Coaches savor the joys with their teams—and strive to overcome the doubts

The girls’ volleyball team of Our Lady of Providence High School in Clarksville poses for a team photo this season. (Submitted photo)

(Editor’s note: With the fall sports season in full swing for Catholic high schools across the archdiocese, The Criterion invited a coach from each school to share the best part of coaching for them—and the moments this season that have brought them pride and joy. Here is the third part of a series. See part two)
 

By John Shaughnessy

Even more than striving for the five state championships that her teams have won in the past 11 years, one emphasis has guided Terri Purichia in her 26 years of coaching girls’ volleyball at Our Lady of Providence High School in Clarksville.

“The best part of coaching for me is the relationships I have built over the years with my players and coaches,” Purichia says. “It’s always been so much more than just volleyball here at Providence. The relationships we make each year are the best.”

That emphasis shows in a Providence volleyball tradition that Purichia has established and that she calls “the circle of love.”

It’s a time when players and coaches get in a circle, link arms with the people next to them and then look into the eyes of their teammates, telling them without words how much they mean to you, how you will give everything you have for them, and how much you love them.

The ritual can often lead to an outpouring of emotion, including tears. But the depth of these relationships can also show in the joy, laughter and fun moments that the players and coaches share.

“A time this season that most reflects these awesome relationships is our beginning of the season retreat,” Purichia recalls. “This season, one of the varsity assistants organized a murder mystery dinner for the team. We all got a character to play during dinner. The theme of the mystery was ‘Deadwood Saloon,’ and the players and coaches all dressed in their best country outfits to reflect their characters. 

“During dinner, we interviewed each other, in character of course, and tried to gather clues to determine who the ‘killer’ was. It was such a blast. Our parents got involved as well because they prepared the food for the dinner. It was such a fun night—and an awesome way to start the season.”

‘It’s great to see them realize they can succeed’

While a coach savors moments of joy with players, there are also times when helping team members overcome doubt and frustration can be just as fulfilling.

Nick Jamell has experienced that feeling this season as the head coach of the girls’ golf team at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis.

“One of my favorite parts of coaching is seeing the kids realize what they’re capable of accomplishing,” Jamell says. “After working at something and encouraging them, it’s great to see them realize they can succeed and fix some aspect of their game or shoot a desired score.

“After a rough start to the season, we went out for a practice round with just our top six. After having struggles all season and confidence falling off, the girls had really started doubting their game. But, in a relaxed environment, with coaches there helping all along the way, they began to turn a corner, scored some season lows, and fixed a couple key pieces.

“We did it again, and the improvement was huge. The attitudes coming off the last green were better, and they seemed ready to play the next round with confidence.”

A moment to savor, a team to celebrate

Melba Jackson began to worry, fearing that one of her cross-country runners was about to repeat a heartbreaking finish in an important race.

“Last year, Bradley Hilbers missed making All Conference by one place,” recalls Jackson, the head cross-country coach of Father Thomas Scecina Memorial High School in Indianapolis. “He was running upfront this year, but towards the end of the race he started to fall back a little bit. He is very consistent, so I got worried.

“Just when I thought we were going to have a repeat of last year, Bradley had a little surge and was able to place in the top 10 and make All Conference. He is one of the kindest humans. He works hard and is an asset to the team. It is a great feeling when student-athletes achieve goals and the team rallies together.”

That moment defines coaching for Jackson who thrives on “watching

my students grow, change and unlock their potential.”

“Nothing makes me happier than to celebrate their victories,” says Jackson, who is also a business teacher at Scecina. “Even when there is disappointment, we find a way to learn and grow.

“Our cross-country team acts like a family and always celebrates together. We create memories every meet.” †