Coaching as Teaching

American coach Joel Dearing spent 30 years coaching the women’s team at Springfield College in NCAA Division III. He also coached the Springfield men for 7 years before handing them off. All of this was while teaching. Joel is one of the most respected coaches in the Northeast of the USA, not only based on the performance of his teams, but also for his efforts in helping other coaches develop.

His resume includes:

• Ranks in the top 10 in NCAA Division III victories with over 700
• Lead the Springfield men’s team to a final #1 ranking in his final season
• AVCA Regional Coach of the Year 5 times.
• Coached 10 All-Americans
• Author of Volleyball Fundamentals and The Untold Story of William G. Morgan – Inventor of Volleyball
• On the board of the Volleyball Hall of Fame
• 2019 Inductee into the AVCA Hall of Fame
• Long-time member of the USA Volleyball CAP Cadre

Here’s some of what Joel discusses in his interview:

– Volleyball history
– Having protocols
– Coaching blind spots
– Reinventing yourself as a coach over time
– Developing your best players, not just improving your weakest
– Gender differences in team bonding
– Developing captains and team leaders