Coach: Cara Syers
School: Arapahoe
Sport: volleyball
How many years have you devoted your life to coaching? What got
you into coaching initially?
I have been coaching for the past 15 years. I started coaching
soccer while I was still in college and have coached at the middle
school and high school levels; soccer, basketball and volleyball. I
guess I got into coaching because sports were such a big part of my
life. I played volleyball, soccer and basketball throughout high
school and college. My favorite teachers/professors were always the
ones that coached me, so I think I was excited about being able to
work with my students on a similar level.
What is your history with volleyball, as a player or otherwise?
What’s most exciting about it to you?
Of all of the sports I played (basketball, soccer and
volleyball), I actually have the least amount of experience with
volleyball. I played soccer from second grade through college,
basketball from middle school through college, and volleyball only
in middle school and high school. I would have loved to have played
collegiate volleyball, but it was at the same time as soccer, and
that was my best sport.
During my first year at Arapahoe, I was offered the Freshman B
coaching position. I took it, knowing I had a lot to learn. From
there, I moved up through the ranks and coaching the sophomore and
JV teams. I took a year off to have my daughter, and then the
varsity job became available. I knew that these positions don’t
come around every day, so I jumped at the chance to coach at the
varsity level. I have been coaching varsity for the past five
years. I guess what I love most about volleyball is that it is
still challenging and new for me. The game is fast, high scoring,
and I learn something new almost every day.
Can you describe a moment or two when you found coaching to be
truly rewarding?
Some of the most personally rewarding experiences for me come
from former players; a letter from a senior at Christmas time
telling me she learned what it meant to be a leader, a three-year
starter telling me I get better every year. Small acts that meant a
great deal.
In regards to my players and my program, I LOVE watching the
progression of players as they move from freshman to seniors. Not
only do they grow exponentially as athletes, but so many of them
develop into outstanding leaders, students and individuals. That is
why I do what I do.
As a coach, what is your No. 1 goal every time you walk into a
new season? What is usually the first thing you take care of
walking into the season?
The first thing I do at the start of the season is come up with
our program vision. Ever since I took over at Arapahoe, we have had
a two-fold vision. Part one is to establish a “Tradition of
Excellence.” We desire excellence in all we do. On and off the
court, we want the volleyball team to strive to be excellent. Part
two changes each year. Last year, it was “New League, New Legacy,”
as we transitioned from the Continental to the Centennial League.
This year? You’ll have to ask my players.
We all know being a head coach requires a lot of time and
devotion. How much does family and friend support come into play
when trying to guide a successful preps sports program?
The support from my family is paramount. I could not do what I
do without them. I have two young kids; my daughter Payton is five
and my son Brady is two. My mom and grandmother watch them during
practice every day. My kiddos, husband and mom are Arapahoe’s
number one fans. They are at almost every game cheering on the
girls. The fact that they are so involved makes it worth it. My
husband (or should I say assistant coach?) likes to give me game
hints and advice after every game.
What is most rewarding about working with high school athletes
specifically?
I kind of addressed this before, but I love watching the
progression of players throughout high school. They get to move
from bright-eyed freshman, who are just trying to stay afloat, to
senior leaders who establish the tone and expectations of the
program. A lot of the girls play club, which is where they really
work on skills and strategies of the game, but I think high school
helps them grow as individuals and leaders.
Your team just won the state championship, giving your choice,
where would you want to celebrate?
Cancun. My family (11 of us) spent 10 days there this summer,
and it was paradise. I’d go back tomorrow if I could.
What do you do for entertainment that doesn’t relate to
volleyball?
Watch Notre Dame football with my husband and kids, shop and
hang out with my family.