Winning coach says keeping sports fun is key

Submitted on March 18, 2009

Send to friendThe head volleyball coach at St. Louis University praised the Catholic Youth Apostolate’s CYC program for providing a solid foundation for the sport of volleyball in St. Louis. Anne Kordes also saluted parents and volunteer coaches for their efforts with children. Kordes, who started playing the sport as a child in Louisville, Ky., had advice for parents and coaches in any sport. "The bottom line is keeping kids excited to play and having fun," she said. Sometimes Kordes gets phone calls from parents or coaches of children as young as fourth grade who tell her they want a child to focus just on volleyball and quit playing other sports. "Parents get focused on the future — their kids playing in high school and college — but kids should do what makes them happy. Plus, the advantage they get from playing different sports is huge," Kordes said. "You run the risk of burnout if you take a kid who’s not ready to focus on one sport and force that child into it."