Winning not the only mark of success

Coach's Comments, by Cindy Plano

We've heard many times this season, "You're the team to beat this year." It's certainly exciting to know that other coaches and teams view you as a strong team, but sometimes it's easier being the underdog and not being the target.

We were the target most recently at the Service/Dimond Tournament where we were defeated in a three-game match by Valdez. We had a chance to reflect on that match at Monday's practice and can truly say that we are in no way ashamed of that loss to a 3A school.

Valdez is a tough defensive team and is able to compete with all of the 4A schools in the state. It was some of the most exciting and best-played high school volleyball any of us (coaches, players and spectators) have seen or participated in all season and although it was a loss for us, we still view it as a success in reaching our long-term goals.

A team's win/loss record is one of the ways many people determine a team's success, but as many other coaches have commented in their articles, there are numerous other factors to consider when determining if your season is successful.

Bryce Ray (the Colony coach) spoke about the character-building aspect of sports. Steve Reynolds (the Palmer coach) spoke about the fun aspect, and Dan Michael (the Wasilla football coach) spoke about team cohesion. These factors, plus many others which teach skills to our youth to help them throughout their lifetime, are the real measures of success.

We are fortunate to have a great win/loss record to indicate one facet of success, but for my assistant coaches and me, as well as for many other coaches in all different sports, we hope that the players, parents, administration, and community recognize the value of our athletes' success through more than just their win/loss record.

Of course, don't get me wrong, healthy competition is one of those other factors and we hope everybody can come celebrate in the success of all the athletes and teams as they watch some competitive volleyball at Wasilla High School, when we host Regions next week.

Cindy Plano is the head volleyball coach at Wasilla High School.