In one capacity or another, Jennifer Weatherhead has been involved with volleyball for over 30 years.
From her playing days at Mount Saint Vincent University to now coaching and co-directing the Fall River Fury, she’s come a long way both as a player and coach, but in the last two years, she’s taken another much-needed step to further advance herself in the sport: she got certified as an NCCP coach.
As Volleyball Nova Scotia’s newest NCCP Certified Development Coach, Weatherhead has already seen the various modules/workshops and programs improve her level of coaching.
“As a coach, we all have our way of doing things, but when you see it from different angles and hear others’ ideas, you take pieces of that to enhance your style. I find myself approaching athletes in a manner that helps them better understand not only the skill, but the rationale behind it.”
“I have already reaped the benefits of this program, especially the onsite evaluation from the VNS staff.”
Throughout the process, you are exposed to so many different perspectives, theories, opinions and more, meaning it can really change your outlook on the game, she said.
“The programs and modules were great…there was a combination of multi-media, reflection, and questions, to ensure you can apply what has been learned, as well as testing opportunities, to clarify knowledge. Each module began with clear objectives and you can navigate through at your own speed,"
“I have a passion for the sport and played as an athlete but to see it from the side of a coach is different. There were things I knew however adjustments to teaching at each skill level…very insightful.”
Weatherhead just spent a week preparing athletes and being a part of the roster selection process of VNS’ 2018 Provincial Teams at the Elite Development Camp and she said it was validating to see how impactful her learning could be in a practical setting.
“I was able to see that certification learning in practice and I learned how I can apply it effectively with my team. I loved the experience, it exceeded my expectations.”
She thinks in order to continue to advance the sport within the province, more coaches, who haven’t already taken that step, need to.
“Coaches should be properly certified and aligned with Volleyball Canada’s and Volleyball Nova Scotia’s recommended coaching techniques. Kids and parents are trusting in coaches and the quality of program so a high level of delivery should be there.”
As someone who is not only a competitor but also someone who wants the best for the athletes she’s coaching, becoming certified was the step she needed to take. And it’s paying off.
“I coach female athletes and I want them to experience all that I have benefited from with this sport. The world is a crazy place. These young girls experience so many pressures so as a coach if I can support them with an outlet that is fun, engaging and beneficial to their growth as an athlete and a person, and keeps them coming back to play, then I have achieved my personal goal as a coach,” she said.
“I am competitive by nature and I want to be my best self. Being certified as a coach is helping me to achieve that in this aspect of my life. I won’t be stopping here; I will be taking the next level of certification to further my learning as a coach.”
This year Volleyball Nova Scotia will be entering into Year 3 of the VC/VNS Coach Certification Policy for the 2018-2019 Club season, which means certification is on the “To-Do” list for many club head coaches to be able to coach this season.
To find out more information, please visit
http://volleyballnovascotia.ca/page.php?page_id=96966 or contact Technical Director Megan Conroy.
