Motivation, dedication, work ethic, pride, and teamwork are all virtues the volleyball team’s new addition Coach Shyra Schisler plans to use to create a strong foundation for this year’s volleyball season. Schisler is filling the Head Coach position formerly held by Coach Sandy Jones, and will continue the development of the volleyball program in her place.
Familiar with the work ethic of the students and high standards of the 7A Conference, Schisler accepted the position with high expectations. Schisler is the former coach of the Shiloh Christian volleyball team and had plans to retire from coaching after last year’s season. However, she acknowledged the great opportunity of the job and already has aspirations for Har-Ber Volleyball.
“I spent a lot of time praying about it and seeing if it was what I wanted to do. I just felt like there was something I could do here to help, and I felt like the kids here really wanted to get better,” said Schisler. Schisler’s main focus for this season is to have a team with strong chemistry on and off the court and a mental attitude to work hard and work even harder for teammates. This focus will help the team achieve their overall goal, which is to be in the final four and win a state championship.
Assistant Coach Kele Luigs is appreciative of the similar mentality about coaching and volleyball she shares with Schisler. Luigs believes that it’s important to have someone she can share ideas back and forth with to improve the team’s mentality and attitude.
“We have one common goal, and we’re just working towards that goal together. It brings a new aspect to the game and to volleyball,” said Luigs.
Coach Schisler’s teachings have already affected the team on both the court and conditioning during off season practices. A mutual desire and respect between the coaches and players to mentally and physically improve has changed the mindset of the team. Junior Payton Frisinger believes that the hard work in workouts and encouragement will help the team bond and reach their goals.
“As a team we are already so much closer and we aren’t competing with each other, but for each other. In just two weeks we’ve gone from a group of girls playing volleyball to not only a team, but a family,” said Frisinger.
Sophomore Sara Davis agrees that the team feels more like a family working together for a common purpose instead of trying to outwork one another for a starting position. This positive attitude is directly influenced by Schisler’s push for the girls to work harder than ever through encouragement, teamwork, and mental toughness.
“I think the team will work as hard as we can for her because we have so much respect for her. We want it just as bad as she does,” said Davis.
The volleyball team participates in off season practices until the end of April. In weightlifting, conditioning, and on-court practices the team has already learned to trust one another through hard work and Coach Schisler’s philosophy in a short period of time.
“Ultimately, I want to see the team come together with skill, camaraderie, work ethic, and attitude. When the do that it’ll be a lot of fun and we’ll see good things happen here,” said Schisler.
