Coaching Staff 2008/2009
Altamont Volleyball Club is excited to announce our talented coaching staff for the 2008/2009 season. Altamont believes great coaching is one of the most important factors to having a successful club season. This season we have six out of eight coaches returning for another successful season. Altamont is proud to be one of thirteen clubs nationwide that is a Gold Medal Squared certified club. All of our returning coaches are Gold Medal Squared certified and our new coaches will become certified at our Altamont/GMS clinic in November. Gold Medal Squared is a unique system where coaches are given the necessary tools to teach the skills of volleyball to their players, to understand the tactics of the game, to make better use of limited time with their players, and to develop winning programs. This system is based on studied scientific principles from human kinetics, organizational behavior, statistics, and psychology.

Our coaching assignments as of today will be:
17's/18's Team   Derick Phan & Robin Reeves
16's Team           Brenda Woodsmall & Justin Rita
15's Team           Heather Lamb & Greg Gaither
14's Team           Marissa Baker & Diane Barrett
13's Team           Jasmine Noriega & Kerry Blattner

Altamont welcomes all of our new coaches to the club and wishes them much success this season!

Congratulations Kari and Tommy
It is with great joy that we announce the arrival of Grant Thomas.

Grant made his debut on October 19th weighing in at 9lbs 4 oz and measuring 22 inches long. Mom, dad, and baby are all doing well!

Preventing Ankle Injuries
Ankle injuries account for 36% of injuries among female volleyball players. There are a few simple things you can do to give yourself better odds against this common injury.

• Wear appropriate supportive shoes - running shoes do not provide the lateral support necessary for playing volleyball
• Tie your shoes properly - loosely fitting or loosely tied shoes offer a stressed ankle more room to move
• Maintain good ankle strength, balance, and flexibility by doing calf raises and balancing activities
• Pay attention to your body - slow down or stop when you feel pain
• Know how to move properly on the court
• Wearing an ankle brace is a personal decision and there is research to support both opinions.

If you find yourself nursing an ankle injury remember the RICE treatment. Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

Tryout Reminder

November 1st
1:00 - 3:30     16 & under
4:00 - 6:30     17/18 & under

November 2nd
1:00 - 3:30     15& under
4:00 - 6:30     13/14& under

Cost $40
Tryouts held at:
Livermore Valley Tennis Club
2000 Arroyo Road
Livermore, CA 94550

Hit Up Heather
Q: Can you offer some tips for club tryouts?

A: Tryouts are a stressful time for players, parents, and coaches. Here are a few suggestions that might help ease the pressure.

• Get plenty of sleep
• Arrive early
• Wear something unique if you are going to receive a tryout shirt
• Do not wear jewelry or chew gum
• Tie your hair back so it is not a distraction
• Stay well hydrated - remember water is best
• Have a great attitude, help others, volunteer to demo drills
• Stay focused, do not play or goof off with your friends
• Be respectful and listen more than you talk
• Talk a lot during drills, call the ball, and cheer for others
• If you make a mistake move on. Do not stop and stress over it. Use the opportunity to show you can easily recover from a mistake
• Be confident. If you have practiced and worked hard up to this point, then you should be ready. Believe in yourself!

If you have a question for Heather please submit it to heather@altamontvbc.com

Coaches Quotes

A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done.
- Vince Lombardi

Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off the goal.
- Vince Lombardi

Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.
- Gail Devers