(Avoca) AHSTW volleyball coach Kelsey Muxfeldt has built a rewarding career as a high school coach.
The Harlan native points to relationships built with student athletes among the best parts of her job. “When they leave high school and still keep in touch with you because you were their coach, I think that’s the most rewarding part of the job.”
Muxfeldt admits softball was her first love, but a volleyball opportunity arose early in her coaching career and it has developed into a passion. “When I got the opportunity at Clay Center-Everly to take over the program up there in my second year of teaching I was excited about it. It was something new for me and kind of different. I would say now it’s one of my favorite sports to coach, watch, and play. I just enjoy the tempo and pace of it. I really enjoy the game of volleyball and being able to be around the girls and work with all levels.”
She initially planned on getting into accounting, but seeing her dad and grandpa coach helped push her in this direction. “Being around that and seeing the influence you can have on young kids and the relationship you can build that you don’t get in the classroom. It just really made me realize that it was something I would enjoy.”
As Muxfeldt’s career has evolved, so too has her mindset and approach. “I just want kids to love to play the game. One of my big things this year is positivity. Making the game fun again. Sometimes we get away from that. I know as a coach I get away from that and get sucked into the wins and losses. I love to win and I’m super competitive. I think that’s great, but we also have to remember this is something they should enjoy.”
Previous Coaches
Eric Maassen, (AHST grad) Sheldon
Jerome Hoegh, Atlantic grad (West Sioux)
Gaylord Schelling, Atlantic and Tri-Center
Chad Klein, Audubon Native (Kuemper Catholic and Boone)
Trevor Gipple, (Griswold grad) SW Valley
Eric Stein (Harlan grad) Iowa Central
Darrell Burmeister, Nodaway Valley
