Every few years, someone - often another coach-will say to me about a volleyball, "She makes her teammates better." Usually, this is said in a hushed tone of voice, with a sense of awe, and it seems to be the highest compliment a coach can give a player. This player is special. I've watched several of these players to see what traits make them special. This is what I've observed...

Usually the player is highly skilled in several aspects of the game. Her passing, digging, blocking, serving, hitting, or a combination of these skills stands out. Yet, there are many very skilled players that are not described as "making their teammates better." So there is much more to consider in determining what makes this player special.

The special player is always very dedicated. She is not a talker, she is a doer. She spends countless hours improving her skills. This player does not exhibit a personal ego, but has what I call a team ego. She's dedicated to her teammates and their goals. Her team's goals are her own goals. She has a sense of what the coach wants and is a person who can be depended upon to make correct decisions. The player is confident of her skills and of her team's skill. She does not think of losing, but rather of how much the team will achieve together.

The player who makes her teammates better plays with enthusiasm-usually not the noisy, shouting, emotional type of enthusiasm that is often displayed, but a quiet love of the game. This special player does the "little fundamental things" that great players do. Making the extra effort to retrieve a bad pass, attack coverage, transitioning to an attack position after making a dig, and diving to play a ball that is hopelessly unplayable are examples of the "little things." She is a hard-working, practice player always on task. She will accept criticism and is an excellent communicator with her teammates. She is personable.

The high respect this player commands from her coach and teammates is evident. It is earned daily over an extended period of time. There is a saying: "BE STRONG,- BE DETERMINED - BE THERE." This special player fulfills this saying for her teammates. She is strong in her convictions, determined in her actions and always there for her teammates and coach. Her qualities are ones all players should try to emulate.

TAKE THE BLAME

When correcting a mistake with a teammate, first take the blame for what went wrong and then communicate to correct the mistake. Taking the blame takes the pressure off and helps you to correct the mistake.

FOLLOW THE RULES

To gain respect, a person must follow team rules at all times, both on and off the floor.

HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR

Enjoy playing the game. No game is "life or death." Even though you want to win, don't put unnecessary pressure on yourself or your teammates.

BE A SPORTSWOMEN

Always give credit to others and play the game ethically, as well as by the rules. Do not be bothered by things over which you have no control (officials, crowd, etc.).

SUPPORT YOUR TEAMMATES

When they are trying, but make a mistake, support your teammates. This is especially important to do after -a tough loss.

GIVE 100%

Always try to lead in conditioning and volunteer to do extra things to make your team better. Work to have a good personal relationship with all players. Include non-starters and under classmates in team social events.