Coaches
ONE APP FOR STATS, MAXES, AND RECRUITING
KB3 SPORTS APP has allowed us to streamline our stats & maxes for inseason & offseason as well as given us the ability to promote our players across the country.
James Clancy HFC, Klein Cain HS
ACCURATE INFORMATION
MAXES & MEASURABLES can be entered by a player or coach and will be added to a player’s profile page.
TEAM PROFILE PAGE
Your teams’ profile page is publicly accessible to parents, players, media and recruiters with links to each player’s profile page.
PLAYER TRACKING
Download a Team Stat File to keep track of team stats by player or team totals.
Download a Game Summary File to view play-by-play game recap.
Automatically generate a Player Stat File to view per game and cumulative player stats as well as in-season and off-season maxes and measurables.
RECRUITING
College coaches can access your players test scores, stats, maxes & measurables.
College Coaches can DM with coaches and players via our IN-APP MESSAGING.
Get Started!
Download the free app for Android or Apple, join now!
TEXAS COACH - (ISSN 0040-4241) - Copyright 2024 Texas High School Coaches’ Association, Inc.
PUBLISHER
TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL COACHES ASSOCIATION, INC.
PUBLISHING/EDITORIAL OFFICES:
2553 N INTERSTATE 35 FRONTAGE RD SAN MARCOS, TX 78666-5924 web: www.thsca.com
Subscriptions: Annual subscription to TEXAS COACH for members of the Texas High School Coaches Association is $20.00, which is included in the THSCA membership dues. For non-members, digital versions of the magazine may be accessed for free at www.thsca.com.
Single copies are $5.00 per current volume. TEXAS COACH is published monthly except in June, July, and August and is dated the first of the publication month, although it is mailed around the 10th of the publication month.
Change of address: Request for change of address must reach us 30 days before the date of issue with which it is to take effect. Duplicate copies cannot be sent to replace those undelivered through failure to send advance notice. Email change of address notice to admin@thsca.com or members can go online and make the change in your member portal profile at www.thsca.com.
Periodicals Postage Paid at San Marcos, TX & additional entries. “All rights reserved”. (USPS 540-600).
POSTMASTER send address change to:
TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL COACHES ASSOCIATION P.O. Drawer 1138 SAN MARCOS, TX 78667-1138
Printed by Capital Printing Co in Austin, Texas.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
JOE MARTIN joemartin@thsca.com
ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
GLEN WEST glenwest@thsca.com
Chief Operating Officer of THSCA BRIAN POLK brianpolk@thsca.com
Chief Operating Officer of THSCEF LIBBY PACHECO libbypacheco@thsca.com
Director of Publications & Technology BECKY ADAMS beckyadams@thsca.com
Director of Administration
MARGARET BEYER margaretbeyer@thsca.com
Director of Media & Marketing
ANNA BUCKALEW annabuckalew@thsca.com
Director of Exhibits & Sponsorships MOLLY FLY mollyfly@thsca.com
Director of Membership
ALLIE HERRMANN allieherrmann@thsca.com
Director of Hotels & Hospitality CHELSEA MILLER chelseamiller@thsca.com
Director of Finance & Accounting
KEVIN SMITH kevinsmith@thsca.com
Director of Public Relations & Awards TYLER WATTS tylerwatts@thsca.com
thsca OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Finance: Sterling Doty, Dave Henigan, B.J. Gotte, *Kendall Miller, John Snelson, Drew Sanders
Bylaws: Chip Darden, *Chad Dunnam, Joe Hubbard, Clint Fuller, Shaun McDowell, Leo Mireles
Ethics: Chris Cochran, *LaQueisha Dickerson, Clint Hartman, Don Hyde, Marvin Sedberry Jr., Fred Staugh
Policy: Jerry Carpentier, Josh Gibson, Brian Randle, *Aaron Roan, Jacob Thompson, Todd Winfrey
Magazine: Kevin Crane, Jeff Ellison, Reuben Farias, Allen Gratts, *Lance Moffett, Juan Morales
Hall of Honor: Dub Farris, Gary Joseph, *Johnny Taylor, Allen Wilson
Director-Elects & Alternates:
DIRECTOR-ELECTS
*Denotes Chair
Region 1 – Andy Cavalier, Canadian; Region 2 – Casey Pearce, Breckenridge; Region 3 – Josh Gibson, Pleasant Grove; Region 4 – Michael Pry, El Paso Coronado; Region 5 – Brian Randle, Randle; Region 6 – Don Hyde, La Vega; Region 7 – Ben Bitner, CC Veterans Memorial; Region 8 – Eddie Salas, San Antonio Harlan;
1ST ALTERNATES
Region 1 – Jason Richards, Frenship Memorial; Region 2 – Sammy Burnett Brownwood; Region 3 – Marcus Shavers, North Forney; Region 4 – Daren Walker, El Paso Franklin; Region 5 – Rick LaFavers, Ridge Point; Region 6 – Clint Fuller, Kilgore; Region 7 – David Sanchez, Laredo United; Region 8 – Tony Salazar, Westlake; 2nd ALTERNATES
Region 1 – Aaron Dunnam, Dumas; Region 2 – Mike Reed, Gordon; Region 3 – Antonio Wiley, Coppell; Region 4 – Frank Maldonado, Midl. Legacy; Region 5 – Travis Reeve, El Campo; Region 6 – Shane Tolleson, Waxahachie; Region 7 – JC Ramirez, Jr., Veterans Memorial; Region 8 – Doug Warren, Wimberley;
chip darden region 1 - lub. cooper
chad dunnam region 1 - amarillo
kendall miller past-Pres - emerson
drew sanders Pres-elect - vandegrift
john snelson President - dickinson
dave henigan region 3 - denton ryan
sterling doty region 2 - stephenville
aaron roan region 2 -
todd winfrey region 1 - canyon
clint hartman region 4 - midl. legacy
fred staugh region 4 - monahans
marvin sedberry jr. region 3 - terrell
josh gibson (interim) region 3 - Pleasant Grove
allen gratts region 3 - arl. bowie
b.j. gotte (interim) region 5 - pearland
laqueisha dickerson region 5 - timberview
shaun mcdowell region 5 - grand oaks brian randle (interim) region 5 - randle jeff ellison
jerry carpentier
chris cochran
clint
jacob
lance moffett
2024-2025 THSCA ADVISORY COMMITTEES
ATHLETIC DIRECTORS
R-1 Jason Richards, Frenship Memorial
R-2 Russell Lucas, Sweetwater
R-3 Seth Stinton, Melissa
R-4 *Jaime Boswell, Andrews
R-5 Virginia Flores, Cy-Fair
R-6 Don Drake, Ennis
R-7 Rob Davies, Harlingen
R-8 Stan Laing, Northside
ATHLETIC TRAINERS
R-1 Steven Ortiz, Midl. Legacy
R-2 Billy Abbe, Abilene
R-3 *Mike Harrison, Allen
R-4 Isaac Wimberley, Lub. Cooper
R-5 Aimee Williams, Fort Bend
R-6 Greg Goerig, Midlothian
R-7 Benjamin Garcia, Harlingen
R-8 Chad Hennessey, Georgetown
AQUATICS
R-1 OPEN
R-2 Casey Pacheco, Abl. Wylie
R-3 Eric Vogan, Texas High
R-4 *Michael Waldmann, Andrews
R-5 Robert Kelly, Pasadena
R-6 Daniel Gonzalez, Longview
R-7 Hector Castaneda Jr., Harl. South
R-8 Kari Brothers, Northside
BASEBALL
R-1 Thomas Brockman, Idalou
R-2 Allen McGee, Graham
R-3 Josh Wheeler, Muenster
R-4 Juan Orozco, EP Coronado
R-5 *Corey Cephus, Cy-Ranch
R-6 Matthew Anderson, Franklin
R-7 Adrian Alaniz, Sinton
R-8 Tom Alfieri, SA Churchill
BOYS BASKETBALL
R-1 Jason Pillion, Amarillo
R-2 *C.J. Villegas, Brady
R-3 Ty Tabor, Krum
R-4 Jason Archibald, Wink
R-5 Danny Russell, Friendswood
R-6 Jake Russ, Franklin
R-7 Sean Armstrong, G. Portland
R-8 Andrew Brewer, Alamo Heights
At-Large Samuel Benitez, North Shore
GIRLS BASKETBALL
R-1 Tyler Helms, Idalou
R-2 *Kenni Patton, Electra
R-3 Donna McCullough, Sachse
R-4 Steve Lee, Pebble Hills
R-5 Christina Jamerson, Dulles
R-6 Marcus Willis, La Vega
R-7 Ashley Moncivaiz, Harlingen
R-8 Christina Camacho, Judson
At-Large Brooke Brittain, Mansfield
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
R-1 Jay McCook, Canadian
R-2 Glenn Griffin, Holliday
R-3 *Logan Kelly, Lovejoy
R-4 Alonzo Samaniego, Presidio
R-5 Kenneth Decuir, Paetow
R-6 Josh Sypert, Eustace
R-7 Efrain Ambriz, Harlingen
R-8 Kelly Thompson, Leander Rouse
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
R-1 Ray Baca, Canyon
R-2 Loy Triana, Burkburnet
R-3 *Susan Bailey, Highland Park
R-4 Corina Marrufo, Del Valle
R-5 Jim Darcey, Katy
R-6 Edward DeLaCruz, Waxahachie
R-7 Joey Rendon, Santa Gertrudis
R-8 Rachel Freeman, SA Reagan
At-Large Karmen Sanders, Taylor
FOOTBALL
6-Man Josh Stanaland, Jayton
R-1 Jason Richards, Frenship Memorial
R-2 Sterling Doty, Stephenville
R-3 *Joe Castillo, Little Elm
R-4 Ruben Rodriguez, Eastlake
R-5 Rick LaFavers, Ridge Point
R-6 Clint Fuller, Kilgore
R-7 Brent Davis, G. Portland
R-8 Alan Haire, Jarrell
BOYS GOLF
R-1 Justin Wilborn, Lub. Cooper
R-2 Jason Hodges, Stephenville
R-3 Charlie Means, Denison
R-4 Paul Bustamante, Pebble Hills
R-5 *Mike Martin, Memorial
R-6 Brant Bennett, Midlothian Heritage
R-7 Celso Gonzalez, McAllen Mem.
R-8 Glenn Phair, New Braunfels
At-Large Paige Martin, Southlake
GIRLS GOLF
R-1 OPEN
R-2 Chris Sims, Abilene Cooper
R-3 Kerry Gabel, FM Marcus
R-4 Shawn Trousdale, Eastwood
R-5 *Angela Chancellor, Kingwood Park
R-6 Joel Davenport, Ennis
R-7 Jennifer Ruiz, McAllen
R-8 Patrick Pruitt, Westlake
At-Large Brent McCuiston, Alamo Heights
BOYS SOCCER
R-1 Hugo Aguillon, West Plains
R-2 Justin Rhodes, Stephenville
R-3 Pablo Regalado, Kemp
R-4 OPEN
R-5 *Ben Powell, Bellville
R-6 OPEN
R-7 Julian Robles, Harl. South
R-8 David Rogers, SA Lee
At-Large Jason Meekins, Katy Jordan
GIRLS SOCCER
R-1 Alistair Caldwell, Lub. Coronado
R-2 Carl Wiersema, WF Rider
R-3 Kelly Thompson, Allen
R-4 OPEN
R-5 *Evelyn Torres, Ridge Point
R-6 Gerald Slovacek, Midlo. Heritage
R-7 OPEN
R-8 Bailee Perrine, Dripping Springs
At-Large Aaron McGough, Highland Park
SOFTBALL
R-1 Styler Haddock, Canyon
R-2 Cynthia Herrera, Stamford
R-3 *Kathy Schoettle, Allen
R-4 Lindsie Swarb, Monahans
R-5 Katie Roberts, Brenham
R-6 Same Weeks, Troup
R-7 Audra Troutman, Sinton
R-8 Jennifer Fox, Alamo Heights
TENNIS
R-1 Darby Norman, Canyon Randall
R-2 *Carrie Castleberry, Vernon
R-3 Sylvia Sims, Frisco Heritage
R-4 OPEN
R-5 Daniel Marshall, A&M Consol.
R-6 OPEN
R-7 Eddie Marquez, Roma
R-8 Andrew Duong, Comal Canyon
At-Large David DeLeon, Canyon
BOYS TRACK & FIELD
R-1 Jon Murphy, Stratford
R-2 Andy Howard, Goldthwaite
R-3 *Janson Head, Denton Ryan
R-4 Brien Burchett, Greenwood
R-5 Jason Haddock, Clements
R-6 Josh Rankin, Longview
R-7 Bob Bechtold, McAllen
R-8 OPEN
GIRLS TRACK & FIELD
R-1 Crista Jones, Lub. Monterey
R-2 *Jeremiah Butchee, Stephenville
R-3 Ashley Broom, Sunnyvale
R-4 Robert Ontiveroz, Monahans
R-5 David Pollack, Seven Lakes
R-6 Jordan Johnson, Midway
R-7 Stacy Zamzow, Goliad
R-8 Jen McHugh, SA Reagan
VOLLEYBALL
R-1 Kelly Lozada, Lubbock Monterey
R-2 Shay Douglas, Stephenville
R-3 Jennifer Chandler, Northwest
R-4 Heather Archibald, Wink
R-5 Jenny Adcock, Stratford
R-6 Arden Johnson, Troup
R-7 Jess Odem, Goliad
R-8 *Rachel Torvik, SA Reagan
At-Large Kayla Allen, Vista Ridge
BOYS WRESTLING
R-1 Dalton Clear, Canyon
R-2 OPEN
R-3 *Kyle Stevens, Anna
R-4 Oscar Norez, EP Montwood
R-5 Vinnie Lowe, Katy
R-6 Collin Stroner, Midlothian Heritage
R-7 Donald "Ed" Arvin, CC Veterans Memorial
R-8 David Burdick, Vista Ridge
GIRLS WRESTLING
R-1 *Tyler Frausto, Canyon
R-2 OPEN
R-3 Tiffany Mangini, Flower Mound
R-4 Stephen Scott, EP Franklin
R-5 Nicholas Johnson, Cy-Woods
R-6 OPEN
R-7 Ronald Pratt, Rio Grande City
R-8 Garvin Smith, San Marcos
*DENOTES CHAIR
PRESENTING SPONSOR OF THE COACH OF THE WEEK
CANE’S FOR THE WIN
FROM THE PRESIDENT
IT'S A GREAT DAY TO BE TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL COACH! This is the everyday message ringing in our ears, being modeled for our athletes, and being voiced amongst our peers. The studentathletes we get to influence daily are so much more than athletes who we hope to help us win games. They are daughters and sons, they have pains and have needs, they want to be noticed and want to be loved. Thank you for the difference you make in the lives of these young athletes.
Some sports are now in full off-season mode, while other sports are in the middle of their seasons. We are also still going strong on our Super Elite Teams and Coach of the Year recognitions. Nominations for Tennis, Track, Golf, Baseball, and Softball will open in May and June. Our magazine cover is our Advisory Committee Chairs, and we will be covering the importance of your Advisory Committees. We will also be talking about voting in July for new Advisory Committee members in each region.
We just finished up the THSCA Board of Directors' Meeting, and we are looking forward to Coaching School. Coaching School keeps getting bigger and better every year. The $85 pre- registration deadline is coming up on June 1st, so mail those registrations in before you leave for summer. If you wait, the price goes up to $100 from June 2nd through July 1st. We will also be announcing the dates of our upcoming Spring Power of Influence (POI) meetings very soon on the THSCA website. All Head Coaches and Athletic Administrators are welcome at the POI meetings.
The Legislative Session is in full swing, and THSCA is fighting the fight on the front lines for public education. We will call on each of you to act in the coming weeks! The ROCK symposium was a huge success once again. I want to welcome and give a huge shoutout to our newest ROCK Class of 2025. Thank you to the mentors, advocates, speakers, and sponsors for the role you played in the event.
At our district track meet last week, I heard "FINISH" repeatedly yelled by coaches. As WE come out of the final curve and head down the stretch of this semester, we can all use a coach telling us to "FINISH!". Despite how easy or tough this race has been for us, we always want to finish strong. Let us finish strong with every opportunity we get to pour into a kid or defend our profession.
John Snelson, THSCA President
DIGITAL TICKETING IS NOW PART OF THE FAN ENGAGEMENT SUITE.
Fan-friendly and easy to manage. Meet Hudl Tickets.
Everything in one place.
Fans can watch live games and highlights, see schedules, and now buy tickets, all in one place.
Completely customizable. Choose your pricing, ticket types, capacity and single or multi-game ticketing.
No added cost. It’s free to add Hudl Tickets to your organization.
More efficient entry.
Each ticket holds a QR code that fans scan at the gate, giving them direct entry in seconds and reducing lines. No minimums.
There are no minimums on tickets sold. Sell as many or as few as you’d like.
Let Hudl do the setup.
Let us know which events you want to offer digital ticketing and we’ll set it up for you.
Better reporting and security.
Digital sales simplify the accounting, security, and reporting process. Get a real-time look at who purchased tickets, tickets sold, and revenue generated.
Make your live events easier to attend. Get started with Hudl Ticketing at: hudl.com/solutions/fan/ticketing
FOUR BECOME
Four outstanding organizations, transformed into one powerhouse. And while our name may have changed, everything you count on - great service, uniforms, and gear remain.
YOUR GAME IS ALWAYS GAME ONE
NOW HEAR THIS
Obituary
COACH CARLOS "CHARLIE" RODRIGUEZ
Carlos Rodriguez, better known as “Coach Rod,” was born on June 25, 1960. He went home to his Heavenly Father on Friday, February 7, 2025.
Coach Rodriguez graduated Mission HS in 1978, where he played baseball for Head Coach Richie. He attended and graduated Pan American University and began his teaching and coaching career at La Joya ISD. In 1994, Coach Rodriguez founded the district's 1st softball program. As the head softball coach @ La Joya HS he accumulated over 500 wins in his coaching career. Coach Rodriguez was more than a coach, he was a mentor, a leader, a father figure, a friend, and most importantly, an inspiration to his athletes. Coach Rodriguez's passion for the game, his dedication, and the ability to uplift those around him made him a cherished figure in our community.
His true legacy can be seen in his student-athletes that have followed in his footsteps as coaches, teachers, and leaders in our community. He will truly be missed.
Obituary
COACH JACKSON BAUER
Jackson Bauer grew up in Manor, TX, where he competed in football, golf, baseball, track, & basketball, but it was eventually football that stole his heart and led him to walk on at Southwest Texas State University. He played for one year before an unfortunate back injury ended his career. Although he was an accounting major, he didn't see himself as an accountant, so he pursued a career in education. He knew he was going to gravitate towards coaching naturally, but didn’t realize he was going to fall in love with the classroom. His first job was in Elgin, Texas, where he coached everything under the sun and taught Algebra for seven years. He then moved to Austin High where he coached football, track, and golf. Although he did not have any children of his own, he was honored to have the opportunity to coach and teach thousands of students who he loved dearly. He made everyone smile, brought us joy, and positively impacted everyone who knew him.
THSCA upcoming Dates & deadlines to be Aware of...
May 2025
1-3 - Track State Meet - Austin 2 - Track Advisory Committee Meeting
2 - Cross Country Advisory Meeting
5-6 - Golf
June 2025
1 - Deadline to Cancel Hotel Rooms w/out Penalty
- Early Registration Deadline for Coaching School @ $85
- Baseball – Coach of the Year Nomination Deadline
- 2024-2025 Membership Year Ends
- 2024-2025 Liability Insurance Policy Ends
July
2024
1 - Pre-Reg Deadline for 2025 Coaching School @ $100
1 - Deadline to Reserve a Hotel w/ Housing Bureau 20-22 Coaching School & Convention – San Antonio
We are always on the hunt for article content for publication in Texas Coach! Article submissions can be sport-specific skills and techniques, or be related to program administration, team culture, building relationships with athletes, parents, administrators, etc. Maybe a top 10 list you want to create, or a “Do’s and Don’ts guide?” We publish articles from both members and non-members... so we encourage you to reach out to all of the different sport coaches on your campus, your athletic administration, spouses, student-athletes, school administrators, booster club presidents, etc. and ask them to share their knowledge and wisdom with our Texas coaching family! Please email all article submissions to beckyadams@thsca.com – Word Document format is preferred, and 3-4 pages would be ideal length.
2025 AIR IT OUT PASSING CAMPS
A Texas based Football Camp that develops young Quarterbacks & Receivers through proper instruction and training. Established in 1990, Air It Out has left a lasting impact on many young players lives; not only through what they learned on the football field, but through leadership and teamwork exercises that can be used in their professional lives in the future.
NOW HEAR THIS
To report a coach that is Retiring or On the Move to a new HEAD Coaching Job, (FOR ANY SPORT), login to your THSCA Member Portal and find "Report a Coach On the Move" under the Member Services tab.
COACHES RETIRING >>>
Israel Gracia announces his retirement after 32 seasons coaching and six seasons as Santa Maria's head coach posting a 34-22 record.
Carl Klann announces his retirement, after spending five seasons leading San Antonio McCollum in his second stint at the school.
Damaso Martinez, who led South Garland for six seasons, announced his retirement from coaching on March 5.
Trae Poe is retiring as longtime Asst. Football/ Basketball Coach at Madisonville.
Ken Stanley, who led Coldspring-Oakhurst for six seasons, announces his retirement on March 27. He posted a 37-25 record. He also spent two seasons as Hemphill's head coach.
Tony Willis announces his retirement after a stint as Asst. AD at Texas City ISD.
COACHES ON THE MOVE >>>
Rodney Acosta from Asst at Calallan to AD/HFC at Mathis.
Jimmy Arias from DC at Muleshoe to HFC at Dimmitt.
Bruno Baltazar former Head Girls Soccer at Cypress Ridge to Head Boys Soccer at Hempstead.
Sheldon Bennight from HFC at Galveston Ball to HFC at New Caney.
Tyler Blackshire from DC at Magnolia to HFC at Conroe Oak Ridge.
Jeryl Brixey from OC at Katy to HFC at Brownwood.
Kevin Brown from OC at Boerne Champion to HFC at Robinson.
Casey Carr from DC at Round Rock to HFC at Rogers.
Jason Cecil former HFC Pflugerville Connally to HFC at Austin High.
Jay’Mond Cleveland from Asst. at Aldine Nimitz to HFC at Goose Creek Memorial.
Jacody Coleman from HFC at Dallas Skyline to HFC at Mansfield Timberview.
Travis Crowley promoted from OC to HFC at Robstown.
Greg Davis from DC at Lake Ridge to HFC at WF Legacy.
Nick De La Cerda promoted from Asst. to AD/HFC at Maypearl.
Mike Dewitt, Jr. from HFC at New Caney to HFC at Saginaw.
Bo Dickinson from OC at Borger to HFC at Muleshoe.
Jamie Dixon from HC at Blanco to HFC at Edna.
Jerry Dominguez promoted from Asst. to HFC at Alpine.
Derrick Douglas from Asst. at JF Kimball to Head Boys Basketball at Lake Worth.
Eric Droddy from Asst. at New Waverly to AD/HFC at Harleton.
Clay Ferguson from DC at Elgin to HFC at Schulenburg.
Jason Fossett from Head Boys Basketball at Belton to Head Boys Basketball at Harker Heights.
Christina Gwyn from Head Softball at Keller to Head Softball at Grapevine.
Jeremy Hickman from HFC at Fort Stockton to HFC at Cy-Woods.
Stephen Hill from Co-OC at Randle to HFC at Fulshear.
Brian Hodnett former HC at Haskell to HFC at Sweetwater.
John Fish from HFC at Dallas Wilson to HFC at Frisco Heritage.
Matthew Garcia from DC at San Antonio Johnson to HFC at San Diego.
Steve Garcia from DC at San Antonio Lanier to HFC at Brackenridge.
Kyle Geller promoted to Asst. AD role after serving as HFC at Burleson Centennial since 2010.
Omar Gonzalez promoted from OC to HFC at PSJA Memorial.
Chip Gregory promoted from DC to HFC at Frisco Liberty.
Kyle Hardin promoted to AD for Crandall ISD.
Creighton Henderson from OC at Wellington to AD/HFC at Haskell.
Stephen Hrncir from Asst. at Calallen to AD/HFC at Port Lavaca.
Damian Judge from OC at Aldine Davis to HFC at Hempstead.
Ty Kuhn from Asst. at Lampasas to HFC at Little River Academy.
Chris Lancaster from HFC at Robinson to AD/HFC at Mart.
Akeem Leviston from OC at Ferris to AD/HFC at WF City View.
Darrell Lewis promoted from DC to HFC at Crandall.
Jason Lewis promoted from OL coach to HFC at Houston Yates.
Jermaine Lewis from Asst. AD to AD/HFC at Gladewater.
Nick Lopez from Asst. at Judson to HFC at Freer.
Bo Maines from Asst. at Azle to HFC at Elysian Fields.
Mike Maldonado from DC at Leander Rouse to HFC at Lockhart.
Tony Manning from HFC at Brackenridge to Asst. AD at Killeen ISD.
Esrom Martinez from Asst. at Waco Midway to HFC at Waco.
Padriac McGinnis from OL/Special Teams at Houston Heights to HFC at Aldine Eisenhower.
Tanner McLean from DC at Comanche to HFC at Christoval.
Colonius McNeal from DC at FB Hightower to HFC at FB Bush.
Ricky Joe Meeks from HFC at Center to HFC at Henderson.
Blake Meyer promoted from DC to HFC at Burleson Centennial.
Preston Meyer promoted from DC to HFC at San Antonio Reagan.
Ken Mizell from DC at Spring to Ath Coord at Willis ISD.
Todd Moebes from HFC at Lockhart to HFC at Huntsville.
Rigo Morales from HFC at Bishop to HFC at Edinburg North.
Michael Mull from HFC at Burbank to DC at San Antonio Johnson.
Curtis Neill from OC at Klein Cain to HFC at Kerrville Tivy.
Randy Palmer from OC at Shiner to HFC at Pleasanton.
Joey Pena from OC at Weslaco to HFC at Edinburg.
Gage Perry promoted to AD-only at Robstown.
Jordon Ricker from DC at Alamo Heights to HFC at San Antonio MacArthur.
Joshua Ritchey from OC at Tascosa to HFC at Electra.
Brett Robbins from Asst. Tennis at Alvin Shadow Creek to Head Tennis at Wimberley.
Ty Robinson from HFC at Woodville to AD/HFC at Crawford.
Kenchee Ross from HFC at Dallas White to HFC at Grand Prairie.
Brett Sawyer promoted from DC to HFC at Boerne.
Zach Skinner from Asst. at Frisco Independence to AD/ HFC at West Hardin.
Allen Singleton from DC at Houston Sam Houston to HFC at Houston Scarborough.
Ryan Smith from OC at ETBU to HFC at Grapevine.
Rodney Southern former HFC at Huntsville to HFC at Copperas Cove.
Ethan Stepp from AD/HFC at Hubbard to HFC at Keene.
Montey Stevenson from DC at Alvarado to HFC at Jacksonville.
Michael Swenson from HFC at Iowa Park to Asst. AD at Weatherford.
Casey Thompson from Asst. at Sweetwater to HFC at Forsan.
Bryan Vardeman from DC at Flower Mound to HFC at Round Rock Cedar Ridge.
Derek Ward from DC at Katy Freeman to HFC at Round Rock Westwood.
Cody Welch from DC at Whitehouse to HFC at Rusk.
David Wilkinson from OC at Boerne to HFC at San Antonio McCollum.
Colin Williams from OC at Austin LBJ to HFC at Del Valle.
Drenard Williams from Asst. at Austin LBJ to HFC at Beaumont United.
Bryan Wood from OC at Wayland Baptist to HFC at Iowa Park.
wit wisdom& COMMITMENT
“It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through”
Zig Ziglar
"There is but one degree of commitment: total.”
Arnie Sherr
SELF-RESPECT
“Opening the door to self-respect is the key to happiness.”
Charles Glassman
“Your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude.”
Michelle Obama
“Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are.”
Malcolm Forbes
"Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”
Vince Lombardi
"Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning and focused effort.”
Paul J. Meyer
“Remember, you have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.”
Louise Hay
OWNERSHIP
" Everything changes for the better when you take ownership of your own problems.”
Robert Ringer
“Responsibility equals accountability equals ownership. And a sense of ownership is the most powerful weapon a team or organization can have.”
Pat Summit
“When you post something, when you text something, you lose ownership of it when you hit enter or send. Who you send it to, where you post it, they take ownership of that information whether you like it or not.”
Mark Cuban
Elevate Your Team Culture
School-Safe Communication, Built for Coaches
Improve day-to-day team communication with a platform built for coaches, not classrooms. sportsYou stores all district communications and can provide messaging history to administrators upon request.
sportsYou is a school-safe platform
Free for schools + built for coaches
sportsYou does not sell individual user data
Districts can access communication history
Your data is encrypted and stored in the US Join
sportsYou is a 100% American-owned company
1. Sign up for sportsYou
2. Create your first team/group
3. Add members
4. Configure team settings
5. Designate admins Set Up Your Teams
Download the sportsYou App to Get Started
JUST JUMP
A CALL TO ACTION FOR COACHES & STUDENT-ATHLETES
By: Mike Trevino Boys Athletic Coordinator/Head Football Coach
Every season, every game, every moment in this profession presents a choice: stand still or jump.
“Just Jump” isn’t just a phrase, it’s a mentality, a standard, a demand for action. It’s about eliminating hesitation, embracing risk, and committing fully to what lies ahead. Whether you’re a coach shaping a program or a student-athlete chasing excellence, success comes to those who refuse to stay grounded in fear or doubt.
THE MOMENT OF DECISION
As coaches, we see it every day, players on the verge of something great but hesitant to take that final step. They hesitate before contact, overthink their technique, or doubt their ability to make the play. They stand at the edge, waiting for the perfect moment that never comes.
- Lytle HS
In reality, the perfect moment is a myth. The best players, the best teams, and the best leaders don’t wait, they JUMP. They embrace the unknown, push past fear, and trust the preparation that got them to this point.
What separates a championship-caliber athlete from an average one? It’s not just talent or genetics. It’s the ability to decide immediately and without hesitation, to step forward when others pause.
COACHES MUST LEAD THE JUMP
“Just Jump” isn’t just about our athletes; it starts with us. We preach toughness, commitment, and resilience, but do we embody it in how we lead?
Do we jump into opportunities that stretch us as leaders? Do we embrace the challenge of culture-
building, of having the tough conversations, of demanding more from our athletes even when it’s uncomfortable? The standard we set as coaches dictates the response of our players. If we hesitate, so will they. If we commit, they’ll follow.
A coach who jumps into leadership, unapologetically and without fear, creates an environment where hesitation dies and courage thrives.
THE CULTURE OF “JUST JUMP”
Great teams don’t happen by accident. They are built on the backs of athletes who refuse to let doubt win. “Just Jump” is about creating a programwide expectation that hesitation is unacceptable.
This is a mindset that must be woven into every aspect of our teams:
• Practice: Instilling urgency in every drill, every rep, every play. Demand players go 100% even when unsure of the outcome.
• Film & Preparation: Teaching athletes to trust what they see and act on it without secondguessing.
• Game Day: Building a team that plays fearless, fast, and free, without waiting for permission to dominate.
• Beyond The Game: Equipping young men & women with the courage to jump into challenges, opportunities, and leadership outside the game.
The best players are the ones who see an opportunity and move, without overthinking, without hesitation, without waiting for a sign.
ELIMINATING HESITATION IN YOUR PROGRAM
The greatest killer of potential isn’t the lack of ability, it’s the hesitation. The player who doesn’t trust their speed, the lineman who waits for the defender to strike first, the coach who avoids holding players accountable, it all leads to the same result: regret.
As coaches, our job is to eliminate hesitation
from our teams. Here’s how:
1. Demand Immediate Action: make “Just Jump” the expectation. Players should react without fear, trust their training, and play with instinct.
2. Praise Boldness Over Perfection: Reward aggression, even when mistakes happen. A player who jumps without fear will develop faster than one who hesitates trying to be perfect.
3. Emphasize Trust Over Doubt: Teach athletes to trust their instincts, their preparation, and their teammates. Doubt is hesitation’s greatest weapon; kill it at the source.
4. Model It As a Staff: Your team will reflect your leadership. If you demand boldness from them, you must live it yourself.
THE CHALLENGE
The question isn’t whether you or your team will face moments of doubt, it’s whether you will jump anyway.
The next time your team faces adversity, the next time a player hesitates before stepping up, the next time you as a coach are faced with a decision that challenges your leadership, choose action. Choose commitment. Choose to JUMP.
Because the ones who do?
They’re the ones who win.
Here are 5 key F’s to help you instill “Just Jump” into every aspect of your life:
1. Face Fear: fear holds us back - from making a big play, taking a leadership role, or pushing through adversity
2. Faith First: whether it’s faith in yourself, your teammates, or the process, sometimes you have to take the leap without knowing the outcome. “Are you willing to sprint when the distance is unknown?”
3. Full Force: not just “one foot” - when you jump, you’re all in!
4. Fail Forward: sometimes, we don’t land perfectly - but we have to get back up and jump again!
5. Fearless Focused: if you wait for the perfect moment, you’ll be waiting forever
JUST JUMP.
2025 THSCA Convention & Coaching School
SAN ANTONIO, TX
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
Planning for the 2025 Coaching School & Convention in San Antonio, and we are excited to host all our Texas coaches! We want to provide you with some details & updates and what to expect for 2025!
what to start planning for now...
» REGISTRATION Please make note of the registration deadlines below to afford our office staff time to get registrations processed before the event.
REGISTRATION DEADLINES/COST:
MARCH 1 - JUNE 1 - $85 PER COACH
JUNE 2 - JULY 1 - $100 PER COACH
ONSITE AT CONVENTION - $115 PER COACH
(Please note convention registration fees are separate from the annual membership fee. Membership fee/renewal is a separate $70 fee.)
Registering a group of coaches with a school payment? You can now find a packet including a Registration Checklist & a Registration Payment Cover Sheet for download on our THSCA website. www.thsca.com/convention
» TRANSFERS & REFUNDS The deadline to request a refund or transfer of payment for a Coaching School registration will be July 1st. If you are paying with a school check and still need to hire a coach, you may send in the registration fee with the rest of your staff and make a note that you would like us to store it in our system as open credit on your school's account until you are able to hire that person.
July 20-22
» THSCA MEETINGS AT COACHING SCHOOL
Regional meetings will be on Monday afternoon, from 3:45-5:00 PM as the final agenda item to finish out the day. The THSCA general meeting will still be held on Tuesday morning at 11:30 AM, and we will vote on the THSCA President-Elect nominees.
» HALL OF HONOR We will celebrate all of our Hall of Honor Class of 2025 Inductees (Don Brooks, Brad Davis, Jeff Traylor, Steve Warren & Rodney Webb), our State Champion coaches, and our esteemed award winners at the Hall of Honor Banquet. This banquet will kick off our Coaching School schedule on Saturday, July 19th at 7:00 PM in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, Stars at Night Ballroom on the third floor. Tickets will be available for purchase in advance only.
» WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE 2025 COACHING SCHOOL REGISTRATION FEE:
► IN-PERSON ACCESS to LIVE Demos, Sport Lectures & Professional Development Lectures
► IN-PERSON ACCESS to Exhibit Show and Sponsored Networking Events
► IN-PERSON ACCESS to THSCA Regional Meetings & General Meeting, including your OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE OR BE NOMINATED in our 2025 THSCA elections.
► IN-PERSON OPTION to print/laminate your THSCA membership card for upcoming year.
► Email Certificate of Participation for Continuing Education Hours to provide to your School. (Only available to those who attend the convention in-person and pick up their packet onsite.)
Booking for the THSCA housing block and updates on hotel availability and parking are only accessible on our website at: www.thsca.com/hotels
Online booking will require a credit card in order to secure the room; however, the card will not be charged until you check-in or 72 hours before arrival. THE DEADLINE FOR BOOKING AT THE DISCOUNTED RATE WILL BE JULY 1ST.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Cancellations made after June 1, 2025, and 72 hours prior to arrival date will be charged a $50.00 cancellation fee per room. Continue to use Orchid.Events for all changes and cancellations through July 1, 2025. After July 1, 2025, cancellations must be directed to your assigned hotel at least 72 hours prior to arrival or a one night’s room and tax charge will be assessed by the hotel.
Please note the following fee is not included in room rates: 1.25% Tourism Public Improvement District (PID) Fee. Room rates and PID fees are subject to 16.75% Hotel Tax per Night. (Subject to change)
Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Regency have additional state cost recovery fees that will be added to the rate. *Additional fees may apply for 3rd or 4th person in room: If a rollaway bed is required.*
Orchid.Events is the ONLY THSCA designated housing provider for the 2025 THSCA Convention & Coaching School. Beware of other companies misrepresenting themselves as affiliated with THSCA.
TENTATIVE OUTLINE OF EVENTS FOR 2025 COACHING SCHOOL AND CONVENTION...
SATURDAY, JULY 19
8:30 AM New Board Member Indoctrination
1:00 PM THSCA Board Meeting
7:00 PM Hall of Honor Banquet
HBGCC Stars at Night Ballroom
SUNDAY, JULY 20
Registration Open
THSCA Office & Help Desk
7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Exhibits Open
THSCA Career Center
10:00 AM FULL LINE-UP OF LECTURES
11:00 AM FULL LINE-UP OF LECTURES
12:00 PM FULL LINE-UP OF LECTURES
1:00 PM FULL LINE-UP OF LECTURES
2:00 PM FULL LINE-UP OF LECTURES
3:00 PM FULL LINE-UP OF LECTURES
4:00 - 5:15 PM - NCAA FBS Div. I Head Football Coaches Panel - Leadership in Women's Coaching Panel - Athletic Trainer's Networking Event
5:30 - 6:30 PM Various Networking Opportunities
7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
MONDAY, JULY 21
Registration Open THSCA Office & Help Desk
Exhibits Open
THSCA Career Center
9:00 AM FULL LINE-UP OF LECTURES
10:00 AM FULL LINE-UP OF LECTURES
11:00 AM FULL LINE-UP OF LECTURES
12:00 PM FULL LINE-UP OF LECTURES 1:00 PM FULL LINE-UP OF LECTURES 2:00 PM FULL LINE-UP OF LECTURES
3:45 - 5:00 PM THSCA REGIONAL MEETINGS
5:15 - 6:15 PM Various Networking Opportunites
7:30 AM - 12:00 PM
TUESDAY, JULY 24
THSCA Office & Help Desk
Exhibits Open
THSCA Career Center
9:00 AM FULL LINE-UP OF LECTURES
10:00 AM FULL LINE-UP OF LECTURES 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM THSCA GENERAL MEETING
THE HEAD PROTECTION LEADER
Largest football equipment manufacturer of helmets and shoulder pads.
Largest reconditioner of football equipment in the world. Market leader in football head protection technology. The industry leader in smart helmet technology.
Riddell is proud to sponsor the Texas High School Coaches Association
WESTWOOD
ABILENE CHRISTIAN
MYTHS OF COACHING COLLEGE
ANDY MCCLAIN
ASSISTANT COACH - UTSA
This past June I took a leap of faith. I had spent the first 14 years of my career at the high school level, working to the positions of strength and conditioning coordinator, special teams coordinator, offensive coordinator, associate head coach, and a head coach of another sport. Through a non-football connection to the GM at UTSA, I was able to visit with several coaches and was offered a position with the staff. I had never planned or really sought to coach at the college level, but felt this was an opportunity I could not pass up. Since first starting in July, I have learned a lot and thought it would be helpful to other coaches who have or maybe have not considered taking a chance at coaching at the college level (or even vice versa). My thoughts are based purely on my time working in the football program at UTSA under a great man, Jeff Traylor, and my experiences are probably different than at other universities or in other sports. That said, the following four “myths” that I believed, and probably many others believe, about college coaching (vs. high school coaching) have been proven wrong in my mind during my time there.
1. Culture Doesn’t Matter
Culture, a clear and consistent belief system that the entire program lives out, is paramount. This requires leadership and committed followers. The head coach sets the culture standards/pillars, the staff all buys in and echoes that culture, and leaders on the team demand their teammates live up to it. I was witness to this as I started my career in a consistently great high school program at Vandegrift and is true at UTSA. Even at the college level where players can come and go more often, a strong culture makes everyone who joins the program (no matter for how long) better enjoy being a part of it and it makes a difference in the critical moments of competition.
2. The Xs and Os are Too Complicated
A great friend of mine describes good scheme in sport as “Checkers not Chess”, and this is true at both levels. Yes, you must have sound teaching strategies, find ways to be unpredictable for your opponents, and constantly seek to learn and grow; but I have seen how simplicity helps athletes perform at their best at both levels. As a college coach, you have a bit more time during the day to dedicate to practice and game planning, but ultimately what your players need to know to execute in competition must be clear and concise. Our best games this season at UTSA were when the players were able to play fast and with confidence. Depending on
the team makeup, as was true this fall for the Roadrunners, getting to that point may take a little more time than in other seasons, but the team will reach their peak if the staff avoids over complicating schematics.
3. Your Family Won’t See You
This was my greatest fear when entering the college level; as my wife and I have three school-age children, and we love where we are in life. What I learned is that priorities, efficiency, and involvement at both levels is what determines how your career will affect your family. It also means at both levels it is vitally important that you understand the philosophy and schedule your superior believes in. Ensure the program you are a part of is led by people who encourage families in and around the athletic facilities, who build events into the year where spouses and children are celebrated and get to be a part of what you are doing, and who are efficient with meetings and work time each week to allow the staff to be home and with their families. It is up to you to determine this before taking a position, make sure your spouse and children have a clear understanding of the situation you are stepping into, and then do your part in prioritizing your family with how you approach your job.
4. Relationships Don’t Mean Much
The thought that player-coach relationships in college sports are completely transactional, instead of transformational, is simply not true, at least in good programs. No matter the age of the athlete, they are seeking coaches who care for them and that they can count on to help them reach their potential. I have known coaches at both levels who are absolutely amazing at building positive relationships with and amongst their players. This does take time, but those coaches who are willing to invest in their players off the field can build these relationships quickly, even at the cutthroat Division 1 level. The actions and results on the field are a reflection of these great personal connections as all involved give everything they have for others. Personally, I have a great appreciation for both my high school and college coaches and how they poured into my life. As I’m sure is true for you, I gave more on the field, court, and track because I believed in the relationships I had with my coaches and teammates.
In conclusion, these four “myths” I addressed are what I had heard and believed as a high school coach. It is true; there are some significant differences (both positive and negative) between college and high school coaching (recruiting, no classroom teaching responsibilities, lower paying bottom positions, higher paying upper positions, etc.), and I would gladly talk to anyone interested about those; but in this article, I wanted to encourage both high school and college coaches that they can confidently pursue a career that allows them to positively impact young people at either level of sport. If you are considering what level to coach at, I challenge you to focus on your faith, be willing to build relationships with wise coaches at all levels and in all sports, and trust you will be called exactly where you are meant to be.
ARE YOU?
ALL-IN-ONE
• Lightest, best-fitting All-in-One headset
• No setup required & easy to use
• No cord!
• No basestation
• Superior sound quality with intelligent noise cancellation
• Up to six customizable channels with unlimited users
• Durable weather-resistant construction
• Mix-and-match All-In-One with traditional Cobalt PLUS beltpacks and player receivers
• Revolutionary drop-in wireless headset charger available
WIRELESS HEADSET
Amplifying Coaches’ Voices and Shaping the Future of Texas High School Athletics
THSCA advisory committees
THSCA is committed to representing and advocating for its members across the state. One of the most powerful ways it does this is through its Advisory Committees—an essential group of coach representatives who serve as the voice of their sport and region. These committees play a key role in guiding policies, influencing rule changes, and ensuring that the concerns and insights of Texas coaches are heard by both the THSCA Board of Directors and the University Interscholastic League (UIL).
As part of THSCA’s first pillar: Representation, Advisory Committees embody the association’s dedication to giving coaches a voice at the decisionmaking table. Through these committees, coaches have a direct line to advocate for their sport and influence the policies that impact high school athletics.
What is an Advisory Committee?
An Advisory Committee is made up of dedicated coaches who are passionate about their sport and eager to contribute to its growth and success. While these committees do not have fiscal oversight or executive authority, they have a significant impact by helping the THSCA implement its goals and objectives. Their role is to advocate for the association, represent the interests of their fellow coaches, and foster communication between the THSCA leadership and members.
Each committee is composed of elected regional representatives, with an at-large committee member appointed by the THSCA President. All committee members must be head coaches in their respective sport and serve a three-year term.
The president also appoints a Chairman for each committee, who serves as the spokesperson for their sport’s delegation. The chairman is responsible for keeping detailed records of all meetings and submitting them to the THSCA for reference.
Advisory Committee Responsibilities & Expectations
Committee members have a unique opportunity to influence UIL rules and policies that affect their sport directly. Their responsibilities include:
• Serving as an ambassador: Committee members represent their sport in their region, bringing forward the concerns, ideas, and needs of local coaches to the THSCA leadership.
• Selecting Super-Elite Teams (SET): Members collaborate with the SET committee in their sport/region to finalize the selection of Texas’ most outstanding high school athletes.
• Attending key events: Members are expected to participate in the THSCA Coaching School, Regional Meetings, and the State Tournament/ Meet for their sport, where they will attend
advisory committee meetings with THSCA staff, UIL representatives, and officials organizations.
• Contributing to the THSCA magazine: Each year, committee members submit an article covering their sport, providing valuable insights, updates, and perspectives for THSCA members.
• Acting as a liaison: Committee members share THSCA news, initiatives, and updates with their region’s coaches, ensuring open and effective communication.
Advisory Committee Selection Process
Becoming part of a THSCA Advisory Committee is an opportunity for coaches to actively influence the direction of high school athletics. Here’s how the selection process works:
1. Nomination Phase (February): During the THSCA Regional Meetings, coaches can nominate individuals for advisory committee positions. Nominees do not have to be present at the meeting to be considered.
2. Nominee Announcement: THSCA compiles all nominations and announces the candidates.
3. Voting (Post-Spring Break): An electronic ballot is posted on the THSCA Member Portal, where members can vote for their preferred nominees. Each member coach receives one vote per sport.
4. Finalists Announced (April): The top three votegetters for each sport’s committee advance as finalists.
5. Final Election (July Coaching School): During the Regional Meeting at the THSCA Coaching
School, the three finalists are voted on by the attending coaches. Finalist must be present at the Regional Meeting held during Coaching School in order to qualify for the position. The candidate with the most votes wins the committee seat.
Why Advisory Committees Matter
THSCA Advisory Committees are more than just representatives—they are advocates, problem solvers, and catalysts for meaningful change. Their collaboration with the THSCA Board of Directors, Executive Staff, and UIL ensures that the voices of Texas high school coaches are heard where it matters most.
By participating in Advisory Committees, coaches have the opportunity to shape the future of their sport, improve the coaching experience, and ultimately, enhance the athletic opportunities for Texas student-athletes.
If you’re passionate about your sport and committed to making a difference, consider getting involved with a THSCA Advisory Committee. Your voice matters—and through these committees, it can help shape the future of high school athletics in Texas.
2025 Advisory Elections:
Below are the finalists for each committee that will be voted on at Coaching School this July:
* Those listed in GOLD, are the only nominee for that committee, and will be considered the automatic selection to serve.
Region 1
AQUATICS
Ron Lee - Amarillo HS
Michelle Matticks - LubbockCooper HS
Dakota Tefertiller - Lubbock HS
ATHLETIC DIRECTORS
Max Kattwinkel - LubbockCooper ISD
Mike Meeks - Lubbock ISD
John Peterson - Canyon ISD
BASEBALL
Jed Anderson - Canyon HS
Matthew Ingle - Olton HS
Chad Reynolds - Frenship HS
BASKETBALL (BOYS)
Parker Hicks - Liberty HS
Drew Thompson - Abernathy HS
Tony Wagner - Estacado HS
BASKETBALL (GIRLS)
Tate Lombard - Canyon HS
Kurt Richardson - Shallowater HS
Jeff Williams - Amarillo HS
CROSS COUNTRY (BOYS)
Wes Kirton - Canyon HS
Jonathan Lira - Plains HS
Jarrod Thomas - Littlefield HS
CROSS COUNTRY (GIRLS)
Sarah Blakely - Lubbock-Cooper HS
Luke Buckner - Shallowater HS
Stephanie Vogel - Dalhart HS
Region 2
FOOTBALL
Kyle Atwood - Holliday HS
Marc Bindel - WF Memorial HS
Hector Guevara - Lake View HS
GOLF (BOYS)
Cal Arrott - San Angelo Central HS
Mitch Aston - Abilene Cooper HS
GOLF (GIRLS)
Cal Arrott - San Angelo Central HS
Justin Jarrett - Abilene Wylie HS
SOCCER (BOYS)
Tony Vu - San Angelo Central HS
Steve Withrow - Sweetwater HS
SOCCER (GIRLS)
Alexis Walker - Brownwood HS
Ben Henry - Cleburne HS
Jacqueline Oglesby - Abilene HS
SOFTBALL
Kaegan Jimenez - Abilene Cooper HS
Chase Cleland - Stephenville HS
Jenna Aguirre - Abilene HS
Region 3
AQUATICS
Stephanie Bernier - Mesquite ISD
ATHLETIC DIRECTORS
Chris Burtch - Frisco ISD
Josh Finney - Winnsboro ISD
Jeff Smith - Prosper ISD
BASEBALL
Cody Cobbs - Terrell HS
Bobby Johnson - Mans. Timberview HS
Mike Smith - Mans. Lake Ridge HS
BASKETBALL (BOYS)
Clark Cippoletta - Allen HS
Keith Connor - Frisco Lone Star HS
Matt McLaughlin - Kaufman HS
BASKETBALL (GIRLS)
Monesha Allen - Denton Ryan HS
Robert Cochran - Winnsboro HS
Carla Denning - Princeton HS
CROSS COUNTRY (BOYS)
Jon Cockroft - Allen HS
Justin Leonard - Southlake Carroll HS
Landon Wren - Coppell HS
CROSS COUNTRY (GIRLS)
Danielle Aubrey - Texarkana Texas HS
Zach Morgan - Prosper Rock Hill HS
Region 4
FOOTBALL
Brian Gibson - Wink HS
Tom Harvey - Andrews HS
Thad Fortune - Midland HS
GOLF (BOYS)
Erick Hernandez - Wink HS
Paul Hartman - Crane HS
Jeff Williamson - Andrews HS
GOLF (GIRLS)
Erick Hernandez - Wink HS
Shelbye Hill - Odessa HS
Mark Burgen - Andrews HS
SOCCER (BOYS)
David Renfro - Andrews HS
SOCCER (GIRLS)
Alejandro Arreola - Pecos HS
SOFTBALL
Kyra Lair - Wink HS
Robert Mills - McCamey HS
Carol Vaughn - Andrews HS
Region 5
AQUATICS
Jordan Beck - Seven Lakes HS
Lauren Neal - Clements HS
Kate Sweeso - Katy Tompkins HS
ATHLETIC DIRECTORS
Jason Brittain - Angleton ISD
Lance Carter - Katy ISD
Jana Williams - Humble ISD
BASEBALL
Jacob Hooker - El Campo HS
Eric Matthews - Atascocita HS
Brett Wallace - Cinco Ranch HS
BASKETBALL (BOYS)
Brian Henry - George Ranch HS
Shannon Heston - Seven Lakes HS
David Montano - Stafford HS
BASKETBALL (GIRLS)
Blair Ary - Katy Taylor HS
Shiakiea Carter - Grand Oaks HS
Christy Westbrooks - Randle HS
CROSS COUNTRY (BOYS)
Kris Gilmore - Huffman Hargrave HS
Daniel Perez - Lamar Consolidated HS
Wes Woodruff - FB Travis HS
CROSS COUNTRY (GIRLS)
Brandi Cross - FB Marshall HS
Joshua Hill - Cy-Fair HS
Russell Wichmann - Hous. Memorial HS
Region 6
FOOTBALL
Doug Wendell - Midlothian HS
Jeff Riordan - Chapel Hill HS
Sam Wells - Troup HS
GOLF (BOYS)
Michael Palmer - Longview HS
SOCCER (BOYS)
Hector Peralez - Kilgore HS
James Wright - Longview HS
SOCCER (GIRLS)
Daniel Garcia - Kilgore HS
Andrew Procell - Corsicana HS
SOFTBALL
Kayla Whatley - Hallsville HS
Region 7
AQUATICS
Arnold Perez - Sharyland Pioneer HS
ATHLETIC DIRECTORS
Ron Adame - Sharyland ISD
Jerod Fikac - Cuero ISD
Michael Troutman - Sinton ISD
BASEBALL
Adrian Alaniz - Sinton HS
Rusty Miller - Robstown HS
Richard Vasquez - AC Jones HS
BASKETBALL (BOYS)
Brandon Bourg - Flour Bluff HS
Omar Garcia - Sinton HS
Arnold Maldonado - Odem HS
BASKETBALL (GIRLS)
April Lopez - Mathis HS
Sherry Luna - Bishop HS
Ashley McHugh - Sinton HS
CROSS COUNTRY (BOYS)
Rosa Oliva - Mathis HS
CROSS COUNTRY (GIRLS)
Josephine Guzman - Sinton HS
Region 8
FOOTBALL
Joshua Mann - Leander Rouse HS
Brad Molder - New Braunfels HS
Kent Walker - Liberty Hill HS
GOLF (BOYS)
Adam Alviar - SA Madison HS
David Caldwell - Highlands HS
Michael Rome - Westlake HS
GOLF (GIRLS)
Rusty Aki - SA Reagan HS
Alicia Ramon - Buda Hays HS
SOCCER (BOYS)
Miguel Pizarro - Judson HS
James Wooten - Taylor HS
SOCCER (GIRLS)
James Baker - Buda Hays HS
SOFTBALL
Amanda Balthun - NB Long Creek HS
Katy Snell - Buda Johnson HS
Maggie Wellham - East Central HS
Reliable In-Game Video Replay
• Analyze plays in the coaches’ booth
• Use our favorites and data to optimize your halftime strategy
• Videos are stored locally on iPads, allowing you to easily watch in the locker room and on the bus ride home
“SkyCoach allows our staff to see what is happening in between series and make needed in-game adjustments on the fly.”
- Ian Nichols, Mill Valley Assistant Coach
Struggling with your current replay system?
It’s NOT too late to sign up with SkyCoach!
LIGHT GLADIATOR ATK | Used in 28 of 32 NFL locker rooms and trusted by elite players across the league.
NFLPA-NFL “Recommended Helmet”| Achieving the highest safety rating category for the 2024-25 season.
Ranked Among the Best | #2 all-purpose helmet, #3 overall by Virginia Tech, and up to 40% lighter than competitors at just 3.5 lbs.
LIGHT
LIFE WILL SNEAK UP ON YOU BE PREPARED FOR THE UNEXPECTED
By Allen Gratts
As a head coach, are you ready for all of the challenges that could face you and your team? Have you prepared them for the unexpected? Have you prepared your coaches? I’ve been in the coaching profession for 35 years, 27 years as a head coach, and I first thought about this eight years ago when I missed a regular season game with the flu. Was everything in place? The answer was NO. Even though we won, I knew I had to do better to prepare my team for any unexpected event.
On February 14, 2025 - Valentine’s Day, the unexpected came my way. Getting ready for our 1st round Bi-District playoff game, I got a call from my doctor during practice that I ignored. That night, I finally checked the message. It said, “Report immediately to the emergency room!” Come to find out, I had a 3rd degree heart blockage. Even after talking to my cardiologist about the severity of the diagnosis, all I could think about was coaching my team. It’s playoff time! We will play in three days. I must be there! Well, no I wouldn’t.
Every year you should do “drop the dummy.” Every player from every team should have an assignment just in case someone goes down during practice. From calling 911 and getting the AED to directing the ambulance to the correct door, every trainer should put your team through this drill every year. Don’t be the dummy!
Are your coaches prepared? As a head coach, have you prepared your assistants to take over? The head coach must set the standard that whatever your assistant says has the same meaning as if it would have come from the head coach. Players need to know that your assistant has the power to put you out of practice, suspend you for a game, and can enforce any necessary discipline at any time. For your assistant to have that kind of power, both you and your assistants must be on the same page. That only comes with constant conversations and trust. For this to happen, these three things are a must:
1. Relationship: If your assistant does not have a relationship with your athletes, then there are going to be issues. In many cases, the assistant has a stronger relationship with the players than the head coach. Often, the players will discuss a situation with the assistant coach before approaching the head coach. This is a good thing. It shows trust in your assistant coach.
2. Organization: At most schools, the first assistant is the JV coach. If he is not organized as a JV coach, your players are not going to expect him to be organized stepping into the head coaches roll. Practice should not change. It should have the same flow and pace as if the head coach was
boys head basketball coach - arlington bowie high school - thsca board member
there. It also falls upon the head coach to observe sub-varsity practices to see if those practices are run efficiently. One way to build a cohesive and organized program is to have the assistant coach plan out and run a varsity practice. Afterwards, discuss what went well and how to improve.
As an assistant coach, he/she must have responsibilities during the season to take charge (inbound plays, presses, substitutions, conditioning). Keeping your assistants engaged makes for a better practice. Be willing to let them do anything you feel comfortable giving up. Do not expect your coach to be great at something if not given the opportunity to do it.
3. Discipline: The assistant coach has most likely had some varsity player on a JV or freshmen team. As sub-varsity coaches, athletes are already accustomed to their coaching and discipline style. If there was no discipline then, there will be no discipline when another coach takes over. Discipline is not inherited; it must be taught. And it must be consistent.
Your assistant must show discipline when players are not doing what is expected. If your assistant is responsible for a 2-2-1 press, they should be the one to discipline the players during that time, not the head coach.
If you have these three things, things will go well in the absence of the head coach. If your assistant is not capable of fulfilling these things, it is up to you, as the head coach, to train them or find someone that can step into your position when needed. Missing any games as a head coach is tough. If you coach long enough, it’s going to happen and, when it does, you need to have someone in place that will have the attention of your players and can maintain the flow of the program.
AT&T Stadium - Arlington, TX - March 2-3, 2025 Thank
to our program sponsors & collaborators:
MEET OUR NEW MENTORING TEAMS
Josh adkins boerne champion HS KEvin STarnes college station isd
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
Sabrie Barnes Jersey Village HS
Jessica Gaines spring isd
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
Kristina battle alvin HS
rochelle vaughn memorial hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
Janae Bouston brownfield HS kenni patton electra HS
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
felicia boyefio seagoville hs
carlesa dixon humble isd
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
malik boynton arling. sam houston hs marvin sedberry terrell hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
Ben Brockman Wink HS Russell lucas sweetwater hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
David Burrell Wheatley hs
Allen Gratts arling. Bowie hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
Alexia bustamante O'connor hs
delma bernal corpus chrisTI isd
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
adrian bustillos muleshoe hs angel pantoja floydada hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
brookelyn casper abilene cooper hs tracie robbins byron nelson hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
t.J. Cole Pleasant Grove HS
Ervin Chandler princeton hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
Nicholas finger Brennan hs joshua mann leander rouse hs R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
rowdy goff alvarado HS
clint fuller kilgore hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
Matthew gomez leander isd - canyon ridge ms
joe frank martinez travis hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
bernard goodwater coronado hs eric ward estacado hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
tyler hall eagle mountain hs
laban delay south grand prairie hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
cameron hatfield buda johnson hs
chuck griffin georgetown hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
Connor heath dickinson hs andrew shanle cypress ridge hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
illiana knowles abilene isd - madison ms
kelly lozada monterey hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
mikal laricci ridge point hs
kevin flanigan tomball isd
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
cire luster brazosport hs
bobby darnell clements hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
marissa martinez harlingen hs - south
melanie hinson southwest isd
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
lisa mihelich arling. lamar hs
peggy randolph saginaw hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
zachary nava slaton hs juan cavazos windthorst hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
deandre neroes emerson hs derick roberson duncanville hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
skyler neu stephen f. austin hs
rick lafavers ridge point hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
dyana offutt midway hs jessica linson wylie hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
analise perez holmes hs cynthia hernandez burges hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
estrella porras monahans hs ariana bermea-mendoza alexander hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
Jacob Ramos san antonio reagan hs rene ortega south san antonio hs
MENTEE MENTOR
justin ruiz odem hs
juan morales sotomayor hs
MENTEE MENTOR
nathan sanchez mcAllen memorial hs jerry carpentier odem hs R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
hannah sargent walnut grove hs heather woodman arling. lamar hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
nicole shedd davenport hs
dr. chivonne kiser denton isd
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
mack sillemon WF legacy hs
c.j. villegas brady isd
MENTEE MENTOR
stan simms el paso isd - mcarthur ms blake sandford brownwood hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
diego soriano-estrada denton isd - stickland ms
chris fisher plano hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
joan torres la vega hs
oscar villasenor united hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
liz twiss college station isd - wellborn ms
dena scott fort bend isd
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
morgan vance longview isd - judson ms
jamie johnson desoto hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
jodie vaughn andrews hs
jenna aguirre abilene hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
destiny vega corpus christi king hs karen ramirez university hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
jayson vigne randle hs
oji fagan cypress springs hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
hunter walling mckinney hs
john king longview hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
brylee winfrey frenship hs jolee luce lubbock isd
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
skyler womack crandall hs audra troutman sinton hs
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
xander yarberough sotomayor hs
odis jones Austin Isd
R.O.C.K. MENTEE MENTOR
The future of flag f tba INCLUDES the GIRLS!
Complete the Da as Cowboys HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL SURVEY and be entered to win $5,000 in Oakley eyewear for your team or sch l! Scan the QR code to complete and enter!
As the popularity of high school girls flag football grows in the United States, the Dallas Cowboys are working with school communities across Texas to provide girls an opportunity to use the game of flag football as a fun and exciting way to be healthy, to learn values taught through sport, and potentially further their education with scholarships to collegiate intitutions now playing flag football at a higher level. For more information or to discuss partnering with the Dallas Cowboys on this effort, contact YouthFootball@DallasCowboys.net.
Package Value Provides 25 Units of Oakley Eyewear
Happy Spring Ladies!
Spring is here and we all know what that means…the race to summer is on and will be here before we know it. I would like to congratulate all the 2025 Basketball State Champions and wish good luck to all those spring sports’ teams that are already in progress!
This year we will be back on the San Antonio Riverwalk July 20-22. I hope you will consider joining us, whether this will be your first THSCWA convention or you have been participating every year. We encourage you to get involved so you can get the most out of your association. Here are some ways you can help:
1. We are still seeking sponsorships as a 501(c)(3) organization. If you know anyone that might be interested, please have them visit our website or contact me at txcoacheswives@gmail.com. We have sponsorship levels ranging from $200-$5000!
2. We need each region to bring at least ONE Auction basket. Your regional director should be contacting you OR you can contact her. Her name is listed below and you can ask me for contact information.
3. We LOVE door prizes! The more, the better. We all love winning fabulous door prizes! Bring as many as your heart desires.
4. Bring your staff wives! Encourage your fellow wives to join you at coaching school. The more we have, the bigger the community we can build, and the stronger your coaching family ties can grow.
5. Join THSCWA if you haven’t already. We will begin new memberships in July, so there is still time to join this year and help contribute to the scholarships we will be presenting at our State Meeting during Coaching School.
6. Encourage your coaches’ children who are High School seniors to apply for our THSCWA scholarships; the application form and instructions can be found on our facebook page and on our website. The deadline for submission is April 30, 2025.
7. Nominate a deserving coach’s wife for Woman of the Year! We will be surprising the winner at our State Meeting as well. Forms to nominate her also on our website and must be submitted by May 1, 2025.
If you have any questions about anything THSCWA related, any of our events, or you would like to volunteer your time at coaching school, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to seeing all of you in San Antonio at the Grand Hyatt on July 20th.
Wishing you a great spring season!
Justine Palmer, THSCWA President txcoacheswives@gmail.com
THSCWA OFFICERS: 2023-2024
PRESIDENT: misty houston
PRESIDENT ELECT : justine palmer
SECRETARY: daisy greek
TREASURER: cynthia griffing
PAST PRESIDENT: shelby b. shelby
DIRECTORS
REG 1: clara simmons
REG 2: JESSICA ATWoOD
REG 3: KRISTEN HAYWOOD
REG 4: angie torres
REG 5: erin smith
REG 6: LYNDSEY RATLIFF
REG 7: rita romero
REG 8: AMANDA AGUIRRE
ASSISTANT DIRECTORS:
REG 1: autumn softley
REG 2: victoria dugeon
REG 3: valerie harris
REG 4: GENTRY STAUGH
REG 5: courtney reeve & leigh montgomery
REG 6:
REG 7: Alisa masters
REG 8: Hilary moore
“
THE HIGH PRICE OF GREATNESS
BY JACOB THOMPSON LEANDER ROUSE H. S. - HEAD VOLLEYBALL COACH
The High Price of Greatness: How the Elite Sports Culture Across All Disciplines Drives Injury Rates and Psychological Strain in High School Athletes and Challenges
High School Coaches to Redefine Training Strategies”
High school volleyball: A sport traditionally celebrated for its athleticism, teamwork, and strategic depth is being adversely affected by a relentless pursuit of elite status that is fueled by the pressures of specialized club programs and college recruitment. Our young athletes are being deceived and pressured to sacrifice their long-term physical health in the name of ambition. This culture and increased injury incidence then forces the high school coaches to scramble to adjust their practices, offseason structures and schedules for the safety of the athlete.
You could simply remove the word “volleyball” from this article and substitute it with any sport played at the high school level. I say this from personal experience, as I also work as a college recruiting director for a major select organization. I’m not suggesting that club and select sports should be eliminated entirely—they’re a necessary evil, no doubt—but I am firmly asserting that the system needs restructuring. Even football, which once lacked a select organization, is now overwhelmed by the rise of 7-on-7. When will we finally prioritize the athletes’ best interests? It’s obvious that select organizations won’t take the lead on this, since doing so would cut into their profits.
The Culture Exploitation of Young Athletes:
Over the last decade there has been an explosion of year-round, often exorbitantly priced club programs. USA Volleyball (USAV) has experienced consistent revenue growth with a notable increase from $27.6 million in 2014 to $42.7 million in 2023. This growth can be attributed to factors such as increased participation, sponsorships, and successful events. These programs create significant financial commitments from families while simultaneously pushing young athletes into a strenuous hyper-focused environment. Players face relentless training schedules and a constant barrage of tournaments, leaving virtually no time for the crucial rest and recovery necessary for healthy body maintenance, growth, and adolescent development. The pressure to excel in these profit-driven clubs is immense, far exceeding the demands of competitive high school programs. While the focus of the high school program typically centers on both the physical and emotional development of the athlete, club programs are frequently incentivized by the prestige of winning teams and face competing for the same revenue, personnel, and athletes. This can lead to a “win at all cost mentality” and causes clubs to use the allure of college scholarships and winning to overload a players’ training volume, which neglects their physical well-being with insufficient rest and recovery while maximizing the clubs' own success. This shifts focus from the athlete’s long-term health and development to short-term
gains for the club and club coaches. Unfortunately, this then leaves the high school coaches in the difficult position of countering the whirlwind of year-round competition with their own program culture. While club programs and schedules relentlessly push athletes, high school coaches are often then solely responsible to provide crucial breaks and allow for recovery, attempting to mitigate the damage caused by the club system’s overemphasis on volume and short-term gains.
Over the past decade, club volleyball has seen a dramatic increase in training demands. Teams are now holding more practices per week, for longer durations, and incorporate “optional” sessions and extra workouts before or after regular practices. This “keeping up with the Joneses” mentality, combined with high school training schedules, creates a spiraling effect on athletes. What was once a standard of two 2-hour practices per week in club volleyball has, in some areas, escalated to three 2-hour practices and even a single 3-hour session. The driving force behind this escalation is tied to the fear of losing athletes to other clubs with more intensive training programs.
The Physical Demands and Vulnerability of Young Athletes in Volleyball: The repetitive jumping, spiking, serving, and quick directional changes required in volleyball can place an immense stress on athletes’ still growing joints and muscular systems. Because they are still growing and developing, they are more vulnerable to injury from the high volume and cumulative impact of repetitive stressors. Without adequate recovery time between demands (both for activity and growing), the athletes’ susceptibility to injury increases. The importance of recovery time is frequently overlooked in club environments when it comes to driving athletic success, occasionally leading to devastating outcomes. High school coaches must balance the desire for competitive off-seasons with the athletes’ best interests, tailoring expectations to protect their developing bodies.
Common Injuries in High School Volleyball Associated with Overtraining: With the demand that growth and volleyball put on the body, coupled with increases in volume and less and less down or recovery time, can lead to numerous injuries such as the following.
Patellar Tendinitis/Achilles Tendonitis/Plantar Fasciitis: These tendons become inflamed with growth spurts, and the repetitive jumping and landing exacerbates this inflammation. Lack of recovery time leads to maladaptation and injury.
Osgood-Schlatter Disease: An inflammation of the tibial tuberosity where the patellar tendon attaches to the lower leg, becomes inflamed as tension leads to a bony growth at the attachment sight. This condition is particularly prevalent in adolescents experiencing rapid growth spurts and exacerbated by the repetitive jumping demanded in volleyball
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears: While traditionally associated with contact, fatiguing stabilizing muscles (glutes, hamstring, quad), and the need for repeated stabilization with jumping increase the risk of non-contact ACL injury.
Rotator Cuff Strain and Tear: Repetitive overhead motions, coupled with fatiguing of scapular stabilizing muscles involved in spiking and serving, can lead to inflammation and tears in the rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder.
Subacromial Pain Syndrome: Commonly called “Impingement”, there are multiple forms of this injury. In volleyball it is common to see when the scap stabilizers are weakened or fatigued and pecs are tight. This throws off how the joint rotates and can pinch down on the rotator cuff (fraying it) and inflame the bursa in the shoulder. Remaining untreated or ignored with a “push through” mentality, can lead to rotator cuff tears.
Stress Fractures: Repetitive motions without allowing recovery time for the body to adapt to the demand can lead to weakening and thinning in bones, particularly in the feet and shins but is also being seen in the low back and vertebrae.
Spinal Injuries: As the body fatigues, good form will suffer. This coupled with repetitive impacts and spinal twisting can lead to herniated discs or pars fractures.
High school coaches statewide have had to rethink their off-season training strategies. They are now incorporating more rest periods to balance athletes’ training loads. This change has significantly impacted team dynamics. Increasingly, teams seem to struggle with selfishness and a lack of team culture. Off-season training, once a crucial time for team bonding, now requires coaches to find innovative ways to foster camaraderie and reduce self-centeredness.
The Psychological Toll: The relentless pressure to perform, coupled with the risk of injury, can have significant psychological consequences for young athletes. Fear of injury, the pressure to maintain a high level of play, and the intense competition can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout. The dedication, requiring hours of training and travel, can negatively impact academic performance and social relationships. The constant pressure to succeed can overshadow the enjoyment of the sport itself, transforming a passion into a source of stress and anxiety.
The Role of Coaches and Parents: Coaches and parents play a critical role in mitigating the risk of overuse injuries. By the time a female volleyball player finishes her sophomore year of high school, she will likely have already competed in more matches than she will during her entire four-year college career. Coaches should prioritize proper training techniques, emphasize adequate rest and recovery, and encourage a balanced approach to athletic development. They must be educated about the risks of overuse and understand the limitations of adolescent athletes. Parents should prioritize their child’s well-being over the pursuit of athletic accolades. They need to encourage open communication about pain and discomfort, advocate for appropriate rest and recovery, and support their child’s overall well-being beyond the volleyball court.
The Need for Systemic Change: Solving the overuse injury problem in high school volleyball requires a fundamental shift in the elite sports culture. The disparity between the high school and club seasons is a prime example of the issue. With a 16-week high school season and a 32-week club season, it’s difficult to justify why club volleyball needs to occupy twice as much of the year. This includes: Promoting a Balanced Approach to Training: Emphasis should be placed on quality over quantity, incorporating rest and recovery into training programs.
Implementing Age-Appropriate Training Guidelines: Training programs should be tailored to the developmental stage of the athlete, considering the vulnerabilities of the adolescent musculoskeletal system.
Example 1: Early Adolescence (Ages 11-14, Pre-Peak Height Velocity)
Developmental Stage: Pre-growth spurt, with developing coordination, limited strength, and vulnerable growth plates.
Training Program:
● Skill Development:
○ Focus: Fundamental techniques like passing, serving, and setting with controlled, low-impact drills.
○ Example Drill: Partner passing (10-15 reps) focusing on proper forearm platform and footwork to build coordination without excessive strain.
○ Modification: Use lighter volleyballs (e.g., Volley Lite balls) to reduce shoulder and wrist stress during serving practice.
● Strength Training:
○ Focus: Build foundational strength and stability using bodyweight exercises to protect joints.
○ Example Exercise: Bodyweight squats (3 sets of 12 reps) to strengthen quads and glutes for basic movement patterns.
○ Example Core Work: Plank holds (3 sets of 20-30 seconds) to stabilize the spine without overloading it.
● Injury Prevention Consideration: Avoid repetitive jumping or heavy loads to protect growth plates in the knees and ankles.
○ Example Adjustment: Replace jump serves with standing float serves to minimize impact.
Rationale: Skills focus on technique and coordination, while strength builds a base without risking overuse injuries like Osgood-Schlatter disease (knee growth plate irritation).
Example 2: Mid-Adolescence (Ages 14-16, During Peak Height Velocity)
Developmental Stage: Growth spurt phase, with rapid bone lengthening, muscle tightness, and increased injury risk due to imbalances. Training Program:
● Skill Development:
○ Focus: Refine volleyball-specific movements (e.g., approach for spiking, defensive shuffles) with emphasis on mechanics.
○ Example Drill: Approach and arm swing practice (10 reps per side) using a wall or low net to perfect timing and reduce landing stress.
○ Modification: Limit jump attempts to 20-30 per session, focusing on form rather than power.
● Strength Training:
○ Focus: Introduce light resistance to address muscle imbalances and improve stability for volleyball actions.
○ Example Exercise: Resistance band lateral walks (3 sets of 10 steps each direction) to strengthen
hips for lateral movement.
○ Example Plyometric: Controlled squat jumps (2 sets of 8 reps) with emphasis on soft landings to build power safely.
● Flexibility Component: Add stretching to counter tightness from growth.
○ Example Routine: Hamstring and quad stretches (20-30 seconds each, post-practice) to maintain range of motion.
Rationale: Skills progress to sport-specific actions, while strength training supports growing muscles and joints, minimizing risks like patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee) from rapid growth.
Example 3: Late Adolescence (Ages 16-19, Post-Peak Height Velocity)
Developmental Stage: Growth plates mostly closed, with greater muscle mass and strength capacity, though overuse injuries remain a concern.
Training Program:
● Skill Development:
○ Focus: Advanced techniques like jump serving, blocking, and explosive spiking with full gamelike intensity.
○ Example Drill: Jump serve practice (15-20 serves) targeting specific zones, integrating power and accuracy.
○ Example Team Drill: 3-on-3 block and dig scenarios (10 minutes) to simulate match conditions and refine timing.
● Strength Training:
○ Focus: Build power and endurance with moderate weights and sport-specific plyometrics.
○ Example Exercise: Barbell squats (3 sets of 8 reps at 60-70% 1RM) to enhance jumping ability for blocking and spiking.
○ Example Plyometric: Depth jumps (3 sets of 6 reps) from a 12-inch box to train explosive takeoffs and landings.
● Injury Mitigation: Strengthen supporting muscles to handle volleyball’s demands.
○ Example Routine: Rotator cuff exercises with light dumbbells (3 sets of 12 reps) to protect shoulders from spiking strain.
Rationale: Skills and strength training ramp up to match the physical maturity of the athlete, focusing on performance while preventing overuse injuries like shoulder impingement or stress fractures.
Key Considerations Across Stages:
● Skill-Strength Integration: Pair skill drills with complementary strength exercises (e.g., passing drills with lateral band walks to reinforce hip stability).
● Volume Control: Limit high-impact reps (e.g., jumps or serves) based on stage—20-30 for early, 30-50 for mid, 50-75 for late adolescence—to avoid overloading the musculoskeletal system.
● Monitoring Growth: Adjust programs based on individual growth markers (e.g., height changes, flexibility loss) rather than age alone.
● Recovery Emphasis: Include rest days and sleep (8-10 hours) to support bone and muscle repair, especially during growth spurts.
Reducing the Number of Games and Tournaments: Reducing the number of matches and tournaments played throughout the year can significantly lower the risk of overuse injuries. Beyond simply decreasing the volume of competition, USAV and clubs nationwide should reconsider the duration of the club season. It’s difficult to understand why anyone believes it’s beneficial for athletes to compete 46 out of 52 weeks a year.
Educating Coaches and Parents: Education programs should be implemented to raise awareness about the risks of overuse injuries and promote best practices in training and injury prevention.
Encouraging Open Communication: Open communication between athletes, coaches, and parents is crucial for identifying and addressing potential problems early on.
Prioritizing Player Well-being: A shift in focus from winning at all costs to prioritizing the long-term health and well-being of young athletes is essential.
The issue of overuse injuries in high school volleyball is a complex problem with serious consequences. The relentless pressure to achieve athletic excellence, fueled by a hyper-competitive environment and the pursuit of college scholarships, is placing young athletes at significant risk. Addressing this crisis requires a collective effort from coaches, parents, athletic organizations, and medical professionals. By promoting a balanced approach to training, emphasizing adequate rest and recovery, and prioritizing the long-term well-being of young athletes, we can help ensure that the passion for volleyball remains a source of joy and fulfillment, rather than a pathway to injury and long-term health problems. The future of these young athletes, their physical and mental health, demand nothing less. Let’s not lose sight of what truly matters. Playing for a high school team means representing the team, friends, faculty, staff, family, and a community that values the name on the jersey. Club sports, on the other hand, often prioritize individual advancement and achievement.
In conclusion, the escalating demands of elite sports culture have left an indelible mark on high school athletes, with overuse injuries becoming an all-toocommon consequence of a system that often prioritizes profit and prestige over well-being. The passion that drives young athletes to excel should not come at the cost of their physical and mental health, yet the current structure of year-round club programs and intensified training schedules has forced high school coaches to adapt in unprecedented ways—rethinking off-season plans, enforcing critical rest periods, and striving to rebuild team unity in the face of growing individualism. It’s time for a reckoning in how we approach youth sports, not just in volleyball but across all disciplines. By fostering a culture that values balance, embraces age-appropriate training, and places the athlete’s long-term development above short-term glory, we can reclaim the true spirit of high school athletics—a spirit rooted in community, growth, and the joy of the game. The stakes are high, and the health of our young athletes hangs in the balance; it’s up to all of us—coaches, parents, and organizations—to champion the change they deserve.
Simplify ticketing with HomeTown.
The all-in-one digital ticketing solution that offers more – empowering schools, organizations, and event organizers to streamline ticketing and event management.
• STREAMLINED DIGITAL TICKETING
• INTEGRATED SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
• EFFORTLESS FUNDRAISING
• RELIABLE SUPPORT
STRONGER TOGETHER THE POWER OF "WE"
BY ANDREA PFEIFER amarillo high school - Head principal
are the only reason our students come to school. We want our students prepared with the lessons, those learned both in the classroom but also those learned throughout the school, so that they can succeed after high school. That may seem cliché, but in 2025, with all that we face each day, it is easy to become sidetracked. Coach and I both believe strongly in the Fine Arts, CTE, and all UIL programs that our school offers. Most of our students are involved in multiple programs, and we talk often on how to arrange programs so that students can take full advantage of all that we offer. We are intentional about our master schedule decisions so that a student doesn’t have to choose between basketball and band or soccer and ceramics or swimming and AP Calculus.
We also communicate regularly about hiring. One of the things that Coach Dunnam and I have done together for the past five years is communicate regularly, especially during the Spring as job openings occur, about what we need to hire for. We both look for high quality candidates that approach both their coaching, and their teaching, with a high degree of professionalism. We are both present during each interview, and we talk with applicants about their previous experiences. We ask them what goals they have when considering work at Amarillo High School. In every single interview, Coach impresses upon the new candidate that they are a “teacher first” and that they must handle their classroom responsibilities with the same enthusiasm that
they bring to the sport that they coach. Similarly, I also speak about the high expectations and athletic tradition of excellence that exists at our school. We send a message from the very beginning that we are both here to support our staff in their athletic and academic pursuits. We support each other, and our community sees this when I show up to cheer on the sidelines of our football games, and Coach helps greet parents at our academic awards assemblies.
Above all, I think that we have a mutual respect for one another, and we approach every situation with an open mind and a common goal of helping our students. We both maintain a positive outlook, and neither of us is afraid to jump straight into a challenge. While working here, both of our families have had the unique opportunity to watch our oldest children go all the way through Amarillo High. Our children are both athletes and have strong academic pedigrees, and we talk often that we couldn’t be more vested in the school because
both of our children benefit from the work that we do. We also both remind each other that we wouldn’t deviate from our expectations even if our children weren’t here. This spring will be bittersweet as we both graduate our oldest children in May, a little sad that they won’t be with us in the fall, but so proud of what they have accomplished. I think that brings things full-circle for the two of us. We have both served in public education for almost thirty years, and it is incredibly fulfilling to work with someone that has the same passion for molding, teaching, and working with students as I do. We both believe strongly in the opportunities that a public education in Texas can open up for a child, especially when they are involved in athletics and activities, as well as academics. We both understand that we need to work together with a shared vision in order to strengthen our campus. We both know that we can’t do it alone, and we need each other to remind us of what is really important, our school community.
You deserve more than healthcare. You deserve compassionate
care.
Personalized healthcare when you need it most
Your questions and concerns about your health matter. Ascension Seton care teams are here to empower you and your family by listening, respecting your experiences, and creating a care plan that works for you. You deserve to be seen and heard. That‘s why our doors are always open to provide health and healing, for the whole you — body, mind and spirit. To us, you are more than a patient. And together, we are a community.
