By Lauri Schwartz
Madison Starlings
Madison Starlings are looking for coaches. Come join a cadre of people who believe we make a difference right now for youth in Dane County. Envision yourself helping teens play, smile, laugh, persevere, meet others their age they would not otherwise have met, and feel supported by you and others. You can make a life-changing impact for as many as 12 youth by becoming a coach for as few as two hours weekly from November to April.
Madison Starlings Volleyball had 16 teams last year and is planning for the same this fall. Our roots come from Madison’s North, East and South sides. Talent from our own community, like Samantha Nelson and Alexia Brown, both graduates of East High School as volleyball players, make a huge impact.
Samantha Nelson (Sam) shared: “Some of my earliest memories of volleyball are watching my dad play sand volleyball as a young kid. Growing up on the Northside, I was drawn to the sport from a young age and loved any opportunity I had to play. However, I wasn’t exposed to many opportunities for organized volleyball during elementary or middle school. I loved the game, but I didn’t really know what opportunities were out there or how to access them.
“When I got to East High School, volleyball became a core part of my life. I was fortunate to reach my goal of becoming the starting varsity libero, play club volleyball, and do tons of summer volleyball camps and clinics over the years. I loved not only playing but learning about all the little details that go into becoming a better player. Even then, I knew I wanted to coach someday.
“By the end of my senior year club season, I was ready for a break from volleyball. When I went to college, I stepped away from the sport for a while. By my junior year, I realized how much I missed having volleyball in my life. I had known since high school that I wanted to coach someday, and it felt like the right time to finally give it a try. At 20 years old, I started coaching at East and I haven’t stopped since.
“Over the years, I’ve coached in a variety of roles within the East girls’ volleyball program (JV2/Freshman, JV, Assistant Varsity). Each role has given me a different perspective, but the reasons I continue coaching have stayed the same: I love the sport, I love helping young people grow, and I want more kids in our community to have opportunities to experience volleyball.
“Growing up on the Northside myself makes that especially meaningful. I know what it is like to love a sport without having many opportunities or exposure to play volleyball prior to high school. I often think about how much I would have loved someone to introduce me to organized volleyball earlier.
“Now, as a coach at East, I have the opportunity to help provide some of that exposure for another generation of kids. Sometimes a young athlete just needs someone to introduce them to the game, encourage them, and give them a place to play.
“For me, coaching at East is about more than building volleyball players or winning matches. Volleyball has taught me how to compete, work with others, respond to challenges, and continue learning. It has also given me relationships and experiences that have stayed with me well beyond the court.
“One of the most rewarding parts of coaching is watching a young person find their place in the sport. Whether they become a varsity player, continue playing beyond high school, or simply discover something they enjoy and a community where they belong.
“I started coaching because I loved volleyball. I’ve continued because I’ve learned how much more that role can mean. Being able to spend my coaching career at East, in the community where I grew up, makes it especially meaningful. I get to share a sport I love while helping create some of the opportunities I wish I had when I was a young athlete.”
Sam Nelson can be found at East High school, as the Girls Varsity Assistant. She has coached with Madison Starlings for numerous years.
Alexia (Lexi) is now coaching club youth teams with Madison Starlings Volleyball club, after graduating East High a few years ago. Lexi shared: “Volleyball has meant more to me for reasons beyond the game. It was the people and lessons that shaped who I am today.
“Growing up, I was dealt some challenging cards and faced problems that seemed to be bigger than me. Because of my circumstances, sometimes I felt like I didn’t belong, and it was easy to get overwhelmed or shrink myself to match what I was going through.
“As a player, I learned what it meant to focus on what’s in front of me. I learned that the game isn’t about one person, it’s about showing up for the people beside you. Volleyball taught me that stepping up and doing the hard things is a form of bravery. It taught me to make choices with intention and being open to feedback is an important part of growth. I still practice these lessons today.
“Coaching has given me a new perspective and a full circle moment. It’s made me realize how much my past coaches have poured into me. The patience, the structure, the tough love and their belief in me. Now I get to do the same for others. I get to teach the game, pour into their passion and create a space where players can feel safe, supported and seen. A place where they belong.
“Standing with them through their wins and losses on and off the court has been the most rewarding part of coaching. Coaching players is a privilege and I’m honored to be part of the journey.”
Coaching with Madison Starlings is a paid position, for a range of two hours per week for assistants, and four hours for full-time assistants. Head coaches, along with assistants, lead a team through their season from November or December to April. Come join us!
To be considered, email Alexis.mid
dleton@madisonstarlings.org.
