“Hard work beats talent,when talent doesn’t work hard.” is a well known quote that our Coach of the Week, Freeman Fessler from Shortsville, New York, has used in his own playing experience as well as to help motivate his volleyball team to always give 110%!
Back when Fessler started playing volleyball, games were played to 15 and you could only score when you served. Let’s just say our Coach of the Week has seen many changes to his sport over the years. His playing experience includes being a member of the Cornell University men’s team, Empire State Games Men’s Open, Pace/Bootlegger Men’s Team and the ESG men’s master in which many of the teams received medals for their excellent performance.
His coaching experience is just as impressive as his playing experience. Since graduating college he has been the assistant coach to the Cornell University Women’s team, ESG Women’s Open, ESG Men’s Masters, and has helped out the boys team at Victor High School since 2002. He has worked with players of all ages from 13 to 55, and has learned to be a better coach from every experience.
Fessler's most recent involvement as a coach as been with the Xtreme Wildfire Volleyball Club, which is a member of the Western Empire Volleyball Association. His has been so thankful for all of the very talented teams his has worked with, and will in the future.
Outside of coaching he considers himself a computer geek and a loving father. He and his wife have four kids and will soon be celebrating their 29th aniversary. His family has always been his biggest fan and have always been very supportive!
Coach Freeman Fessler’s Keys to Success:
- Keep your cool and be a good listener
- Use your faith to lead you and the team through tough times
- Pair yourself up with someone you admire and respect as a coach and learn from them
- Treat everyone with respect and honesty
- Read "A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court" by John Wooden
Does your Coach go above and beyond for your team? Nominate them to be our next Coach of the Week!
