Volleyball 2014

This year's volleyball season was very special. When we got an email that Ellie's team needed a coach, Dennis decided he was up for the task and said he would do it. I agreed to be the team mom. During the summer more players were needed, so girls were able to invite their friends to be on their team. Ellie's friend signed up and the girls were thrilled to have two more chances each week to see one another.

Our team was made up of some very sweet girls and very nice families. Only three of the girls had played volleyball before. The new players learned the game fairly quickly. Everyone grew in their skills and each game got more and more exciting to watch. We didn't win very many games, but many of them were very close in score. It was fun to watch our girls play regardless.

Ellie really liked having Dennis as her coach.

A special award given each season is the Most Christlike award. At our last practice, Dennis had each of the girls as well as the parent who was present vote for the girl or girls (they could choose 2) that they felt best displayed this character trait. He gave them Philippians 2:3-5 - Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourself, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus - as a guideline. Neither Dennis nor I voted and the end result was that Ellie had the most votes. Dennis was unsure if he should give it to her since he was the coach. But we both felt that she had shown Christlike character during the season. She worked hard at each practice. She had a good attitude. She encouraged everyone. She was friendly and welcoming. In the end, he decided that the votes were hers without any input from us and he chose to give it to her. It was a proud moment!

When Ellie received the award, Josh said, "I didn't see that coming." He jumped up and gave his sister a hug. Very sweet!

Dennis did a wonderful job coaching. I neglected to prepare anything to say to him at our end of season party, but I communicated my thoughts to him afterward: 

Tonight was Ellie's end of season party for her volleyball team. Dennis was able to coach her team this year and he shared with the families how thankful he was to have been able to do it. Since Dennis was diagnosed with colon cancer 4 years ago, our lives have not been the same. His energy level was severely compromised and he was not able to commit to something like this. Finally, this year, he felt up to taking on the task. Ellie was very happy to have her dad as her coach. I finally felt like we were really living life by doing something out of the ordinary every week; something active. It wasn't always easy for Dennis. As he told the families tonight, he came home sore on many occasions and ready for bed early. But he persevered and followed through. The only practice he missed was the night he went off the side of the freeway on his way home. Each of the girls grew in their skills under his coaching. Some of the girls had never played before and discovered a love for the game. Dennis was a very patient coach with everyone. The best thing he did was share the Word of God with the girls each week. He focused on Galatians 5:22 - the fruit of the Spirit; showing them how they could live out these principles in volleyball and in life. The girls' character will take them farther in life than their volleyball skills, and what he poured into them has the potential to have an eternal reward. Our team didn't win the most games or make it to the finals; but the girls grew in their skills, bonded as team mates and friends, and had fun. In the end, I think that's what matters more than our stats. I'm very proud of my hubby and thankful that we had the opportunity to do this as a family. Dennis is the best man that I know!