uh oh, where did the cougars go?

UH OH, WHERE DID THE COACH GO?

Oakton Volleyball struggle to find a new coach

Oakton varsity volleyball seven year consecutive coach, Dan Courain, will not be returning next year due to an offer for a job in DC. “My work requested and I accepted an assignment working directly for Congress… with the long hours and three hours of commute each day, returning to coach next season was not feasible and would be an extra burden on my family,” said Courain in an email to the 2018 volleyball team. Courain led the girl’s volleyball team to district championships and to the semi-finals for states in 2016. “I loved Dan as a coach, he was really nice to me my freshman year and this year, and he was an amazing coach, so I’m really sad he’s leaving,” said Abby Chen (10), a defensive specialist on varsity for two years. Although everyone is sad about Courain leaving, there’s a bigger problem on our hands; Oakton is struggling to find a new coach. In an interview with Oakton’s athletic director, Patrick Full, he stated that only two interviews have taken place for the coaching spot, and neither coach seemed to be the right fit for the job. He explained, “One of the applicants has no experience at all and is definitely not ready, the other applicant is a maybe, I was just concerned that the personality might not be a good fit for our program.” Many of Oakton’s returning volleyball players are concerned and anticipating the arrival of a new coach. Courain was an extremely intelligent and experienced coach, so the girls are worried about the program falling apart without him. “With a new coach comes a completely new routine, new drills… It’s scary but also exciting to see a new chapter of the program, ” said Julia Colet (10) a JV player who joined Courain’s team for tournaments and playoffs. The Oakton athletic office made a decision to re-advertise, hoping to get some different applications in whom are better suited for the job. “I’m kind of surprised at the lack of interest,” Said Mr. Full. “I know Coach Courain has gone to clinics… and tried to drum up people to get interest and he’s been trying to support us in getting that coach, but so far it hasn’t panned out to anything,” he continued Many of the returning players have been wondering whether or not the assistant coaches will be returning, and why none of them have taken the spot as head coach. According to Mr. Full, most of the coaches have indicated they would like to return to the program the following year, although none of them are able to take the head position. This is unfortunate due to the fact that the assistant coaches have been with the varsity team for years and are accustomed to the way the program is run. Thankfully they are able to return because Mr. Full says that “if we really don’t get any qualified candidates this time around, then we might try to talk to the assistants again see if we can work out a deal.” It is made clear that a coach will definitely be found by the time the program must begin, but the biggest concern is the eligibility of the director. “We may do an interim kind of position with some of those assistant coaches and hopefully piecing something together this year, and then hopefully giving it another shot next year… as our worst-case scenario.” After months of advertising and scouting, Oakton is still in search of a suitable volleyball coach. Mr. Full, who runs the Oakton’s activities office, ensures us that a coach will be found, but finding the right one remains a struggle.

We all hope a qualified coach makes his/ her way to Oakton, as volleyball players from all grade levels are anxious to get back on the court and play for the Cougars.

sara boddie

staff writer