As an athlete, there is usually nothing more important than having a knowledgeable coach that will help lead and guide a team to a successful season. For this reason, a select number of team members from the University of the Cumberlands Volleyball team have chosen to give back to the sport they love by assistant coaching area high school and middle school aged girls on club volleyball teams.

Sophomore Kelsey Wood (Versailles, KY) and freshman Erika Barnes (Fairfield, OH) both help coach a 14 and under team, while both freshmen Jessica Gunn (Owensboro, KY) and Amanda Hensley (Powell, TN) individually assistant coach 16 and under teams. UC graduate assistant volleyball coach Bruna Langner (Curitiba, Brazil) coaches one of the 18 and under teams.

These UC athletes work for a local club known as Horizon Volleyball, a club member associated with the Pioneer Region of USA Volleyball. It is a junior volleyball club that provides young players with training necessary to develop strong fundamentals while continually being challenged to achieve their greatest potential as an athlete, teammate and individual. The idea of club volleyball is that the top athletes from the local area come together from different schools to compete as one team in their club.

When asked about her coaching experience with Horizon, Kelsey Wood responded with much enthusiasm. "I enjoy coaching this club team because it gives me a chance to help others grow as individuals and as players. I feel blessed to be in these girls' lives and hope that they can take in this experience and learn how to trust one another and know what it feels like to be a part of a team. They are a great bunch of girls and I am grateful that I get to be with them every week."

Horizon's main goals are to offer young ladies a volleyball experience that will increase their knowledge and enjoyment of the sport and provide skilled training that will develop athletes physically, emotionally and socially. The club also aims to provide some exposure to possible college recruiting for all of their participants.

The Horizon Club Director, Jeff Davis, is thrilled to have the Cumberlands' athletes participate in his program. "All of the UC volleyball players have been outstanding this season as assistant coaches," comments Davis. "As assistants, these ladies are called on to participate in both practice and match settings. Being able to demonstrate the skills needed to be a better player is integral to coaching at any level, especially when coaching teens. By having these young ladies as assistant coaches, Horizon Volleyball teams are able to provide more individual attention to players as they develop new skills because there is one more coach on the floor that can pull a player aside as other work continues."

Not only are these Patriot ladies able to share their knowledge and expertise with the Horizon club members, but they are also extending their friendship and making a difference in these young girls' lives. "These UC athletes have also been positive role models through demonstration of sportsmanship on the court," adds Davis. "They have been great to work with and I hope they consider working with us next year."

Each one of these athletes, as well as a coach, is actively contributing to the sport of volleyball and in a way that demonstrates the NAIA Champion of Character's values. Once again, Cumberlands has proved to have individuals that exhibit positive characteristics and strong morals, and they encourage the rest of the student body, faculty, and staff to search for ways to join in and give back to the community.

Article Provided by Kim Hamby, University of the Cumberlands Sports Information Student Assistant