(Griswold) The Why I Coach series goes to Griswold today where the head coach for the Tigers in volleyball and softball is Jody Rossell.
Rossell admits even though sports were a major part of her life when she was young, she never envisioned getting into coaching until another parent asked her to help coach their kids softball team. “She encouraged me and I did it and really enjoyed that season. The next year they approached us and asked if I’d coach…At that point my husband Dan and I decided it was something we’d do together. From that point on I was hooked honestly. I loved being with the girls and being a part of the team and watching them grow and develop.”
She enjoyed the idea of being involved and giving back to the community. Her favorite part of it all is forming a bond with the players. “Being able to watch them develop into young women. Some of my fondest memories are the opportunities to coach with the classes of 2013, 2015, and 2017. Because my daughters were in those classes I had the unique opportunity to work with those girls all the way from t-ball through high school which is a real privilege I’ve had. I’m looking forward to seeing 10-20 years down the road when they are giving back to their communities in a similar way.”
Her passion for learning makes all the the hours spend on the diamond and in the gym worthwhile. “You have to have the willingness and the time to commit to it because it’s not just some job that you do on the side. It can be kind of a 24/7 time commitment. I think for me it’s been continually wanting to learn and improve all the time.”
Floyd Stonehocker and Raymond Butt both had a big influence on Rossell as the Griswold native points to softball as her first love. She lists Peggy Hansen along with Rick and Sue Mortensen as others that have been positive impacts on her.
Previous Coaches
John Kesselring, Adair-Casey alum
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)
In Memory of Bob Monahan, Audubon (Monte Riebhoff)
In Memory of Bob Monahan, Audubon (Steve Ahrendsen)
In Memory of Bob Monahan, Audubon (Scott Weber)
In Memory of Bob Monahan, Audubon (Curt Mace)
Chris Stimson, Elk Horn-Kimballton
Jan Jensen, Elk Horn-Kimballton alum
Seth Poldberg, EH-K grad and Guthrie Center coach
Trevor Gipple, (Griswold grad) SW Valley
Angie Spangenberg, Harlan and Red Oak
Eric Stein (Harlan grad) Iowa Central
Darrell Burmeister, Nodaway Valley
Lanny Kliefoth, Nodaway Valley
