Letter to alumnae: Theresa Garlacy
Throughout the summer, Bryant Volleyball alumnae wrote letters about their experiences as part of the Bulldog program. To conclude our weekly series, Bryant head coach Theresa Garlacy reflects on her first 25 seasons in Smithfield and looks ahead to the 2019 season.
The idea of connecting the past and the present became a reality this year in many ways. First was the request of our sports information director to ask alumnae to write statements about their time playing here at Bryant for me. This was a very ego boosting action, for me reading these recollections was heartwarming. We also "borrowed" an idea from Marquette men's lacrosse Coach Joe Amplo. He assigned each of his current players the "homework" of connecting with a past Marquette Lacrosse player. Each of our players will present back to the rest of the team on a conversation they had with an alumnus from the program. This presentation will take place during preseason camp. This is a great strategy that we hope will connect the past to the present, to engage alumni, and to help current players understand how participation in the Bryant Volleyball program can prepare them for success later in life.
What started happening as I read these letters stirred some pretty emotional thoughts and memories for me, so I decided to write a letter back to all of my alumnae. When speaking with a recruit the other day, she asked me to describe in three words what Bryant Volleyball means. I didn't really have to put much thought into my response: Family; Athletic; Committed
This past season was awesome, and not just because we won the conference tournament and went to the NCAA to play Minnesota. That was really awesome, but my favorite part of the season was the alumnae reunion held on homecoming weekend. For me, seeing so many of my former players, their parents, their spouses and their children, come together to celebrate Bryant Volleyball and help celebrate my 500th win was mind blowing. You are all the children that I did not have but have been so invested in for so many years. There was so much to be proud of, collectively, you are a powerful force of leaders and role models, you are strong women. You have been a source of inspiration for me to continue coaching after 25 years. More importantly as life hands us good times and struggles, each of you has been there for me, especially in times of struggle. We have done a great job learning from one another and leaning on one another.
I think that is what makes our program unique, that bond that binds us to each other, even though life has taken us in many different directions we all know that we are just a phone call away for some sage advice, a kick in the pants or just a good cry.
We were always a super athletic team, which is a given, but the commitment you all made, not just to volleyball but to each other is what made us special. Many matches were won against superior opponents with our pure toughness and chemistry that left the losing coaches shaking their heads on the way home. The pride with which you conducted yourselves on the court and off has set the standard for all of our athletic teams here at Bryant and has won the respect of both faculty and administrators.
I have changed my coaching style a lot over the past 25 years, some of you might even say I have gotten soft. What hasn't changed is the team's mission to develop a culture that puts the person first, holds individuals accountable and above all promotes respect for the game and each other.
There have been some difficult years for sure, but I survived them knowing that I had your strength to lean on. Thank you for being the best group of women I could ever serve as coach. I am humbled looking back on all your successes and am looking forward to your continued support of Bryant Volleyball and of me. I am truly grateful for our pack mentality. Here's to another great year.
Tree
Bryant begins its 2019 season Friday at 4 p.m. when the Bulldogs face San Diego State in a tournament hosted by FGCU in Fort Myers, Florida. The Bulldogs' home opener will be Friday, Sept. 6, when Bryant hosts North Dakota in its first match of the Hampton Inn-vitational. Tickets for the 2019 season at the Chace Athletic Center are available HERE.
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