3A-A volleyball coach of the year

MELISSA SWEENEY

ST. MARY’S

Years coaching: 15

Years at school: 10

Reason behind coaching: After injuries effectively ended her playing career, she fell into coaching through the YMCA. From playing, she moved to officiating and then coaching a youth team.

Day job: Preschool director for the city and part-time teacher (physical education and health)

Family: Husband (Chris) and three daughters (Bria, 15, Taralynn, 10, and Abigail, 7)

Hometown: Sutherland, Iowa

Alma mater: National College in Rapid City, S.D.

Favorite moment as a coach: More satisfying than any win has been those experiences that showed she was making a difference in kids’ lives, not just teaching them to bump, set and spike.

Easiest way to find your doghouse: “The girls would probably say when they’re not giving 110 percent in effort and attitude.”

Key to winning: “What was unique with us this year was that they learned three different rotations and two different defenses. The key was them being able to trust the coach, to learn and go with the flow.”

From a player’s eyes: “She understands every aspect of the game — not just playing, but the mental and physical part and the emotional part too.” — Kylie Cornella, junior setter