Grace Yoder

A team's culture becomes stronger when a player reminds another player: "𝙏𝙃𝘼𝙏'𝙎 𝙉𝙊𝙏 𝙃𝙊𝙒 𝙒𝙀 𝘿𝙊 𝙏𝙃𝙄𝙉𝙂𝙎 𝙃𝙀𝙍𝙀"

Bless the coaches who hold all kids accountable for grades, conduct & behavior. Never doubt that choosing discipline over a win is the right thing. It matters. That example says that regardless of how good a player is, he/she will be held to a very high standard. That’s powerful!

I was a Head Coach at age 26 and a Principal at 33. I spent the last two decades living and learning the hard truths of leadership. Here are the 9 lessons I wish I’d known when I started. 1: Learn the 20-40-60 Rule ASAP - In your 20's - you worry about what others think. - In your 40's - you don't care what others think. - In your 60's - you realize no one was thinking of you, to begin with! The earlier you learn this as a coach, the better off you will be. 2: Simplicity Wins Can you explain your "O" philosophy in 8 words or less? Can you explain your "D" philosophy in 8 words or less? You should. And your players should. Offense: Spacing, Inside-Out, Shot Selection, Defense: No Paint, Contest, Rebound. Less is more. Simple wins. 3: Play the Long Game Culture Wins. Culture is a long game, but culture is fragile. Culture is: - What you allow. - What you emphasize? - Every Day. Focus on your Culture EVERY DAY. Every decision you make defines your culture. 4: Relationships First Coaching is about managing and leading people. And leading people is always about relationships. Don't lose sight of this. Focus on people. 5: Players not Plays In pressure situations, do NOT worry about plays. Focus on Players. This is still a challenge for me. It is so easy to worry about a "play." In reality, players win. Get the ball in the "player's hand who will make the right "play." 6: Give up Control As a young coach, I tried to control how we played. I coached BB like I coached FB. Play by Play. I have since learned. Teach kids how to play. Don't teach them what to do. It is much more enjoyable for everyone. A nd success has followed. 7: Find a Great Mentor I was lucky. I had a 30-year coaching legend as my assistant coach. His wisdom was priceless. One time, I had a sticky decision with a player/parent. I was grounded on principle. I was lucky to have my mentor. 8: Connect with Coaching Colleagues Coaching is hard. The skill set needed to do a good job is incredible. You are also on an island at times. Connect with your coaching colleagues on a personal level. The relationships are lifelong and priceless. 9: Family Time Don't lose sight of your time. Don't lose sight of your commitment. Always make time for your kids and family. Done right, raising kids in a coaching household has incredible rewards!

Easy to read. Takes effort and focus to apply daily.

The second Student-Athlete of the Week nominee is @MSUDenverWSOC's Monica Yoder! Monica had a goal in a 2-0 win over Regis and an assist in a 3-0 win over Black Hills State as the Roadrunners improved to 3-1-4 and 2-0 in the RMAC 😤🔥 #GetRowdy🔴🔵

⏱️ 49:13 | #MSUDenver 2, Regis 0 ⚽️ GOOOOOAAAAALLLLLLL! Monica Yoder doubles the lead - assist from Madrid Mack and Natalie Boragine! #GetRowdy🔴🔵

Growth takes time and continuous persistence💛All you need is one school to say “we want you.”

To the class of 2026‼️Out of high school I had 2 walk on offers to go play college volleyball- I went juco. I was not an elite athlete, I was not very athletic. After I entered the portal I received 9 scholarship offers to play volleyball at the next level. ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

‼️Happy June 15th‼️My advice to all the young players… your journey is going to be different from everyone else’s, don’t compare, enjoy the moment and stay grateful 💛 know that you will get your opportunity

I'm 44. If you're still in your 20's, read this:

I am very grateful for my time spent at Notre Dame College… due to its closing, I will be continuing my academic and athletic career at West Liberty! Extremely grateful to coach Mak and the volleyball program for this new opportunity! Third times a 🍀 can’t wait to ball!🏐

Gods Plan…🔒👀

“What if I fail?” “What if they don’t like it/me?” “What if they say no?” “What if....?” Life will go on. You’ll make the next decision. And you’ll be better, stronger, wiser for having tried. Failure is part of the process. Don’t let it stop you. Keep showing up.

Thank You NDC and Coaches for giving me the opportunity to play football at the college level! There for Due to NDC closing down after this semester, I am now officially entering the transfer portal with 2 years of eligibility left! 5"10 / 171 WR ….. #InGodsHands🙏🏽!

Not a situation anyone wants to be in but I am very grateful for my time spent at NDC and extremely grateful for my NDC family!💛💙 Thank you to everyone who reached out, your support is unmatched!🙏 Athletes in every sport will be placed in the transfer portal. #InGodsHands

Extremely grateful for coach K and the Notre Dame College volleyball program for the opportunity to continue my athletic career! With the closing of NDC I am officially entering the transfer portal with two years of eligibility. 2026 Libero/DS [email protected]

New home, same reps!💙💛

Gratitude!💙💛 Excited to continue my academic and athletic career at Notre Dame College! Very grateful to coach Kostelac for giving me this opportunity and grateful for all of you guys! Go Falcons! #skofalcs @NDCFalcons

Post season work😉🏐

Day to day is planned down to the hour! It’s a pretty awesome lifestyle! #grindseason