A North Texas volleyball coach spent a season helping young players learn the game. By championship day, he found himself coaching both teams competing for the title. The final two teams standing in the Colleyville Recreation League were both coached by Michael Maupin, a PE teacher at Glenhope Elem entary School. “Somebody has to win, somebody has to lose,” Maupin said. The championship matchup was the result of an idea from his daughter, Skylar Maupin. “I just thought it was such a cool idea to play volleyball with everybody that I love,” Skylar said. Skylar asked her dad to create a team with her friends. “I grew up playing soccer, and I didn’t know anything about volleyball,” Maupin said. Still, he decided to give it a try. Students at a North Texas elementary school were asked whether they wanted to learn something new. “My friends were like, you should really try Coach Maupin’s team. And I was like, okay,” said Abi Pichardo. “I’ve known him since I was little,” said Camdyn Harig. “I decided to go try it, and I was like, oh my gosh, I actually like it,” said Ximena Herrera. What Maupin expected to be a few girls learning the basics quickly grew. “Next thing you know, we have three teams of all kids that have enjoyed it and want to play,” he said. After-school practices turned into games in the Colleyville Recreation League and provided opportunities for players to help one another improve. “I know Kate, she’s been working so hard on her serve,” said Cailyn Carter. “When she finally got it, everybody was so happy. We were so happy!” said Ava Nowell. The players said they learned lessons beyond volleyball. “I’m not gonna lie, before, all this volleyball stuff, I had a really bad temper, but now I can use that temper!” said Anika Ghose. As the teams advanced through the bracket, they continued winning. “If we get down in our heads, then we’re not going to do as well. It’s all about the energy and our confidence,” Carter said. Their success created an unusual situation. The last two teams remaining in the league were both coached by Maupin. “At the end of it all, one big happy family,” Maupin said. During the championship match, he stood near the middle of the net, offering instruction and encouragement to both teams. “I like that control, Camdyn. That was the right amount of pace,” Maupin said during the game. “They have all said, I don’t like playing them because they are my friends and we learned this sport together,” he said. “He’s like hyping us up, and then he’s moving to hype the other team up,” said Rylee Herms. The players embraced the matchup while continuing to cheer for one another. In the championship game, Team Silver and Team Black, named for Glenhope’s school colors, began creating cheers together. “We are the pack, silver and black. Woo! Excellent, here we go,” they chanted. “I feel like I just built up so much memories and the ace chance that I’m going to be carrying on and I’m gonna be teaching my children this ace chance,” said Ema Rondon. The girls have since graduated from Glenhope Elementary and moved on to middle school, but many are still playing volleyball. “I hear him all the time. I can hear him, like, Hannah, call the ball, you got this,” said Hana Lathouwers. Even after the players left elementary school, Maupin continued coaching them. “Because I love them, they’re fantastic. They’re awesome kids. I’m lucky to get to coach them,” he said. The girls said they are sad to leave behind a season spent playing with friends they have known since kindergarten. Many now play for club teams around North Texas. “I’d love to sit in a rocker and watch the girls play and not have to coach them anymore,” Maupin said. The players are not ready for that. “I would relive it a thousand times,” Rondon said. Coach Maupin’s daughter played on Team Black, which won the championship match against Team Silver. ...read more read less