Grace Yoder

@prepdig Analyst
Sports Digital Media
Former College Athlete💪
Colorado📍

[Grace Yoder @ggraceyoder]

Top articles this week features another Colorado National Champion,🏆 4A all stars, and small school prospects👀

Articles linked in my bio🔗
@PrepDig
@PrepDigCO

[Grace Yoder @ggraceyoder]

🚨This weeks top 3 articles🚨 Hear all about Colorado volleyball linked in my bio, from National Champions, the top libero’s, and impact sophomores👀 @PrepDig @PrepDigCO

#volleyball

[Grace Yoder @ggraceyoder]

Excited to join @PrepDig and @PrepDigCO as a scout! Grateful for the opportunity to combine my digital media experience and background as a college athlete to help elevate Colorado volleyball coverage. My first article is live, check it out below ⬇️

https://t.co/hwNJG2qSlD

[Jamy Bechler @CoachBechler]

A team's culture becomes stronger when a player reminds another player:

"𝙏𝙃𝘼𝙏'𝙎 𝙉𝙊𝙏 𝙃𝙊𝙒 𝙒𝙀 𝘿𝙊 𝙏𝙃𝙄𝙉𝙂𝙎 𝙃𝙀𝙍𝙀"

[Jon Beck @CoachJonBeck]

Bless the coaches who hold all kids accountable for grades, conduct & behavior. Never doubt that choosing discipline over a win is the right thing. It matters. That example says that regardless of how good a player is, he/she will be held to a very high standard. That’s powerful!

[Greg Berge @GregBerge]

I was a Head Coach at age 26 and a Principal at 33.

I spent the last two decades living and learning the hard truths of leadership.

Here are the 9 lessons I wish I’d known when I started.

1: Learn the 20-40-60 Rule ASAP

- In your 20's - you worry about what others think.
- In your 40's - you don't care what others think.
- In your 60's - you realize no one was thinking of you, to begin with!

The earlier you learn this as a coach, the better off you will be.

2: Simplicity Wins

Can you explain your "O" philosophy in 8 words or less? Can you explain your "D" philosophy in 8 words or less?

You should. And your players should.

Offense: Spacing, Inside-Out, Shot Selection,
Defense: No Paint, Contest, Rebound. Less is more.

Simple wins.

3: Play the Long Game

Culture Wins. Culture is a long game, but culture is fragile.

Culture is:

- What you allow.
- What you emphasize?
- Every Day.

Focus on your Culture EVERY DAY.

Every decision you make defines your culture.

4: Relationships First

Coaching is about managing and leading people.

And leading people is always about relationships.

Don't lose sight of this. Focus on people.

5: Players not Plays

In pressure situations, do NOT worry about plays.

Focus on Players.

This is still a challenge for me.

It is so easy to worry about a "play."

In reality, players win. Get the ball in the "player's hand who will make the right "play."

6: Give up Control

As a young coach, I tried to control how we played. I coached BB like I coached FB. Play by Play.

I have since learned. Teach kids how to play.

Don't teach them what to do. It is much more enjoyable for everyone. A

nd success has followed.

7: Find a Great Mentor

I was lucky.

I had a 30-year coaching legend as my assistant coach.

His wisdom was priceless. One time, I had a sticky decision with a player/parent. I was grounded on principle.

I was lucky to have my mentor.

8: Connect with Coaching Colleagues

Coaching is hard. The skill set needed to do a good job is incredible.

You are also on an island at times.

Connect with your coaching colleagues on a personal level. The relationships are lifelong and priceless.

9: Family Time

Don't lose sight of your time.

Don't lose sight of your commitment.

Always make time for your kids and family. Done right, raising kids in a coaching household has incredible rewards!

[Jim Shapiro @jimshapiro]

Easy to read.

Takes effort and focus to apply daily.

[MSU Denver Athletics @MSUDenverAthl]

The second Student-Athlete of the Week nominee is @MSUDenverWSOC's Monica Yoder!

Monica had a goal in a 2-0 win over Regis and an assist in a 3-0 win over Black Hills State as the Roadrunners improved to 3-1-4 and 2-0 in the RMAC 😤🔥

#GetRowdy🔴🔵

[MSU Denver Women's Soccer @MSUDenverWSOC]

⏱️ 49:13 | #MSUDenver 2, Regis 0

⚽️ GOOOOOAAAAALLLLLLL!

Monica Yoder doubles the lead - assist from Madrid Mack and Natalie Boragine!

#GetRowdy🔴🔵

[Grace Yoder @ggraceyoder]

Growth takes time and continuous persistence💛All you need is one school to say “we want you.”

[Grace Yoder @ggraceyoder]

To the class of 2026‼️Out of high school I had 2 walk on offers to go play college volleyball- I went juco. I was not an elite athlete, I was not very athletic. After I entered the portal I received 9 scholarship offers to play volleyball at the next level. ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

[Grace Yoder @ggraceyoder]

‼️Happy June 15th‼️My advice to all the young players… your journey is going to be different from everyone else’s, don’t compare, enjoy the moment and stay grateful 💛 know that you will get your opportunity

[Dan Go @CoachDanGo]

I'm 44.

If you're still in your 20's, read this:

[Grace Yoder @ggraceyoder]

I am very grateful for my time spent at Notre Dame College… due to its closing, I will be continuing my academic and athletic career at West Liberty! Extremely grateful to coach Mak and the volleyball program for this new opportunity! Third times a 🍀 can’t wait to ball!🏐

[Grace Yoder @ggraceyoder]

Gods Plan…🔒👀

[Kevin DeShazo @KevinDeShazo]

“What if I fail?”
“What if they don’t like it/me?”
“What if they say no?”
“What if....?”

Life will go on. You’ll make the next decision. And you’ll be better, stronger, wiser for having tried.

Failure is part of the process. Don’t let it stop you.

Keep showing up.

[Ryan Moore @Ryan48314710]

Thank You NDC and Coaches for giving me the opportunity to play football at the college level! There for Due to NDC closing down after this semester, I am now officially entering the transfer portal with 2 years of eligibility left! 5"10 / 171 WR …..

#InGodsHands🙏🏽!

[Grace Yoder @ggraceyoder]

Not a situation anyone wants to be in but I am very grateful for my time spent at NDC and extremely grateful for my NDC family!💛💙 Thank you to everyone who reached out, your support is unmatched!🙏 Athletes in every sport will be placed in the transfer portal.
#InGodsHands

[Notre Dame College @NotreDameOhio]

It is with heavy hearts that we announce Notre Dame College will be concluding in-person instruction at the end of Spring Semester 2024.

[Grace Yoder @ggraceyoder]

Extremely grateful for coach K and the Notre Dame College volleyball program for the opportunity to continue my athletic career! With the closing of NDC I am officially entering the transfer portal with two years of eligibility.

2026 Libero/DS [email protected]

[Grace Yoder @ggraceyoder]

New home, same reps!💙💛