The Jackson County Blue Devils have put together a 15-5 start while embracing the foundation head coach Lucas Martin continues to build: putting the team first, developing each player, and taking another step forward every day.
Martin is cultivating a team-first culture to drive the volleyball program toward long-term success.
Martin said his approach to coaching has remained consistent throughout his career. Martin said he focuses on helping individual players develop their specific weaknesses while simultaneously improving their existing strengths.
“My coaching philosophy’s remained the same my entire career,” Martin said. “You help each player develop on their weaknesses and improve their strengths as well, and then you just try and blend that into a team that works as one.”
Martin said the identity of the program relies on the players’ understanding that the team must come before any individual interests. Martin said this collective mindset is the only way for the group to push toward its primary goals.
“We have to understand that team comes first on every occasion and after that, it’s just all about pushing for the main goal,” Martin said. “You have to have a strong culture. If you don’t understand that the team is the most important thing there is in a team sport, then you’re a bunch of individuals trying to play a team.”
Martin said he keeps his players motivated during difficult stretches by framing adversity as a chance for development. Martin said life does not always guarantee a win, so players must view challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles.
“It all boils down to personal goals,” Martin said. “Understanding that it’s always gonna bounce our way. Life’s not always set up that you win everything and you just have to keep working and taking everything as a growing opportunity and not an obstacle.”
Martin said the future progression of the program depends on the development of younger players before they reach the high school level. Martin said he wants to see middle school athletes prioritize learning the fundamental basics of the sport over a singular focus on winning matches.
“I’d love to see it just like every other high school coach says,” Martin said. “I’d love to see like the younger girls actually learning the basics in middle school and not just worried about winning.”
