Valarie Sanders
Head Coach: U13 blue (regional gold) & U13 green (regional gold) 2009 - 2010 season
Director of Fundamental Programs
ValarieSanders@southwindvb.com

Life isn't about the breaths we take, it's about the moments that take our breath away.  -Heidi Wills

Philosophy:
There are a few main points that I like to get across to the team each season. The first one is that I never want to hear "Coach, I can't do that". At this age group I know we are just developing skills, passion for the game, sportsmanship and most importantly attitude. I want each player to improve in all of these aspects.

Skills:
Passing. We will work on this every day in practice, there may be more involved in the drill but almost every drill will have passing. If you can't pass you can't make a play.

Setting. Everyone can be a setter. You may not be the designated setter during a game but setting is the best way to control the ball.

Attacks. Hitting the ball is by far the most fun of the 3, but there is a lot more involved than "crushing" the ball. We will work a lot on footwork and timing.

Serving. This is the most important aspect of the game since switching to rally score. By the end of the season everyone will be serving overhand and will be able to place the ball in position 1 - 6.

Passion for the Game:
Practice time is just that, practice. I expect everyone to come to practice and want to learn, want to play and want to improve. I know that you have other obligations, but remember that there are 9 other volleyball players that are counting on YOU to be there. If you are unable to make it to practice I would like to hear from YOU, not your parents. If you are responsible enough to play the game you are responsible enough to call me. This is a fun game and I want to help you learn how to play as a team and improve as an individual.

Attitude:
Attitude is everything! If you have a good attitude you have half the battle won. I wont ask anything of you that I know you can't achieve. Everything I ask you to do/try in practice I know you CAN accomplish with a little hard work and determination and a great attitude!

Sportsmanship:
Each time you wear your uniform, whether it be at practice or at a tourney, you will be representing not only the Southwind Volleyball Tribe, but also your teammates, your parents and me as your coach. I want to hear good things about my team from other teams, other coaches and other parents. Winning is always fun but sportsmanship sometimes comes in how you graciously accept a loss.

I am excited about this season and watching the girls develop their skills and the friendships that will be made as the team learns to play together. I encourage parents to help during practices and tourney's. There are a lot of girls and the extra help is always appreciated.

I started playing volleyball in Jr High. I fell in love with the game during high school and had a volleyball/basketball scholarship to Northwestern College. After college I have been playing on many different volleyball leagues from a womens and co-ed 6's, reverse 4's and womens and co-ed doubles in the Pacific Northwest. I play indoors, grass and beach, although my favorite would be beach.

I have coached either basketball or volleyball since graduating high school, however the last 6 years I have only focused on volleyball. I just moved to KC from Seattle, Washington and have felt so blessed to have met and am now a part of the Southwind Volleyball Tribe. I am looking forward to this season!