It was an eventful day for Camp Verde volleyball as coach Britney Armstrong was voted 2A Central coach of the year.
“Britney has done an incredible job at developing her players and program,” Camp Verde athletic director Dan Wall said. “She works extremely hard and cares for the girls, so we are extremely blessed to have her at Camp Verde.”
Armstrong discussed the award and what is in store for Cowboys volleyball.
What was your reaction to winning coach of the year?
I cried. Literally. I was completely moved and honored that I had even been nominated.
Many of us go about our lives, day by day, doing the things we do without ever getting any kind of praise or recognition for it. I felt blessed and humbled to have been chosen.
Definitely lots of pressure on my plate now to keep it up.
n How much did the players improve from the beginning of the season to the end?
We started off really strong this year and jumped to our first ever 3-0 record before losing to top notch Payson [3A]. Our girls continued to play great volleyball throughout the season and was even able to showcase some of their best play at home against Sedona, almost taking the victory — in I don’t know how many years.
How much do you think the program has grown?
Oh my goodness, our program has grown leaps and bounds. In so many ways. The first year I feel like all we did was focus on attitude and setting the tone. The end of the first year and all of the second year was about basic fundamentals with lots and lots of passing.
This summer and season we progressed into the next level. We really started to get into what I like to refer to as “volleyball” and being able to compete with our opponents. We went from one player, Bennett Holm, jump serving to almost half our team. We not only learned how to do this but also executed new sets and attacks. We increased our game sense, movement as well as passing. Team camaraderie was also huge for us this season.
How did your coaching staff help this season?
My coaches have been instrumental not only for this season, but since we all started together in 2016. It’s funny how things work out sometimes.
I had just barely met Coach Crystal Drake at our town volleyball league that had just started up here in Camp Verde. Both of us, not originally being from Camp Verde, immediately gravitated towards each other. We could clearly see that we both shared a strong interest and passion for volleyball.
She was the first person I thought of when I took the position and was looking for a JV coach. She fit the criteria I was looking for. She was a mother who also held a career, a devoted wife and not only did she love volleyball, but she was very knowledgeable.
She managed to balance everything while being a kind, loving, hard-working and selfless woman. I knew she would not only be an asset to the program with her volleyball wisdom but would also be a great example and role model to all of the girls. She has been my wingman and I couldn’t imagine not having her by my side. She is the “smart and organized” coach that handles all of the behind-the-scenes stuff, which is a lot. She has also done an incredible job of teaching our incoming freshman all the fundamentals
they need to know to help make them successful.
Coach Susan Holm and I met for the first time in Mr. [Mark] Showers’ office as we discussed entering into the program. I already knew she was a very active member in her church and community and had years of experience coaching. She was gentle and kind and I immediately felt loved and taken under her wing. She has been my go-to when I am struggling with what to say or do. She has been my mentor and I am so blessed to have had her by my side, helping with my transition into coaching. She gives the best constructive criticism and keeps the girls laughing.
What do you think is in store for the future of Camp Verde?
I think the girls’ interest in volleyball is not only beginning to grow but will continue to grow here in Camp Verde. We are very fortunate to have great middle school coaches that work in harmony with us and are doing a great job on preparing their athletes for high school. I think the town will also begin to grow more of an interest in the sport as they see how fun, fast-paced and exciting the sport is to watch.
Why do you think Camp Verde could get even better next season?
My goal for next season is to get that in-state playoff game. We ended 32nd this season and need to snag that No. 24 spot for that to happen. I am confident that this will happen because our girls are putting in all the hard work, physical and mental, to make that happen and have continued to build and improve year after year. I remind them that they have to have A, B, C to get to X, Y and Z. We will be working on self-confidence and finding comfort with consistency. We have a great group of skilled and talented young athletes with great attitudes that now have the taste of victory. They will be eager — and already are — to get back to work.
