By Guest Writers: Miley Smith and Birgitta Mendez

There is more to a coach’s job than just teaching a sport. Teamwork, growth and communication are all valuable skills to volleyball and everyday life.

The Azle volleyball coaches want more for their athletes, beyond the court.

“I think there’s a big balance that has to come into play,” head volleyball coach Kenley Buckholt said. “We want our volleyball players to not just be good volleyball players but, also, be good in life.”

At a press conference Oct. 9, the volleyball coaches expressed that teaching teamwork among players is more important than many people realize.

“Volleyball requires a lot of team-above-anything-else,” assistant coach Dusty Crafton said. “Bringing these people together and creating something beautiful, it’s kind of uncommon these days.”

These coaches have even created a special activity called “family groups” to introduce new ways for players to communicate with one another.

“We get together and we kind of force the kids to have some open talks and try to dig a little deep,” Buckholt said. “[We ask them to] be honest, look in the mirror, talk about maybe some personal stuff that maybe would never come up in a game or in a practice or on the court.”

They make an effort to express this by not only having group discussions but also providing opportunities to communicate one-on-one.

“I have an open door policy,” Coach Buckholt said. “I’m very accessible to our players when they need me, small or big, I try to always be there for them.”

The coaches said they feel it is most rewarding to see all of the players adapt and apply these skills and grow.

“I love seeing that light bulb go on and seeing new understanding and seeing development and maturity,” assistant coach Kimberly Little said.