Leadership On and Off the Court by Alyssa

Leadership On and Off the Court by Alyssa - May 2024 Scholarship Essay

Leadership is a quality that is both admired and respected by many. To me, leadership means being able to guide and inspire others towards a common goal, while also being a role model and making tough decisions when necessary.

One person who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in my life is my high school volleyball coach, Coach Coffey. Coach Coffey was not only a skilled and knowledgeable coach, but she was also a great leader both on and off the court. She inspired us to work hard and never give up, while also teaching us important life lessons that went beyond the game of volleyball.

Coach Coffey led by example, showing us what dedication and hard work could achieve (she had played high school and college ball). She was always the first one at practice and the last one to leave, constantly pushing us to be better and never settling for mediocrity. She taught us the importance of teamwork and how we could achieve more when we worked together towards a common goal.

One of the most memorable moments of Coach Coffey's leadership was during a rivalry game. My team and I were getting ready in the locker room when I received tragic news about a friend of mine committing suicide. In a state of shock, I sat in the locker room almost until it was time to play. Coach Coffey came and sat next to me in silence. She told me life was too short and that this rivalry game we had been preparing for was not the priority; my mental health was. She said if I needed to go home, I could, and that the team would be okay without me. I truly contemplated going home so that I could be with my mom and brother trying to make sense of what happened. But what about my teammates? Who would be there to support them? Who would be there to cheer them on and keep them going? I looked at Coach Coffey and told her I wanted to stay for my team; they needed me just about as much as I needed them during that moment. With a heavy heart, I dedicated that game to my friend who was now in heaven, and my teammates and I gave our everything on that court. With the last buzzer and a final score on game five, 25-23, we dipped our heads as we accepted defeat. This rivalry game had meant a lot to Coach Coffey, but in our huddle after the game, she told us something I will never forget. "The score on that scoreboard does not matter. What matters is every one of you had each other's backs tonight; on that court and off. That is what life is about, not some score or winning or losing. I am sorry you all have to go through such a tragedy at a young age but just know you will always have each other's backs. That is what being a team is all about". With tears in our eyes, we headed home and grieved the loss of our friend together.

Coach Coffey not only taught us about volleyball, but she also instilled in us important values such as teamwork, determination, and perseverance. Her leadership transcended the volleyball court and made a lasting impact on all of us. I will always be grateful for the lessons she taught me and the example she set as a true leader.

Leadership is not just about giving orders or being in charge. It is about inspiring and guiding others towards success, while also being a positive influence and role model. Coach Coffey exemplified all of these qualities and more, making her a true leader in every sense of the word. Her impact on my life will never be forgotten, and I will always strive to embody the same qualities of leadership that she demonstrated to me.