spent A LOT of time and money on their volleyball, but ultimately it payed off.

 

We have a lot of local girls that are great players and will be playing in college that are public school kids - the difference is the training they got in the local club system.

Its a frustrating experience for both players and parents. While it is true the scholarships are earned at the club level etc...but when you have a coach that is not well versed in the game and she tells your daughter one way to do something and it is wrong those habits have to be "unlearned" when she returns to club ball...

 

A club director told me once, that they spend the first month undoing the damage from the HS season.

*Before anyone gets their panties in a bunch, that's generally speaking and not true of every HS program/coach...

Parents/kids will have to be "creative" to get on pace. Outdoor volleyball is great for kids. No doubt volleyball (along with every other sport) is getting expensive to do indoors. When I was growing up we played far more outdoor and/or sand volleyball than indoor. 2 on 2, 3 on 3, 4 on 4 are all great. The more reps, the better off they'll be.

 

I was willing to sit back and listen to the rest of you, as many have posted very good views, but after sitting on this a while I felt I had to respond.

 

I have no idea where you grew up, but I have been a lifelong NKY resident and have never witnessed a place where pickup 2 on 2 or any other combination happens on a regular basis. Volleyball players aren't like basketball players. They don't just show up at a park and play with strangers. Please enlighten me as to where you are speaking of?

Getting back to the purpose of the thread...She did coach JV the last several years. However her predecessor did not bring her back last year. It behooves me why the administration would hire her back given that circumstance. I also heard that "they" wanted to go with another candidate but was forced to go the teacher route as another poster already pointed out. They had some good quality candidates that had both HS & club coaching experience but teachers are the priority-unfortunately...According to a couple of parents I spoke with, they are very disappointed in the selection.

 

Its a frustrating experience for both players and parents. While it is true the scholarships are earned at the club level etc...but when you have a coach that is not well versed in the game and she tells your daughter one way to do something and it is wrong those habits have to be "unlearned" when she returns to club ball...

 

You mention that her predecessor did not bring her back... The previous head coach (Andrea Atwood) was there for several years, so if she didn't bring her back at her choice then that would definitely be a concern.