There are many things that can have a huge impact on a sports team’s performance.  Most of the time it’s a star player, or a particular group of players who work well together.  However, no team is what it is without the coach behind them, and a new coach is sometimes just what a team needs for success.  

Eden’s Volleyball team has seen its fair share of new coaches the past few seasons. But based on their success so far this season, I think it’s safe to say they have found a fit with new head coach Jillian Zentko. Coach Z, as she is called by her players, played Varsity Volleyball at Our Lady of Sacred Heart all four years of high school.  She attended Westminster College where she instead played Basketball and threw shotput and discus for the Track and Field team. She was able to get back into volleyball after college by taking coaching positions at Lincoln Park Performing Arts, Freedom Area High School, and Zero Tolerance VBC (Volleyball Club).  Not only did she coach, but she also played on co-ed and womens’ teams at the Cranberry Municipal Center.

Coach Z is a new Eden parent this year, but had no idea that this would lead her on a path for a new coaching opportunity. “I actually never thought I would coach again but quickly found out that God had other plans,” Zentko said. “Mrs. Wick mentioned to me that there was possibly an opening for this season but I wasn't really sure about what work would look like for me and didn't want to commit. She mentioned it again a couple months later and I decided to look into what the position all entailed. I got to speak with Coach Ackerman and knew exactly that I wanted to be a part of such an amazing program.”  

The Volleyball team had plenty of opportunities before the season started to prepare under Coach Z. Open gyms, summer leagues, and two-a-days (two practices a day) all took place before the school year began. “It was intense and long days but we were able to work on a lot of skills and fellowship and get to know each other on a player/player level and player/coach level.” Coach Z also held devotionals with the girls, helping them to grow in their faith, which she feels is a big reason for their success so far this year. “When we realize why we are playing the sport, ultimately to glorify God, everything seems to fall into place the way it needs to and allows us to keep everything in perspective.”  While faith and practice have been key to the team this year, Zentko also mentioned the great deal of parent involvement she has seen this year. “It's just amazing to be a part of a program where the parents truly care about the sport and team just as much as the coaches and players do.” 

One of the major successes of the Varsity Team this year was winning the Labor Day Weekend Tournament.  Coach Z emphasized how much she admires the team’s “never give up” attitude. “Not a lot of teams can keep consistent and stay even keel with the ups and downs of the points and rallys of the game and also all of the different emotions that you experience when you play volleyball.”  

Two days before the tournament win, the JV and Varsity teams played Union High School, with the Varsity game lasting over 2 hours, ending in a 3-2 loss for Eden.  Despite the loss, a few girls posted stuff on social media saying how grateful they were for their teammates. “I couldn't ask for a more loving group of girls. They are so supportive and want the best for each and every one of their teammates.”  Zentko felt that regardless of the loss, the team’s will to push for a win and never give up was on full display. “ You can only have that type of drive when you fully embrace playing as a ‘team’. I also love how JV and Varsity cheer and support each other, as well. We are ONE team...always!”

Alongside the hire of Jillian Zenkto as Varsity Head Coach was the hiring of Lindsay Oliver as JV Head Coach and Varsity Assistant Coach.  Unlike Coach Z, Coach Oliver has been around Eden for a while being the school’s HR Administrator. Coach Oliver played volleyball in high school at Lenawee Christian School in Adrian, Michigan.  Her team won the State Championship her sophomore year and were ranked one of the top teams in Michigan in her junior and senior years. Instead of accepting scholarships at smaller colleges, Oliver became a walk-on at the University of Pittsburgh her freshman year.  After that season, she still remained around the team by working for them, using the money she made to pay for school.  

With this new coaching opportunity, Coach Oliver is very grateful to once again be around the game of volleyball.  “It has been SO much fun - volleyball is the BEST sport - and I very much enjoy spending time with the girls, although coaching comes with its own set of challenges!” commented Oliver.  

Coach Oliver and Coach Z have been working very closely together this season with the shared goal of bettering the varsity program.  Developing the varsity doesn’t just involve the girls who are currently on varsity, but also the JV players who have a chance to earn a spot within the upcoming years.  Coach Oliver is a kind of mediator between the two groups, which will greatly prepare the girls for the next two years.  “We have a lot of talented volleyball girls in 9th and 10th grade on the team, so that bodes well for the Varsity team's future!”

As much as the future is very often in view, the here and now is always a priority in sports.  Coach Oliver and her JV girls have identified several areas where they want to see their play improve down the line during the rest of the season.  “We want to increase our communication and energy on the court, regardless of the strength or weakness of the team we are playing,” she said.  “We also want to increase our serve receive percentage and hitting percentage. Mostly I want to see the girls continue to grow in their walks with the Lord, enjoy their experience with the team and further develop their volleyball skills.”

Coach Z and Coach Oliver have greatly impacted Eden’s Volleyball Team, but they have also had an impact on each other, becoming great friends on and off the court. “Our coaching philosophies are very similar and we seem to balance each other out very well,” said Coach Z. “It is also such a joy and so refreshing to be coaching with a Christian. We have been able to pray for each other and get through some tough situations, decisions, and conversations - fully relying on God. I am thankful God has put her in my life. He knew exactly who I needed alongside me this season.”

Coach Oliver”s feelings are no different, simply describing her experience with Coach Z as awesome.  “Coach Z has been a true blessing to me and to the volleyball girls and parents.  She has a lot of experience and is a fun, encouraging person to be around - we have a great time together and I am so happy to get to coach with her.”