Parting words give insight into why teachers teach and why coaches coach

Kaynor Tech’s Volleyball coach Howard shares the story of his favorite athlete…

I first saw Gretchen in the stands watching intently. I could tell she wanted to join the team but she was reserved, shy almost.  She was a freshman at the time and was handing me volleyballs as I warmed up the team.

There was something in her eyes that told me she wanted to play so I asked her. First thing she said was that she had her physical. "OK, good!" The next 3 times I asked her she held up her arm as if to say, "As you can see, I'm different." Gretchen's arm had been affected before birth, so she was unsure she could play volleyball at the varsity level.
 
I ignored her reaction each time finally saying "I haven't heard a reason, so be at practice tomorrow afternoon."

Since that day she has been an inspiration for the team. Everyone plays harder after watching how hard Gretchen worked to learned how she could play the game. At first she just played across the front of the net but as the season went on Gretchen's serves in practice started to go over more and more. So in a game in the middle of the season, after rotating across the front she looked at me ready to come out when it was her turn to serve. I shook my head no and pointed to the serving position.

You could have heard a pin drop in that gym. Her first serve not only went over but was not returned, an "ACE"! The place erupted. (WOW, remembering that day and the look on her face still brings tears to my eyes.) She got a standing ovation from everyone including the team on the other side of the net. She epitomized the reason why I coach: To see that look of confidence and accomplishment and satisfaction after all that hard work.

That was 3 seasons ago. Gretchen continues to be a leader. She is one of the captains on J.V. this season. Her career here has been marked with stories like the one above.

In our most recent game, Gretchen served 5 straight points in a row, her best ever, 3 of those were "ACES", her mom and sisters cheering her on. She's having a great year despite a sore ankle. She has the respect of all the players in the league and I'm sure the coaches as well.

Gretchen is such a great kid, it’s a great story, true grit and an inspiration to us all.

Coach Howard coached volleyball for 6 years at Abbott and 10 years at Kaynor. He is retiring to Montana to a second career, fishing guide.