Sports have played a pivotal role in my life ever since high school,. After graduating from Brookings-Harbor High School in 1995, I had the opportunity to go on to play, and then be an assistant coach at Willamette University. During that time I also started coaching summer volleyball camps around Oregon and club volleyball in the off-season, helping others learn the game.
It has always been a dream of mine to run my own volleyball program and I am as thrilled to be the new head coach for my Alma-Mater as I am for the team this season. Although we lost some major offensive hitting talent from last season, we have six seniors this year who bring experience and leadership.
A few highlights include senior Jo Pryor, who is a tenacious competitor, and junior Ashlyn Schofield, who is hitting well on the outside. Our junior setter, Cameron Crosby, gained confidence last year running a 6-2 with Shelby Jirsa, and she’ll be running a 5-1 offense for us this year.
Our goal this fall is to make it to the playoffs like last season. We just need to stay healthy and be as safe as we can, and the kids are dealing with it well. I’m proud of their ability to hit the gym, stay focused, and work hard despite any hardships going on. If we play tough and we play together, I think our goal to make it to the playoffs is very attainable.
While taking over a program amidst COVID isn’t the start I imagined, I am so grateful to be able to provide this opportunity to our athletes. I know what a difference playing sports meant to me and my high school experience, and I hope the kids get the chance to have a full season. This year’s group is very supportive of each other, and that is an attribute that will help them on and off the court.
BHHS Volleyball Head Coach – Vanessa Nidiffer
