Hometown: Birmingham, Ala.
Alma Mater: University of Alabama
Head Coaching Career:
• University of Alabama-Birmingham
(1980-92)
• Olivet Nazarene University (1996-Present)
Career notes:
• Two-time National Christian College
Athletic Association National Champions (2001, 2002)
• 8 NAIA National Tournament appearances
• 2005 Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic
Conference Hall of Fame inductee
“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28
STV: How has the sport of volleyball changed since you started coaching more than 30 years ago?
BW: It’s amazing how far the sport has come. Girls are getting bigger, stronger and more powerful. They’re more athletic today because of specialized training and the fact that strength and conditioning has really taken off. The girls can adapt to anything; it’s just us coaches who have trouble adapting sometimes. What hasn’t changed is that the girls still want to play. It is a team-oriented game, and I think girls are drawn to it because they have to rely on each other to be successful.
STV: How have you changed personally during your career?
BW: Over the past 30 years I’ve gotten a little wiser. I started coaching when I was very young, and I made a lot of mistakes. But I think we all go through that, and I’ve had to learn to make changes. As a young coach I jumped in head-first, but as I’ve gotten older I’ve started to realize what it’s really all about.
STV: Tell us what it’s like to coach at a Christian university.
BW: It’s been a blessing to coach at Olivet Nazarene because our emphasis is not just on winning and losing but on being a Christian university. Every day we have the opportunity to share the gospel in our classrooms and on the court. We do daily devotions and go on mission trips with the team. It’s a blessing to share Christ with our athletes. Friends of mine always told me that, if given the opportunity, I should coach at a Christian school because I’d really enjoy it. They were right. I love being surrounded by Christian athletes, coaches and administrators.
STV: How has that environment affected your coaching style?
BW: When I was young, the wins and losses defined who I was. But, through coaching friends of mine and getting involved with FCA I’ve learned that it doesn’t have to be that way. We like to win, but I realize that the wins and losses on my résumé don’t mean everything. When I look back on my career, all I’ll want to know is that I shared the Lord with the young women He brought into my life. I constantly pray that I don’t lose sight of why we’re here.
STV: How has FCA been a part of your testimony?
BW: In 1985, when I was in D-I volleyball, an opposing coach, who was one of the best in our conference and someone I looked up to, explained to me how an FCA coaches’ conference had completely changed her life. Through her encouragement I started going to and working at FCA Camps and furthering my personal relationship with the Lord. I think athletes and coaches need FCA, especially for the fellowship. They can talk to each other about their needs, the pressures and the stress, and then go to God together in prayer. FCA keeps things in perspective and lets us all know sports don’t define us.
Originally Published: August/September 2011
Photos Courtesy of Image Group