In this episode, Frank & Thierry welcome former Queen's University men's volleyball Head Coach Brenda Willis to discuss various topics including the International Coaching Symposium, athlete development, recruitment and coaching tips.

 

(2:05) - What does VNL mean for Ottawa and the volleyball community?

 

(3:10) - How was the International Coaching Symposium concept developed?

 

(4:50) - How was the impressive list of international coaches presenting at the symposium gathered?

 

(6:20) - Brenda's bio

 

(6:58) - How is being a tactical player a great starting point to developing a great coaching mind?

 

(8:25) - What brought coach Willis into coaching?

 

(9:25) - How did Brenda end up coaching boys?

 

(12:05) - How did coach Willis turned the men's volleyball program around quickly early in her Queen's University career?

 

(12:46) - Who were Brenda's mentors?

 

(17:15) - How important is it to always be a student of the game?

 

(18:05) - What is the most significant achievement of coach Willis' stellar career?

 

(20:10) - What does being a female coach role model represent for Brenda? 

 

(21:45) - What is the importance of having a why for doing something?

 

(23:50) - What would Brenda do differently if she had to start her coaching career again?

 

(28:00) - What is Brenda's coaching philosophy?

 

(30:00) - Why does coach Willis remain so involved in the volleyball community?

 

(33:05) - What is the biggest weakness rookie athletes demonstrate often upon arrival in a university program?

 

(36:29) - What can a club coach do to improve the athlete's ball control capacities?

 

(37:45) - What can a club do to help athletes prepare better for the physical demands of a long USports season?

 

(39:00) - What should a club athlete be doing in the off season ideally?

 

(43:25) - What are some of the off court weaknesses athletes need to focus on?

 

(44:50) - How does coach Willis observe some of the off court behaviours?

 

(45:45) - What does Brenda look for in athletes when recruiting?

 

(47:50) - How can a club coach help the athletes develop their character and life skills?

 

(49:42) - What are the three main coaching tips coach Willis has for club coaches?

 

(53:50) - Why is it so important to play all your players?

 

(57:28) - Why should a coach never reward poor performance?