Coach's Corner: Jessica Day

Guiding Volleyball Excellence and Life Success at Bryan College

From the volleyball courts of Bryan College to her dual roles as Assistant Athletic Director and Head Volleyball Coach, Jessica Day’s journey exemplifies leadership, adaptability, and unwavering commitment. Now in her ninth season as head coach, Day is not only shaping skilled athletes but also preparing young women for life beyond the court.

A Serendipitous Start to Coaching

Day’s entry into coaching was anything but conventional. A four-year player at Bryan College, Day initially pursued physical therapy. However, after being waitlisted for PT school, she found herself substitute teaching and coaching in her alma mater’s volleyball program.

“I never thought I’d be a coach,” Day admitted. “But one step led to another—first as a volunteer, then assistant, and eventually head coach. It wasn’t a straightforward path, but it’s where I’m meant to be.”

Her transition to head coach came with its challenges, including managing a new role while preparing for motherhood. Despite her initial doubts, she embraced the opportunity, leaning into her faith and the encouragement of her mentors to guide her forward.

Leading with Vision and Values

As head coach, Day has cultivated a program rooted in values that extend far beyond the volleyball court. “I want the girls to thrive here at Bryan,” she explained. “Winning is important, but success for me means seeing them grow as individuals, graduate with their degree, and become better people.”

This holistic approach shapes how she leads and mentors her team. Day emphasizes life skills such as adaptability, relationship-building, and self-awareness alongside volleyball training. For her, coaching is about preparing student-athletes for the challenges of life as much as it is about competing at a high level.

The Balance of Roles: Coach, Leader, Mentor

Balancing her responsibilities as a coach and Assistant Athletic Director is no small feat. From compliance management to eligibility coordination, Day wears many hats to keep operations running smoothly for Bryan’s athletics program. “People think coaching is just about practices and games, but there’s so much more—game planning, recruiting, mentoring, and administration,” she shared.

For fellow coaches navigating multiple responsibilities, Day offers simple advice: embrace the unexpected and stay adaptable. “You can’t control everything, so focus on what you can and roll with the rest.”

Building a Strong Team Culture

Recruitment is another area where Day’s leadership shines. She approaches the process with a focus on character and cultural fit as much as skill. Highlight reels and game footage are valuable, but Day looks deeper. “I want to see how recruits behave—how they handle mistakes, treat their teammates, and celebrate others’ success,” she explained.

Day also involves her current players in the recruitment process, ensuring that prospective athletes align with the team’s values and dynamics. “It’s a full program effort. Our players’ opinions matter because they’ll be the ones sharing the court and building relationships with these recruits.”

Guiding the Next Generation

Day’s advice for young athletes is both practical and inspiring. “Start early, focus on finding the right academic fit, and don’t be afraid to venture outside your comfort zone,” she encouraged. For aspiring volleyball players, she recommends studying the game at higher levels to prepare for the speed and complexity of college play.

For those dreaming of a coaching career, Day stresses the importance of embracing growth and learning to “fake it till you make it.” As an introvert, she found her voice by focusing on authenticity and adapting her communication style to fit her role.

Looking Ahead

As Jessica Day continues to lead Bryan College’s volleyball program, her focus remains on fostering a culture of growth, connection, and excellence. Whether mentoring her players, collaborating with colleagues, or balancing her multifaceted roles, Day exemplifies the impact of a coach who truly cares.

For those interested in joining or learning more about Bryan College’s volleyball program, visit bryanlions.com/volleyball. With Coach Day at the helm, the program is about more than just volleyball—it’s about building a foundation for lifelong success.

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