What happens when tradition meets transformation? For Coach Kelli Barnett, it meant stepping into a brand-new role at Wichita Falls Memorial High School—formed from the consolidation of three legacy campuses—and turning a blank slate into a platform for something extraordinary. In this episode of Coach 360: Beyond The Game, Coach Barnett shares how she laid the groundwork for a culture of character, trust, and resilience among her volleyball athletes. By anchoring her program in character development and a shared man...
What happens when tradition meets transformation? For Coach Kelli Barnett, it meant stepping into a brand-new role at Wichita Falls Memorial High School—formed from the consolidation of three legacy campuses—and turning a blank slate into a platform for something extraordinary. In this episode of Coach 360: Beyond The Game, Coach Barnett shares how she laid the groundwork for a culture of character, trust, and resilience among her volleyball athletes.
By anchoring her program in character development and a shared mantra—“The Standard”—Coach Barnett reveals what it takes to unite athletes from different schools, build trust among teammates, and create a team-first mindset. From offseason workouts to character conversations, this episode offers a playbook for coaches looking to build more than just winning teams. It’s about building strong, confident young women who lead with heart—on and off the court.
Key Takeaways
- Start With Character: Coach Barnett focused on character development from day one to unify her team and establish core expectations.
- Trust Is Earned: Team trust was built through consistent workouts, shared experiences, and intentional conversations.
- Define “The Standard”: Her program’s mantra embodies resilience, accountability, and showing up—even on the tough days.
- Create Pressure Situations: Using time-limited or high-stakes drills helps athletes grow comfortable with discomfort.
- Culture Is Lived, Not Posted: Core values only matter if they’re practiced daily—not just printed on shirts or walls.
- Build Player-Led Teams: Empower athletes to hold each other accountable and lead through example.
- Consistency Builds Buy-In: Daily commitment to expectations fosters deep program-wide belief and cohesion.
- Leadership Through Relationship: Coach Barnett’s “Big and Little Sis” initiative strengthens cross-grade mentorship.
- Pressure Is a Privilege: Teaching athletes to embrace tough moments helps them develop perseverance and poise.
- Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing: Coaching is ultimately about growing people, not just players.
CONTACT COACH BARNET: kbarnett@wfisd.net
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