Coach China – 2022-2023 18U Assistant Coach (email: China@VegasVolley.com)

I grew up in San Diego, California. When it comes to sports in California, everything is super competitive. The only people that would show more passion for the game than the players, were the coaches. I wish to use the passion I had as a player and now use it as a coach. The passion I saw from my coaches is what helped me in so many ways on and off the court, and I hope to have the same impact on my athletes.

PLAYING:

I went to a very competitive high school in a competitive conference and went on to play D1 volleyball for the University of Arizona in the Pac 12. Both of these experiences have helped me learn so many different perspectives and have made me very versatile as a coach. This has helped me be able to understand many personalities and give each player exactly what they need.

I have been playing volleyball since I was 6 years old at the YMCA. I soon joined a club program at 10, and was able to earn a scholarship for a Pac 12 school when I graduated. I unfortunately had to retire this past year due to injury.

COACHING:

The 2023 season was my first season joining Vegas Volley as an Assistant Coach for the 18U team. Prior to Vegas Volley, I would help at my old juniors club in California by coaching at their clinics. I’ve also assisted with some coaching gigs at my university, getting to learn the craft under some really high level coaches.

PHILOSOPHY:

The main things I want my players to learn and develop are emotional maturity and physicality. I want my players to be able to always keep trying and pushing towards the goal no matter the odds against them. I believe that being able to push yourself and having a healthy and strong mindset can take anyone far in life, beyond just volleyball.

I encourage my players by putting them in drills that are competitive and always give them a chance for improvement. When they make a mistake, I will help them correct. When they make an improvement, I celebrate!

As my coaching career progresses, I wish to continue refining my official coaching style and learning new ways to encourage players efficiently. This would take me having to step out of the box and try new things.

What sets me apart from other coaches, is my ability to put myself in the players’ shoes. Since I’m only recently off the court as a player, I still feel very connected to the team and the chemistry.

I feel that I can push players into playing every game like it’s their last. I was taken from volleyball much sooner than I would have liked due to my injury. That just shows that you never know when it’s all going to end. I want my players to push as hard as they can towards their goals on and off the court.

FROM THE VEGAS VOLLEY CLUB DIRECTOR:

“I’m so grateful to have had China join the team for the 2023 season. Her knowledge of the game is vast, but equally important, is the instant rapport she created with the athletes the first day she walked into the gym, which was truly inspiring. They learn from her in a way that is unique and highly beneficial to their development. They respect her, and they listen to and apply her instruction. The quick transformation in our middles, in particular (but all hitters, really), after working with her has been mind blowing!”

– Coach Adam