Alex Downs
How long have you been coaching volleyball, and what inspired you to get started?
I have been coaching volleyball for four years now. I played at Sacred Heart Academy in Louisville all four years of high school and also competed in club volleyball throughout that time. I had amazing coaches who supported and challenged me both on and off the court, and they made a huge impact on my love for the game. While I chose not to continue playing in college, I always knew I wanted to stay involved in the sport. Coaching gives me the opportunity to share my passion and help young athletes grow like my coaches did for me.
What do you enjoy or look forward to about coaching for Alpha?
At Alpha I'm excited to be apart of a competitive but supportive program that focuses on both skill development and character building. I love watching athletes grow throughout the season not just as players but as teammates and individuals. Alpha does a wonderful job of creating a team environment.
How do you approach developing athletes both on and off the court?
I focus on building confidence and pushing my players to reach their full potential by consistently giving feedback and creating HIGH energy practices. Off the court, I really try to emphasize teamwork and being apart of a team but also accountability as well as communication. Being on time, taking responsibility, and having a good mindset are all important on and off the court.
What can athletes and their families expect when they join your team in terms of development and growth?
Athletes and their families can expect a supportive and competitive environment where growth is essential. I want to create a space where athletes are challenged but also encouraged and held at high standards. They'll see progress in their skills and also their overall confidence. My goal is to help every player leave the season confident, a team player, and also better than they started.
What’s your favorite drill or coaching technique, and why do you love using it?
Since I was a hitter one of my favorite drills is targeting hitting drills. I think it really sharpens placement and accuracy rather than just power and opens the players eyes to scoring. It helps the players learn how to see the court and make smarter decisions based off defense. I think it makes a hitter smarter. I like to put a defense up against the hitter so it's more real life and the passers can read a player's arm and adjust the defense as needed.
What’s one piece of advice you’ve received as an athlete or coach that you still carry with you today?
One of my coaches made an entire practice silent and if we talked we had to run for 5 minutes straight on a phone timer. The reason she did this was to show how important communication is both on and off the court. As a team we weren't talking as much as we should before the drill so this is why we did it. The next practice we couldn't wait to open our mouths and call the ball and call the set. That moment stuck with me because it taught me that great teams aren't just built on talent but built on trust as well as communication. In my personal life today, I continue to talk and use open communication because you can't solve your problems without it!