Arizona Region Education Weekend Draws Rave Reviews

Story courtesy of Arizona Region

The Arizona Region hosted its largest "Coaches Education Weekend" Dec. 4-6 at Arizona State University. The three-day event made up of IMPACT, CAP I and CAP II courses brought in more than 125 coaches from around the country.

The weekend began with an IMPACT clinic taught by USA Grassroots Director and CAP Cadre John Kessel in conjunction with a seminar on Parent involvement in Youth Sports by Founder and Director of Volleyball Festival Dave Epperson.

More than 75 coaches participated in the two-day CAP (Coaching Accreditation Program) portion of the weekend. Stu Sherman, Bill Neville, and Bill Hamiter joined Kessel as the USA Volleyball Cadre. The group discussed such subjects as "Drill Design," "Theory and Application," "Developing Team Systems of Play" and "Motor Skill Learning Theory".

At the end of the session, the CAP hopefuls chose between several modules of different subject matter to further personalize their education. Modules "Intro to Middle Attack Techniques," "Scouting your Opponent and Statistics" and "Contrasting Team Defensive Systems."

Over the course of the weekend, 43 coaches took IMPACT, 62 coaches took CAP I and a dozen more took CAP II. Cindy Kirk was named the Arizona Republic Small School Coach of the Year on the last day of the education weekend. Former ASU Head Coach Patti Snyder-Park was also in attendance, furthering her award-winning coaching career as she took page after page of notes.

Peoria City Recreational Coach Don Touvell enjoyed the entire CAP I program. "I liked the different ideas for practices," Touvell said. "The reward examples for when you catch them doing it right, great stuff. I love the game and I thought it was a great opportunity to gain more knowledge and insight from those who have been coaching for years."

"The Arizona RVA staged one of the best CAP courses I have ever been fortunate enough to be a part of. Coaches from all over Arizona and the West really took the ideas to heart and the result will be some much better practices and competitions in the future for their players," Kessel said.

Coaches from different backgrounds and hometowns also enjoyed the courses offered. Grand Canyon University Women's Volleyball Coach Kris Naber brought the entire GCU Men's and Women's staff to the education weekend.

"What a privilege to have the opportunity to learn from experienced coaches that have been involved with every level of volleyball," Naber said.

Club coach and former Club Director, Dana Lonza said, "It was an amazing and challenging journey but with its rewards. I don't think any of us left the weekend the same coach as when we started."

While coaches were furhtering their education, our officials were doing the same. More than 40 officials particpated in the first of two clinics held annually. The group went through training in the classroom and on the court. Paul Coltrin and Chip Pop, two of our most recent officials to receive their Junior National rating, were instrumental in conducting the presentation for their colleagues. This year, officials discussed topics including positive communication with parents and coaches to prevent conflicts, how to give on-court feedback and an in-depth thorough scorekeeping training.