Cypress Christian School November 2023

Volleyball

\\ By Matthew Ogle WOODWARD EXPECTS TO BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO CYPRESS CHRISTIAN VOLLEYBALL ON E Y E AR

OVER THE OFFSEASON, CYPRESS CHRISTIAN

VOLLEYBALL STRUCK GOLD WHEN THEY BROUGHT ON A SPLASH HIRE TO LEAD THE PROGRAM INTO THE FUTURE. Coach Chrissy Woodward will lead the charge, after spending four years of coaching at state power Cypress Ranch. Despite being a part of a nationally-ranked volleyball team, there were several reasons that compelled Woodward to take her talents to the private school sector. “I was looking for a good balance between work and home life,” she said.. “I have three kiddos of my own. So, that kind of pushed me forward to move in this direction. I heard great things about this school and I knew they had great athletes. I want to build a successful culture here and we have the ingredients to do so.” Given the change in direction, what kind of culture will the new coach be bringing to Cypress Christian volleyball? “I think it has to do with looking at your foundation of coaching,” said Woodward. “I go back to structure and discipline. You want to have a little bit of fun, but you have to bring the competitive element into play. “This school has great athletes, but we haven’t been as successful in the volleyball program. So, that’s my job... taking these athletes and sculpting them into great volleyball players.” Woodward got a jump on

back in that way.

the way that they speak.” For many educators, one’s sole purpose is to not only teach, but to inspire. Considering her volleyball history, Woodward is a fountain of knowledge. “Sports changed my life, completely,” Woodward said. “I’m from a little-bitty town, there weren’t that many options. For me, that was the outlet. I always knew that I wanted to give

the 2023 season right after being named head coach. “I was actually here all summer,” she said. “That was one of my goals — to get in front of them as early as I could. I was able to see the majority of them before tryouts and get to know them ahead of time. “They’re different here. They really and truly love each other, and they love Christ. You can tell that in their actions, and just by

“I went on to play at Sam Houston State, and after that, I wanted an opportunity to pass on that love of the game to some other young ladies. Obviously, you build relationships and do other great things, but it comes down to the game of volleyball. It teaches you so much about life and that’s what drives my passion as a coach.”

20 \\ CYPRESS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL \\ NOV 2023 \\ CypressChristian.org