ET Volleyball: Coach of the year - Leven Barker
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Team: Pine Tree Lady Pirates
Record: 26-16 (Shared the District 13-4A championship with Hallsville. Defeated Kilgore in straight sets - 25-22, 25-8, 25-18 - in the bi-district playoffs and lost in the area playoffs to Waco Midway, 25-21, 11-25, 25-23, 14-25, 6-15).
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Team: Pine Tree Lady Pirates
Record: 26-16 (Shared the District 13-4A championship with Hallsville. Defeated Kilgore in straight sets - 25-22, 25-8, 25-18 - in the bi-district playoffs and lost in the area playoffs to Waco Midway, 25-21, 11-25, 25-23, 14-25, 6-15).
You weren't hired until July 17 - about 2 1/2 weeks before practice started. How difficult was it to jump into the season with little knowledge of the players and what was the key (or keys) to being able to get everyone on the same page?
It was difficult. As a team, we were at a big disadvantage for about a month. Our first two tournaments were in the Metro-Plex at two 5A, 32-team tournaments in which we spent the night and I barely knew the kids names. It was certainly a challenge for both the kids and me. The key to gettig better was this bunch had something to prove, and they played hard from the start.
After a loss to Tyler Lee on Aug. 26, the Lady Pirates were 5-10. Pine Tree won seven of the next nine matches to enter District 13-4A play with a 12-12 record. Can you pinpoint any one thing that sort of flipped the switch for your team?
When you are 5-10, that is when you have a character check. I told this team all along they would have to deal with more adversity than any other team around. It is easy to be a team player and work hard when you are winning, but will you have that same attitude when your back is against the ball and we were definitely against the wall. I think our turning point was at the Tyler Lee Tournament. I felt that we started playing hard for each other and not just for our individual stats.
When did you know this group had the potential to be a force in the district race?
When we played Whitehouse at home, we changed into a whole different gear. They were our defending district champ, and we beat them in three that night. That's when I knew we had something going.
What is the best part about being a coach?
Dealing with a different set of kids each year and watching them grow together. There is not a better feeling than when you feel like your team has overachieved or that you as a coach migh have made a difference in one of their lives.
What is the worst part about being a coach?
I don't think there is a ''worst'' part to coaching. Every job has its ups and downs, but my job sure is fun.
Who had the biggest influence on your decision to become a coach?
My high school coach, Jack Estes, and my college coach, Jack Allen. Even though it is a different sport, they prepared me for what I am doing today.
Favorite food?
Cheesburgers
Favorite song?
Knocking on Heaven's Door
If Hollywood turned the Leven Barker Story into a movie, what actor would play you?
Jim Carrey
It was difficult. As a team, we were at a big disadvantage for about a month. Our first two tournaments were in the Metro-Plex at two 5A, 32-team tournaments in which we spent the night and I barely knew the kids names. It was certainly a challenge for both the kids and me. The key to gettig better was this bunch had something to prove, and they played hard from the start.
After a loss to Tyler Lee on Aug. 26, the Lady Pirates were 5-10. Pine Tree won seven of the next nine matches to enter District 13-4A play with a 12-12 record. Can you pinpoint any one thing that sort of flipped the switch for your team?
When you are 5-10, that is when you have a character check. I told this team all along they would have to deal with more adversity than any other team around. It is easy to be a team player and work hard when you are winning, but will you have that same attitude when your back is against the ball and we were definitely against the wall. I think our turning point was at the Tyler Lee Tournament. I felt that we started playing hard for each other and not just for our individual stats.
When did you know this group had the potential to be a force in the district race?
When we played Whitehouse at home, we changed into a whole different gear. They were our defending district champ, and we beat them in three that night. That's when I knew we had something going.
What is the best part about being a coach?
Dealing with a different set of kids each year and watching them grow together. There is not a better feeling than when you feel like your team has overachieved or that you as a coach migh have made a difference in one of their lives.
What is the worst part about being a coach?
I don't think there is a ''worst'' part to coaching. Every job has its ups and downs, but my job sure is fun.
Who had the biggest influence on your decision to become a coach?
My high school coach, Jack Estes, and my college coach, Jack Allen. Even though it is a different sport, they prepared me for what I am doing today.
Favorite food?
Cheesburgers
Favorite song?
Knocking on Heaven's Door
If Hollywood turned the Leven Barker Story into a movie, what actor would play you?
Jim Carrey
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