NCAA Volleyball

[Anonymous]

I am incredibly cynical about the NCAA.

Just when you think little matters other money and media ratings, Penn State come up with a bona fide story of inspiration. Penn State - obviously with a troubled past, wins the NCAA volleyball championship. The first title with a female coach. The Penn State coach has Stage 2 cancer, and she is out there coaching while undergoing chemo. The announcers stated the players were committed to play and win so the coach could give it to recovery. I thought it more tv drama but when I saw the game the women were coaching themselves. Just a great moment for the sport.

[Anonymous]

It was a great game, especially the second set. I thought Louisville would come back and smash a demoralized Penn State, but I was so wrong. Penn State came back as the second set never happened and clearly won despite missing too many serves.

About coaching: I also noticed that the two coaches were very involved during the game. I also found Katie Schumacher's story inspiring. I was surprised how little John Cook was involved in coaching during the game against Maryland, but I won't judge him based on this one game (he probably knew that his players won't have a lot of trouble winning).

[Anonymous]

Some head coaches in NCAA volleyball intentionally take a hands off approach on the sidelines during matches (like John Cook from Nebraska). For these coaches, they often have a key assistant coach pacing the sidelines giving the players input and information during the match. My observation is that Coach Katie from Penn State is pretty involved. Her style doesn’t really seem much different during her illness than it has been in the past.

FWIW, volleyball isn’t a game where the coach needs to be providing guidance on every point. There is a game plan and the players have been given a scouting report about the other team so they already know what they should be trying to do. Of course coaches are needed to make adjustments and provide feedback on specific situations, but most of their job is done before the match begins.