Here we are in August and things are moving. As you may recall, I was asked to step in and fill a coaching gap for my college alma mater for this fall season.....so I temporarily shifted Ignite HQ to rural (VERY!!) western NY from August 1 to whenever our season finishes. By November, after a strong play-off run (that's the goal!!), rest assured, I will return to Dallas and carry on.

Right now, time is incredibly tight while balancing two-a-day training with the team and making sure I stay on top of Ignite work. But this is not all or only about coaching a volleyball season. This is a strategically purposeful few months in which collaboration and practical participation is at the top of my priority list!

What I mean by that is this - we have projects that can use assistance. This (and others) university has students who need practical experience. 2 + 2.....

Here are some of the things already set in motion over the last 3 weeks, including academic projects that may be included in syllabi or practical experiences that students will be able to use to build their portfolios by assisting Ignite International:

If I had a dime for every time I have had people say - "I bet you'll catch the itch and get back into coaching." Let it be known - I DO COACH.....all day, every day. My team includes many colleges, universities, national teams, Olympic Committees, athletes, youth development leaders, educators, and extreme overcomers. I will not sacrifice the position of impact I and Ignite have with all of them to step backward in life by labeling myself with one institution.

Am I enjoying it? Absolutely. Do I miss coaching a particular team or sport? Some things some of the time. Not all of it and not all the time. Will I catch "the itch"? NO.

With that said - for the present, I am thoroughly enjoying coaching with my former teammate, one of my dearest friends, and the former head coach of this program, Nancy Cole. Nancy has served with Ignite six times in Nicaragua and has graciously stepped in as my assistant for this season. She was the head coach of this program for 24 years until a medical challenge caused her to step away from the court. What a special time - we are having a blast coaching together.

This is a strategically purposeful fall season. I look forward to getting back to Texas in a few weeks for a few days....and up here I fully intend for our team here to go as far as we can into the post-season.

Thank you for your continued prayers, and encouragement, and to those who support Ignite financially - you are a lifeline and we remain gratefully humbled!

p.s. Keep an eye out for additions to our Wall of Wynners and an announcement coming soon on our 2022 Wynner of the Year!!!

p.s.s HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NICARAGUA VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION!!! Their MEN's National team just won the Central America Championship with a 3-1 victory over Costa Rica. This is the first time Nicaragua has won this championship and the first time in history that Nicaragua has defeated Costa Rica. SO proud of the guys!!

p.s.s.s. Looking ahead to November and December - I cannot wait to serve again as the Chaplain for the NCCAA National Championships. Always a highlight and truly an honor to serve all of the teams who qualify for the NCCAA's championship event.