Happy Thursday, everyone! For today’s Thursday Thoughts, we want to introduce a new series called Sports Report! We have always highlighted our sports program at SLOCA so we thought it’s time for them to have their own series name.
Starting us off this year is our girls’ high school volleyball team. For the first time in school history, our girls qualified for the CIF Southern Section playoffs just a few weeks ago. They worked hard and truly exemplified resiliency. We wanted to give their coach, Adam Byers, a chance to share his experience and his heart for his team.
And a BIG thank you to {Josh Hamill} for the amazing action photos!
Let’s welcome Adam…
I cannot stress enough how much of a blast it was coaching the SLOCA volleyball team this year! Before the season even started, I learned that we would have more than twice as many girls as last year. After comparing the fifteen we were going to have for the season this year to the seven that I had last year, I knew the season would have a slightly different atmosphere. It was a little startling at first, but the anxiety progressively turned into excitement once I found my groove coaching a team that size.
Our first couple games, including a very rough match against Shandon, allowed me and the team to assess a critical area that we were struggling in: mental toughness. Mental toughness is crucial in every sport, and I think the team was starting to realize how much of a significant role it played during game time. It immediately became apparent to me that improving our mental toughness would be a common theme for the rest of the season. I knew it would be a challenge for me because teaching this isn’t like teaching fundamental volleyball skills. Serving, passing, setting, hitting, blocking, and digging all occur externally and I can work with that, but mental toughness occurs in the mind, which I obviously couldn’t have direct access to. The team would have to work through it one game at a time.
The turning point in the season occurred when we won first place at the David Low tournament. That moment was one of my favorite memories of the season! I don’t think I’m ever going to forget the sight of the team’s reflection in that glimmering golden trophy. It was an exciting moment for the team. Not only did the trophy signify winning first place, but I think it also served as a symbol for what we could possibly accomplish in the future.
The team really got fired up when we unexpectedly learned we made CIF playoffs! This accomplishment was so exciting because it was a first for the school as well as a first for the team. I knew our playoff games were going to be a roller coaster ride of stress and excitement, but little did I expect the fun wild ride that was in store for us that week. Making the news after defeating Highland Hall was a real cool moment, but the highlight of the week was definitely our match against Animo Leadership High School all the way down in Los Angeles. I think that game will be burned into the memories of everyone who experienced it for the rest of their lives. Watching the team take the fifth set after making a gigantic comeback from 18-11 in the fourth set was, by far, the most exciting thing I got to be a part of this season! It was at that moment that I realized the team had found their groove in developing mental toughness. This was the drive I was looking for all season. That same drive continued to carry into our final match against La Sierra Academy.
Unfortunately, after an intensely hard fought match including a 33-31 win in the second set, we lost. Our season had, in what felt like a blink of an eye, officially come to an end. Even though we lost, I was still proud of the way we performed. We definitely gave the other team a run for their money. My job as a coach was completed, and I’m very happy with the results. I know this season will be a very memorable season for many!
I’m so thankful that I got to play a part in this exciting season. The memories we made will definitely stick with me for the rest of my life. I learned so much about myself and how to be a leader. Though being able to teach and develop fundamental skills is critical, I learned that being truly invested in your team is just as important. Coaching allowed me to grow and develop leadership skills that I can carry with me for the rest of my life!
For the volleyball team who might be reading this, I want you all to know what an honor it was being your coach and how proud I am of each and everyone one of you! To both the team and the parents: thank you so much for all the support, patience, and grace you’ve all shown me as I was learning how to be a better coach each and every day.
The whole SLOCA community is so, so proud of you all! Congratulations again, Coach Adam and to the entire team!!
