Earning Trust

Trust earns time. Your attitude, choices on and off the court, and effort matter.

This week players get tested in the ‘competitive crucible’ of play with different teammates and new opponents.

Communicate, show effort, and stay resilient. Errors will happen. Be coachable and don’t make the same mistakes (e.g. being in the net, foot faults, etc.). Listen, work hard, and show positive body language.

Coach Scott Celli ranks trust highly in earning roles. It’s about doing the right things, the right ways, at the right time.

Here’s commentary from Claude.ai - a good AI resource:

Earning a coach’s trust in volleyball is a gradual process built on consistent actions both on and off the court. Trust forms the foundation of effective coach-player relationships and directly impacts your playing time, development opportunities, and team role.

Reliability and Consistency

The most fundamental way to build trust is through reliability. This means showing up to every practice prepared and on time, maintaining consistent effort levels regardless of circumstances, and following through on commitments. Coaches need to know they can count on you in pressure situations, which starts with proving your dependability in everyday interactions.

Coachability and Learning Mindset

Demonstrate that you’re genuinely interested in improving by actively listening during instruction, asking thoughtful questions, and implementing feedback quickly. When a coach corrects your technique or suggests a strategic adjustment, show that you value their expertise by making visible efforts to apply their guidance. This responsiveness signals that you respect their knowledge and are invested in the team’s success.

Work Ethic and Attitude

Your effort during practice speaks volumes about your character. Push yourself during conditioning, stay engaged during drills you’ve mastered, and maintain intensity even when you’re tired or frustrated. Coaches notice players who give maximum effort regardless of whether they’re being watched or evaluated. A positive attitude, especially during challenging moments, shows mental toughness and team-first thinking.

Communication and Honesty

Build trust through open, honest communication. If you’re struggling with something technically or personally, address it directly rather than letting it affect your performance silently. When you make mistakes, own them immediately rather than making excuses or blaming others. This accountability demonstrates maturity and helps coaches understand how to support you better.

Supporting Teammates

Coaches trust players who elevate others around them. Encourage struggling teammates, celebrate others’ successes genuinely, and step up as a leader when the team needs it. This shows you understand that volleyball is ultimately a team sport and that individual success means little without collective achievement.

Understanding Your Role

Every player on a volleyball team has a specific role, and coaches trust players who embrace theirs fully, whether that’s being a starter, a specialist, or a practice player who helps others improve. Focus on excelling in your current position rather than constantly lobbying for a different role. When you master your assigned responsibilities, coaches naturally consider expanding your opportunities.

Trust builds slowly but can be damaged quickly, so consistency over time is crucial. The players who earn the deepest trust are those who prove reliable in small moments long before they’re asked to deliver in crucial ones.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​