Coach Kelly has been the James Caldwell Girls Volleyball Coach for many years. Every season seems to have a similar number of girls, meaning multiple from each grade. However, this year is a bit different with there only being one senior, Olivia DePiro.
In an interview, Coach Kelly explained, “My goal is to make a difference in their lives by supporting them and helping them build confidence. I want to be there for them through the challenging moments, both on and off the court, and show them what it looks like to handle challenges with resilience and a positive attitude.” It is clear that Coach Kelly’s passion for volleyball goes beyond actual game play. In addition to this statement, she also sees the value in having a bonded and trustworthy team. Coach Kelly added, “I put a lot of trust in my seniors and captains, so they feel they have a voice and can help guide the team. Building confidence, respect, and responsibility has made a big difference in how the team works together.” In the past, there have been multiple seniors to assist with the growth and development for the younger girls especially. However, with there only being one senior in the 2025 season, it definitely threw in some challenges.
When asked what some of the challenges this season are, Coach Kelly mentioned building confidence and emotional maturity, stating, “A lot of them are still getting used to the tempo and pressure of varsity, so it’s about helping them believe in themselves and trust each other.” Therefore, a huge focus is creating a feeling of comfort for everyone on the team, and creating some game-like situations during practice. As Senior Captain, I concur. Even though we have a limited number of upperclassmen, my Co-Captain and I make it our goal to help the younger girls play and act like the skilled athletes we both know they have the capability to be. To work on getting the younger girls acclimated to the varsity feel, Coach Kelly mentioned that effort, energy, and attitude are what the players know they can control. In order for success in athletic growth and overall development, these are some key components.
Volleyball is a game that can be played with many measurable goals on the court that include: getting double digit kills during a single game, having consistent serves, or even getting the most digs of the game. However, what is not always talked about is the mental goals from a coaches or players perspective. Coach Kelly states, “Resilience and confidence are the main goals of coaching younger athletes.”
Especially throughout this season, this is a goal that everyone can agree on. Junior Captain Sara Lopes adds, “Younger girls can benefit from maintaining a positive and confident mindset, that doesn’t break under pressure.” As an example, while playing Cedar Grove, the JCHS Girls Volleyball team were seen as the “underdogs” after previously losing to them in the beginning of the season. However, that meant nothing to the girls as they pushed as hard as they could, both physically and mentally, to pull off a huge win at their rematch against the Panthers. Sophomore Varsity player, Deanna Skikus, is a prime example of how even though she is an underclassmen, she was able to keep a confident mindset, and played as aggressively as she could. Her growth was displayed from both an emotional, and physical standpoint, which was noticed on and off the court. Deanna’s mindset remained positive throughout the game, leading all players with ten kills.
Many people can see the effort Coach Kelly puts forth in working with her team, despite the majority of the team being underclassmen in comparison to past seasons. She is always looking for different ways to better the team throughout game time decisions, and changes within the line ups to try and build momentum. One last quote, to exhibit Coach Kelly’s mentality and goals for helping the girls on the team, she expressed, “It’s all about helping them to feel supported and a sense of belonging and purpose on the team.” Even though this team is younger, the way everyone plays and adapts to this high level of play is impressive. It is shown how Coach Kelly does everything she can to support the team with having only one senior, and multiple goals.
