By staff writer Cali L
Previously coaching the girls volleyball team in 2003, coach Mark Huynh has made his return back to the bench. While already coaching boys basketball & volleyball Coach Mark added coaching the girls volleyball team this year after his old student athletes, who had taken over the program, no longer had time to coach.
Regarding coming back to coaching volleyball, Coach Mark is happy to be back helping the program but has also felt like the job has been challenging. He said, “It’s been good. But it’s a lot of work, changing the culture.”
One way coach Mark has been trying to change the culture of the program is by taking a trick he learned from coaching football, of combining the junior varsity and varsity teams together, having them practice together as one team.
Coach Mark says,“It definitely benefits the JV more to practice at a higher level and allows the more experienced players to help the younger players they learn more when they teach.”
Another way coach Mark has helped build the program by also including players from the boys volleyball team. “I like that we have the boys and girls team together though as one program. It’s been very helpful in building a positive volleyball community at Galileo,” says coach Mark.
Overall the team is happy that coach Mark decided to come back to the volleyball program. Senior Kaylee O. said, “I’m glad that he stepped up to help Jackie to coach because I don’t think our team would be where we are without him.“ Senior Susan W. added, “He’s a very encouraging coach; it’s tough love, he’s hard on you but wants you to do better.”
“I think he’s cool and I like his beanie, he’s hard but it’s to help us get better,” said freshman JV player, Sia M. While freshman teammate Helen H., added, “he’s a good coach i think he does his best to give everyone a fair chance and push us to our potential”
