Meet Viera High School Varsity Volleyball Coach, Sarah Wayne

MELBOURNE, Fla. — Sarah Wayne has been coaching volleyball for 17 years. She brings with her years of experience in the sport as an athlete herself during high school in Brevard County and, later, playing for the University of Kentucky.

When asked what her team does during training that leads them to success, she says having a defensive mindset and setting goals. Among the most memorable moments are the team’s first District Title in 2011 and last year being named 2021 Regional Champions to go to the Final 4. “My proudest coaching moments come when I am able to watch an athlete achieve their personal goals,” she says.

And, when the outcome doesn’t go as planned, Coach Wayne uses those opportunities as a chance to help the team persevere. Any time they have a disappointing loss, team meetings take place where they watch film and have discussions as a way of reminding them to take every loss as an opportunity to learn and improve.

“Being a coach is more than Xs and Os,” adds Sarah. “I am a mentor, a mom, a sounding board; whatever these young ladies need me to be to help them navigate being a high school female athlete.” Her goal is to inspire and motivate players on and off the court and to emphasize sportsmanship, teamwork and community service.

Coach Wayne hopes to leave a legacy in the lives of all the girls she coaches, regardless of how many years go by. “I want them to know I am always going to be here for them, even after they are done playing at Viera High School. We strive to give every player a better understanding of herself through hard work and competition. Watching them go on to become doctors, teachers and even volleyball coaches themselves is by far the most rewarding experience.”

This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.