The past two years have been notable for Coach Rachel VanderPol of Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC). Recently she was named as one of the top 30 under 30 High School Coaches by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA).
VanderPol
Coach VanderPol started as a soccer player but was introduced to volleyball during high school days. She continued developing her skills playing for an A5 Volleyball Club and then at Liberty University. In her first-year coaching at GAC in 2019, she stunned the competition by advancing to the Final Four. This past year, the team became State champions.
She says: “My goal as a coach is to help each athlete improve from a skill standpoint in their sport and as a person. Gaining life lessons such as how to work together on a team, be committed and accountable to others, and how to support and encourage those around you are lessons that go far beyond the sport of volleyball.”
Coach VanderPol quickly gives credit to her dynamic and talented players, their families, and the expertise and support of the assistant coaches. She adds: “I am so thankful for each of them and the role they have played in my life, personally. Volleyball is a game we play and we want to be the best we can at it, but it is not who we are. I hope players leave our (GAC) program as better athletes and as better people who are on fire for Christ.”
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