Women’s Volleyball
Monday Morning Quarterback: Rouge et Or dominate No.1 Carabins in football, Gryphons take OUA rugby championship
Throughout the 2017-18 season, U SPORTS sits down with one key athlete, coach, and staff member of each U SPORTS athletic program in our new interview series “Getting to know…”
Name: Sandra Lamb
School: Mount Royal University
Sport: Women's volleyball
Position: Head coach
Seniority: 19 years
Previous school/position: None
Hometown: Swift Current, Sask.
1. How did you first get involved in coaching? What was your path to your position as head coach at Mount Royal?
I started coaching ringette camps when I was in Swift Current, SK. I guess I have always been someone who likes to help others get better. My path to becoming a head coach started as an assistant with the men's volleyball team. From there I made the switch to the women's team as an assistant for a year then took over as the head coach the following year. It was not something I expected to happen but sure glad it did!
2. Who are the people that have influenced you most as a coach?
There are many that supported me along the way but it all started with my mom. She is a fiesty lady that expects nothing but your best! The other people that I look up to would be my older brother Mark Lamb who is also a coach. Calvin Aubin who has been a mentor from the days of me being a part of the men's team. These two have had a significant influence on the coach I am today.
3. How would you describe your coaching style?
I am a passionate, emotional, hard-working, competitive coach. I love the game and with that high expectations and high standards exist both on and off the court!
4. Which coach do you admire the most, and why?
Karch Kiraly. He’s always learning, teaching and growing. I love his intent, passion and willingness to be vulnerable. His teams are always disciplined, thoughtful and coexist as a genuine strong unit.
5. What is the most “out-of-the-box” thing you’ve done as a coach?
One match I had to completely shift all my players around. We had never once practiced this even though we had only one setter at the time. This was the lineup I put in:
My starting middle was setting. My other starting middle was right side. Two rookies started in the middle. My libero was on the left side. Two more rookies started at libero and left side.
We ended up winning the match 3-0 with this lineup. This was definitely the most outrageous line up I ever submitted with no prep at all!
6. What is your greatest coaching moment or achievement?
I have had some pretty amazing people come through my program, therefore so many special moments. The one moment that will always be a highlight would be our first Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) national championship. I will never forget the moment we all came together to celebrate our victory on the middle of the floor....goosebumps again!
Reaching the Final Four in Canada West our first year in the league was special as well! This had never been done before.
7. What’s the best advice you can give to an athlete and/or athlete’s parents?
Be humble, and let your child advocate for themselves.
8. How have you changed as a coach over time. What principles/values etc. have remained the same?
My values never change. I have to be true to who I am at my core. Every year I have to adapt and grow with the athletes and the game. The program is always hard working, passionate and dedicated to the process.
9. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not in coaching mode?
Golfing. I look forward to hitting the links every summer!
10. What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you as a coach?
Believe it or not I really haven't had much on the embarrassment side as a coach. As a player, well that’s another story! The only thing I can think of is the occasional water bottle exploding all over me during a match. I was a mess and my team and the refs were very distracted. Damn sparkling water!