With the JV volleyball team having a new coach coming in to the 2025 season, the players didn’t know what to expect from their season. They were not ready for their team to be riddled with injuries. Yet, they went 10-2 in their division, won their division, and went 20-12 overall.
“Success came from setting a standard of excellence at the beginning of the season and having everyone understand what it was going to take to achieve this,” Tilton said. “We practiced very hard and continued to build on the foundation we built the week before to continually elevate our game and season.”
Their new head coach, Brianna Tilton, who took over after the 2024 season, was eager to lead the team to success. With a fresh perspective and a deep commitment to the players, she instilled a strong sense of discipline, teamwork, and determination. Coach Tilton focused on developing the girls’ individual skills while also emphasizing the importance of working together as a cohesive unit. Her dedication to fostering a positive and supportive environment paid off as the team not only improved but also achieved a remarkable season under her guidance. With her leadership, the girls grew more confident on the court, building momentum and achieving success every step of the way.
The players didn’t know what to expect out of their new coach. They didn’t really know much about her, but they soon realized how great of a coach Brianna Tilton was.
“Our coach was great,” Miki Kobrak said. “She was super supportive and no matter the injuries or issues we faced she showed up for us everyday.”
Tilton was clearly a coach who cared deeply about her players, valuing their personal growth and well-being just as much, if not more, than their performance on the field. She was able to connect with each player, understanding their individual strengths, weaknesses, and what motivated them to give their best. It was evident that her priority was always the players. Ensuring they felt supported, valued, and confident, no matter what the scoreboard said. Her leadership style wasn’t about pushing for victories at any cost; rather, it was about fostering a sense of unity, trust, and self-belief within the team.
Tilton’s goal for the season was to have each player give their best and play the best volleyball they could. She emphasized that a great season required consistent effort, and the players fully understood this, responding by giving their all in every practice and game. When anyone fell short, Tilton held them accountable, challenging them to push harder and take responsibility for their performance. This accountability, combined with the team’s commitment, led to a successful season and significant growth, both on the court and as individuals.
It was probably hard to keep the team motivated with all of the injuries on the team. Injuries can wreck a season, but they didn’t wreck their season.
“We faced a lot of injuries,” Kobrak said. “We’ve been there for each other in our toughest moments on and off the court, and I think that goes to show no matter what level of volleyball you’re playing, it’s the team that chooses success.”
Kobrak’s statements further drive home the idea that giving your all in every moment can be the key to success. It emphasizes that when it’s time to step up and perform, you must do so with urgency and intensity. Playing with 100% effort not only shows personal dedication but also inspires those around you to raise their level of performance. In a team setting, this mindset becomes even more important. Each member must be willing to contribute their best, to trust one another, and to push through challenges together. The team’s outstanding season was not just the result of individual talent, but of a collective effort where everyone stepped up to the occasion and gave everything they had to achieve a common goal.
