H-D grad to become new volleyball coach

HAMPTON – Sarah Miller was recently announced as the new Bulldog volleyball coach for the 2020 fall season.

Miller, a 2003 H-D graduate, hopes to pass on what she learned during her time playing the sport.

“I have so many amazing memories from my volleyball experience as a Bulldog,” Miller said. “My coach, Katherine Harr (Hadley), at the time was very inspiring to me. She had passion for the game and instilled that passion in me. I hope to do the same with my players!”

Miller said she is looking forward to taking over the volleyball program.

“I am so excited and honored to have the opportunity to be head coach,” Miller said. “I look to bring excitement and passion for volleyball into the gym every day. My focus is to help my players individually and as a team to be the best they can be.

“I want to build positive relationships with my players and help them build positive relationships with their teammates so that volleyball has a place in their heart and they are proud to be a Bulldog.”

New activity coordinator for the Bulldogs, Christi Weiser, said during her announcement that Miller brings ‘passionate, positive energy to the position and we are excited to have her in this leadership role.’

Self-described as someone who is passionate about sports, Miller said she wants to instill in her players that everyone in the gym has an important role to play in the success of the program.

“I want to make memories and build lifelong skills for my players,” Miller said. “These girls are what coaching is all about. I want to help guide them into role models for our future little Bulldogs and get the community excited about Bulldog volleyball.

“Coaching is much more than just volleyball. I am hoping that the volleyball experiences of each of my players will instill life lessons that they’ll take with them after high school.”

Miller inherits a program that went 9-22 overall in matches last year, 0-8 in the North Central Conference. A majority of that team, however, graduated.

The first-year coach said she hopes to use practice time in order to help her players improve and build bonds for competing.

“Each day is an opportunity for growth,” Miller said. “I am a firm believer in practicing how you plan to compete. When we are in the gym we will use our time wisely and will work on skills to reach our highest potential. Players need to trust and respect their teammates.

“It is important for coaches and players to reflect each day on attitude, effort and goals. The NCC volleyball conference, in my opinion, is one of the best. We have to believe in ourselves and our teammates and be dedicated to put the work in each day with positive attitudes and leadership.”