Expecting Greatness

By: Carol Torok, Assistant Volleyball Coach, University of Arkansas

Orginally Published in Coaching Volleyball Magazine - AVCA

Being pregnant during season was great! All my cravings were fulfilled: from buffet for breakfast (right up my alley) to dessert for dinner ("I am having a craving!"). On a serious note, I had great role models like my mother, my high school coach Natalie Cook and my college coaches Laurie Corbelli and Genny Volpe, all coaches and moms that are very successful at both careers. I think there are a few key things to consider when you are thinking about starting a family.

First thing to think about is your support system. I have an amazing husband who supports me and my career. I couldn't coach without him. We are lucky to have both sets of grandparents retired and itching to help. Also, my boss has been supportive from the planning, to the pregnancy, to maternity leave.

Second, one of the hardest things about being pregnant is planning. I think it's important to have a plan. Whether you are trying to start a family or you are blessed with a surprise, make a plan! I tried to plan my pregnancy according to the season. Now, we all know that the best-laid plans don't always work, so be flexible.

Third, and probably more difficult than you think, is communication. The competitor in me prepared for tough times and uncomfortable situations, but it also instilled in me to never quit. There comes a point when you just can't do what you are used to and you have to slow down. You're the only one that knows that point and you can't be afraid to communicate that.

Along those lines, here is an outline of some things that I tried to follow to make my transition easier:

1. The Plan
   • Talk to your doctor.
     • Travel
     • Practice
     • Time needed for maternity leave.
   • Find a day-care or babysitter.
     • Our child development program on campus has child care.
     • Talk to other coaches.
     • Line up family or friends to help during busy travel times.
2. Being Pregnant During Season
   • Continue to do what you normally do, it helps!
   • Stay Healthy
     • Travel with snacks.
     • Stay hydrated.
     • Take time to get off your feet and rest, especially toward the end of the pregnancy.
   • Share the experience with your players.
     • How you feel in the different stages
     • Your excitement/anxiousness
   • Stay Calm, everything works itself out.
3. Maternity Leave
   • Prepare for the time you are going to be gone
     • How much time you will be taking off?
     • What you can or can't do from home (emails, phone calls)
   • Make a list of things that you do on a daily or weekly basis that you will need help with.
   • Communicate with coworkers so things can continue in a timely matter, especially recruiting responsibilities.
   • Stay organized!
   • Enjoy the time with your new baby; you can't get it back once it's gone!!
4. Returning to Work
   • Start to slowly get back into a routine.
     • 2-3 days a week for few hours
     • Half days or practices for a few weeks
     • Back to full days
   • Nursing
     • Have a schedule and make sure the staff knows that is it important for you to stick to it.
   • I am lucky I can bring my baby into the office a few days a week and then a student babysits during practice.
   • Communicate with your staff so you can get things done in the office but also have the time you need with your baby. It is important to have a balance and it is possible.
5. Recruiting with the baby
   • If another staff member can be there, it helps.
   • Bring help if you can
     • Spouse
     • Family
     • Friend
     • Babysitter
   • Pick easy travel
     • Driving distance, quick flights
     • Get there early so you can get settled and get back into the baby's routine.
     • Scope out the gym for areas to nurse or feed your baby.
     • Stay close to the venue so you can get back to the hotel easily.
   • Stay organized
     • Map out the games you must see according to your baby's feeding schedule.
6. Team Travel
   • Easier than traveling on your own because you can have extra hands to help entertain and carry things
   • Travel as soon as possible so you, baby and team can get used to it

Lastly, stay calm and enjoy the experience. Sure, there were days that practice seemed to be five hours long because my ankles were swollen, my back was sore and sleeping at night was rare, but I felt empowered by my players! They came in day after day and worked, and I wasn't going to let them down. They can read me like a book, so I just enjoyed the experience and they did too. Being a mom and having a career is possible. It's not always easy, but if you want it bad enough, you can do it. Showing that to my players was one of the greatest things about being pregnant.

We welcome YOUR input! If you have any comments on this article or ideas for another topic, please contact our subcommittee. We are always looking for fresh ideas and ways to better serve the development of our fellow assistant coaches in all levels and types of volleyball. Send your feedback to: EHammond@Towson.edu