Often times, people coach a sport because the game is their passion. For the new head coach of the women’s volleyball coach, it wasn’t passion for the sport, but his desire to coach that brought the STU alum to where he is today.
“I went to Hartland, which is a basketball town, and wanted to coach basketball. But there were so many basketball coaches up there that I said, ‘Okay, what else is open?’ They said volleyball, so I started coaching volleyball,” said Don McKay.
This is McKay’s first year as coach of the STU volleyball team. McKay has worked with the UNB team, as well as coaching in communities around New Brunswick like Hartland, Bathurst and Nackawic.
Growing up, volleyball wasn’t McKay’s favourite. He played volleyball for two years – his final year of high school and second year of university, when he played for STU. It took a back seat to other sports.
“I’ve played basketball, baseball, soccer, badminton, everything else, but not much volleyball,” he said.
What McKay lacks in playing experience he makes up for with coaching experience. He started coaching in 1976, and it’s not hard to tell that coaching is his passion. He enjoys developing relationships with his players, as well as talking with opponents. He finds that in volleyball, there is a strong sense of team.
“Volleyball fraternity is a very strong unit,” said McKay.
So far, his guidance and experience has helped the team succeed. The Tommies got off to a strong start this season, with three wins and two losses.
But despite the losses, McKay is optimistic. He says optimism is his nature, with regards to the team, but also in life.
“I tend to stay positive most of the time. That’s always been my nature. I like mornings and have a pretty good positive attitude,” he said.
His positive attitude doesn’t shield him from reality though. McKay recognizes the strength of the teams they’re competing against.
But that’s okay with him. He would rather play tough teams and have a good game. An easy game from time to time doesn’t bother McKay, but he likes the competition and is ready for a challenging season.
“We are going to be very competitive but the league is very close … It’s going to be fun.”
