08/25/2026
Coaching is about so much more than what happens on the court. In today’s Kingdom Coaching Minute, Coach Mandi reflects on the incredible privilege and responsibility of coaching, and the lasting impact we can have on the young people entrusted to us.
“Today is our first game of the season.
As I step onto the court for my 20th year of coaching, I find myself reflecting on what an incredible privilege it truly is to be a coach.
Parents are trusting you with some of their greatest treasures. Players are trusting you to have their backs…to see them right where they are…and to push them to become the best version of themselves.
And as coaches who follow Christ, we recognize something even greater: the Lord is trusting us with His children…to love them like Christ loves them.
That responsibility is so much bigger than volleyball.
Yes, we teach them how to pass, serve, hit, compete and fight for the next point. But along the way, we’re also teaching them physical, mental and spiritual toughness. We’re teaching them respect, teamwork, confidence, discipline, perseverance, communication, leadership, and how to keep going when things get hard. 💪🏻
We may only have them for a short season, but our impact can last far beyond their volleyball years. What we build in them can go with them into college, careers, relationships, families and every challenge life puts in front of them.
Twenty years of coaching has taught me that the wins and losses are temporary. The people we help shape are not.
So when the world is already busy finding their faults, be the one who helps them find their strength.
See them. Believe in them. Challenge them. Encourage them. Love them.
Be their biggest fan.
Because we aren’t just building volleyball players.
We’re helping build the people they are becoming.
And what a privilege it is to be trusted with that. “ 💚
~ Coach Mandi
