Beating life’s battles and winning state titles, Bayside’s Schilling is a true champion
DAPHNE, Ala. (BVM) — The Bayside Academy girls volleyball team is on the verge of history. With a state title this year, which would be their 19th in a row, the Admirals would set the national record. And if the past is any indication, they’ll have a good chance at doing just that.
Under head coach Ann Schilling, the Admirals have become a powerhouse feared throughout Alabama the last three decades. In 34 seasons at the helm, Schilling has coached up 25 state championships and won over 1,500 matches.
Each one bolsters her legacy, which already includes being a member of the AHSAA Hall of Fame. But what is her trick to all of the success that seems like it only belongs in a Hollywood script? There isn’t much to it.
Schilling actually attributes a lot of her successes to her players. She says it’s been players stepping up in opportune times.
“Big players make big plays in big moments, and we’ve had a lot of that.” Schilling said.
But outside of her players stepping up in crunch time, Schilling has a scheme that works. She’s been around the game for a long time, and even played at the collegiate level. She understands what it takes to be successful at the most competitive level.
The hall of fame coach began her playing career as a youngster in parochial school. But she also had another love, which was basketball, and ended up walking on at Auburn University. She played hoops there for four years, and in her fifth year, the university’s volleyball team was reinstated. She went for it and realized how much she missed it.
So much so that her and the head coach at the time discussed the idea of Schilling coming on as a graduate assistant. Nothing transpired, but another opportunity arose.
“That spring, I heard from my high school coach’s husband who works at Bayside. They just lost their coach, she took another job,” Schilling said. “They asked if I’d be interested. I went down there for an interview and the rest is history.”
Admittedly, Schilling originally viewed the opportunity as a stepping stone into her career. She thought she’d stick around one, two, maybe three years and move on. But she never anticipated this much success and she never knew she’d become enamored with every aspect of the job.
“I love the school, the program we’ve built, the kids are amazing, the parents and people I’ve had a chance to work for are just incredible.” Schilling said.
34 years later she’s still at Bayside, working on her fairy tale of a coaching career. Whether it’s her background in the game or her players clutching up that has led to so many titles, one thing is for sure: she’s enjoying every minute of it.
Roughly two years and eight months ago, Schilling was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. In a diagnosis that would be world-changing for anyone, the legendary coach was able to see things in a new light. She was fortunate to be able to wake up every day and coach volleyball, never taking it for granted. Appreciating the little things became key for her.
“I just had another perfect scan. Some miraculous things have taken place throughout my recovery,” Schilling said. “I’m cancer free and I’ve been able to say that for over a year now.”
Schilling is a winner. Beating cancer just like she beats the majority of her volleyball opponents, over and over again. But that life-altering experience has kept things in perspective for her. Her coaching is about so much more than winning championships.
“The successful dentist, mother, doctors, lawyers, all these kids that I’ve coached are successful. Every last one of them,” Schilling said. “At the end of the day that’s what it’s all about. I have an ability to impact and mold young girls’ lives and I don’t take that lightly.”
