New coach means new coaching philosophy and attitude
“My family is the most important thing to me, they are the reason I get up in the morning and the reason that I go to work. My wife and children mean everything to me,” says the new head coach of the CEU women’s volleyball team. He admits to being a family man; nothing means more to him than his wife and two kids.
This archived article was written by: Jasmine Petit
“My family is the most important thing to me, they are the reason I get up in the morning and the reason that I go to work. My wife and children mean everything to me,” says the new head coach of the CEU women’s volleyball team. He admits to being a family man; nothing means more to him than his wife and two kids.
Coach Grant Barraclough got his start playing volleyball when one of the neighborhood guys took him and some of his friends off the street and taught them the game of volleyball. The guy taught them what to do so you can to win and have great sportsmanship. Coach B played volleyball in high school at Woods Cross in North Salt Lake, and at the University of Utah. He played in an outdoor volleyball league for 14 years, as well as club volleyball.
He began his coaching career in 1999 and says that he models his style of coaching after his mentor.
His coaching philosophy is “loosy goosy. I like to have fun; if you’re not having fun, why are you playing?” He described himself as a relaxed guy who is tough when he needs to be. “Volleyball is a bonus” to him, it should not take first place in one’s life. School should and when you step on the court, you should be having fun and enjoying the game with those around you.
“Short and bald is how my girls would refer to me,” he said with a smile. Coach B likes both his coaching staff and his players. He was pleased with his team having been included in some way with the recruiting of the players.
His two assistant coaches are Chelsey Warburton and Mariana Becheli. Both coaches are experienced volleyball players and give the team a good challenge.
The new coach said that he might be here for more than one year, dispelling any rumors that he might be leaving after this season. He plans on getting his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing.
One thing he feels his team needs to do in order to be successful is work together. He wants them to know the importance of working well with others and the importance of hard work on and off the court. “After you leave here and stop playing volleyball, you will have your degree and the windows of opportunity will be open to you, but only if you work hard.”
