This post was written by Baldwinsville girl's varsity volleyball coach, Mary Jo Cerqua
Baldwinsville's girls volleyball coach Mary Jo Cerqua has only used her Twitter account 35 times in four years. It takes a special circumstance for her to tweet, like in August when she saw her former player, Rachel Aiello, using poor passing technique:
Though comical, Cerqua was only half-joking. She's made a career of holding girls to the highest standards on and off the volleyball court, winning two New York State Championships in the last five years.
Below, Cerqua explains what has made Baldwinsville's program unique, including a focus on genuine communication, recruiting players, using statistics, and "hiring an assistant smarter than you."
Can you tell me about how you bring out your players' personalities? Particularly how you get them to communicate with each other in uncomfortable moments?
High school athletes are most uncomfortable with any kind of face to face communication. They would rather text. Unfortunately, that doesn't work very well on a volleyball court. So, during different offensive and defensive game play situations, we are progressively teaching what to say and how to say it. Trust and building confidence is what we focus on first.
We develop positive relationships with athletes early on at the modified level and ask that the modified coaches also teach communication. Expectations will include: Calling for the ball 3 times, Setter communicating with her hitters, looking across net at defense or calling out where the opponents setter is, calling the ball IN or OUT, calling setter out when she takes the first ball, complimenting and encouraging each other, staying positive, etc. Even the quiet kids are expected to "talk" or contribute to practice. Every athlete is called upon during a practice at some point to talk to a coach, a teammate etc. They will be asked questions, make eye contact with the coach/player and respond appropriately, to the expectation or goal.
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| Baldwinsville alumnae and Fredonia Volleyball players, from left: Paulina Rein (senior), Rachel Aiello (freshman), and Riley Carlucci (incoming freshman) |
With that being said, our athletes are placed into uncomfortable scenarios most practices so that they are prepared to execute in a real game situation. This is done as much as we can early on (modified level, open gyms, preseason) so that they communicate well and as much as possible. We do see many personalities come out during this process. Good and bad, some that surprise us, others that embrace the process immediately, but it is a constant work in progress.
What has Matt Fuller's (head JV coach, assistant varsity coach) contribution been to your program? Particularly in implementing statistics and technology into the high school game.
I couldn't run this program at this level without Matt's knowledge, support, friendship and most importantly his STATS! As we tell our teams and parents from day one, "STATS DON'T LIE!" My advice to other coaches is to hire an assistant coach that is smarter than you. I certainly did that when I asked Matt to coach with us 10 years ago!
We use stats for:
1. An indicator of the level at which we are performing as a team. All of our athletes are aware of the level at which we need to perform as a team. We look at the stats to help us grow in the areas that we need help in. Where do we have the most errors? How can we cut down on serving errors or errors in pressure situations? We can use the stats to know exactly where we need to improve in what skill and in what position.
2. Stats are also used as a motivator for competition against other players. Our players (and parents) know that if they are playing well, their chances of playing more increase. With that being said, if you are scoring points, you will be on the court!
How do you communicate with parents in the times that we live in?
Trusting relationships also are built with parents in your program. One very important thing I have learned over my years is that you will NEVER be able to please everyone. I'm also certain that not every parent has bought into the Cerqua Philosophy of Coaching Volleyball. The toughest part of parent communication is telling a parent that their child isn't going to be the all-star. Every parent wants their kid to be the all-star. As I say to my coaching staff, its not a bad problem to have. But its the toughest part of our job choosing the best athletes and letting others down.
With that being said, I am very honest and upfront with my athletes and my parents. If anything, they will know where they stand in the program. I am in constant contact with parents either via email or a phone call. Even during the off season, if our athlete doesn't show up for open gym, I'm calling them and then emailing the parent. It is our expectation that they be at every open gym unless they are playing another sport that season. I am clear and concise with my expectations and I don't waiver much. I have parent meetings 2-3 times a year. I get their feedback and they get mine. Parents appreciate communication. They are very busy and want information as quick as possible and out of respect for their busy family lives I try to provide that. Many parents have told me that they like how we communicate about our program.
Matt and I also have exit meetings with all varsity athletes at the end of our seasons with parents and athletes. It has been a great way to communicate with the athlete and parent in the same room. No missed communication and both Matt and I are there so they can't pin anything on a coach. :) Plus, its always nice to have another coach in the room to get a different perspective.
Can you detail your vision for volleyball in our area? I'm particularly interested in what you talked about with the Bring Your Own Parent program.
Honestly, in order for Volleyball to grow in Central N.Y., we all need to start a grassroots volleyball program. In order for that to happen, parents need to be a part of their child's volleyball development. We need to introduce volleyball to kids/parents at a younger age and get them excited about the sport. We also need more CNY volleyball coaches to coach younger kids by running programs through the YMCA, summer camps, after school programs, 10U club programs, etc. Enthusiasm is contagious.
Bring your own Parent (BYOP) was founded by Ruth Nelson. Quick overview - this training program is designed for any player, no matter what skill or ability level, as long as their goal is to become the best they can be! Parents must be fully dedicated to be actively involved in this program. BYOP® will provide excellent volleyball fundamental skills training as well as life lessons to both player and parent.
Basically, it is an elementary volleyball program with parents helping in the drills. Tossing volleyballs, organizing drills, moving kids to the correct lines, etc. Programs I have been running for years, just with my student athletes in the parent roles. :)
What advice would you give to other high school coaches looking to have the same sort of success you've had?
Well, be dedicated and love what you do. Don't give up and be patient. Your spouse is one that supports your dreams. Family comes first; role model that to your athletes and your parents. With that being said, don't be afraid to delegate responsibilities to other coaches to spend time with your family too.
Spend time in the gym, lots of time in the gym! Work with all age levels and recruit younger kids to play volleyball as early as you can.
Surround yourself with smart, talented, dedicated coaches that feed off each other. Be open minded to new ideas and never stop learning about the sport.
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For more information about Baldwinsville's girls volleyball program, visit beesvball.wix.com/beesvball