Rose basketball highlights
FRI.| 10-17-25 | SPORTS
After the previous Rose volleyball head coach left to pursue a collegiate-level coaching position, Athletic Director Clay Medlin stepped into the role despite having little experience with the sport.
Thankfully, Medlin did not have to do this alone; assistant coaches Ashton Barbee and Jackson Blizzard have played a huge part in helping make this team successful.
“They are the brains behind the operation; they have tons of background knowledge of volleyball and have been around it their whole life,” Medlin said. “They know a lot of the ins and outs, while I do my best to manage everything.”
Medlin is no expert on the game, but has spent 18 years at Rose and nine as the Athletic Director, resulting in attendance of many home games. Since summer workouts, however, he has gained firsthand experience learning about the game from both the athletes and his fellow coaches.
“I know more than the average person, but I don't know nearly as much as our girls know,” Medlin said. “From June when we started workouts until now, I have learned a ton just from the girls, the coaches, being around it, watching it every day and being a part of it.”
Typically, Medlin would attend baseball workouts during his fall afternoons, but now he spends each afternoon on the volleyball court while still managing other fall sports.
“It is a lot busier than I had ever imagined,” Medlin said. “Between managing football, soccer and having volleyball… It's been a busy schedule.”
Despite his long days, this opportunity has been rewarding, growing his knowledge of the game and building closer relationships with the coaches and athletes on this team. He has always loved high school sports, but being a part of the coaching staff has made volleyball extra special this year.
“Getting to watch it, be a part of it, and getting the best seat in the house is something I have really enjoyed; while also getting to know the girls on a little more personal level,” Medlin said.
Practices have been a huge part of the team's success, starting off with a light warm-up and then being able to dive into strategy for improvement in order to be successful against the team’s next opponent.
“Whether that's a good first pass, back row defense, attacking at the net or being defensive at the net... when we play teams, they exploit our weaknesses [and these little things are] what we try to address," Medlin said.
Medlin has already noticed the team's growth in just a short time since the beginning of the season.
“The timing of the sets, passes, who likes to be set where and how quick it needs to go,” Medlin said. “That was not there late July, early August, but now here we are, early September, it's starting to click a little bit.”
Last year's run to states with a roster filled with only sophomores and juniors was very impressive. With every player returning, the program has high expectations for the season.
“It's unique to have the run and success we had last year, then to have a chance to get everybody back on the same page this year is pretty cool,” Medlin said.
