For the last 15 years, my main job was working in the technology industry. Thanks to the economic downturn, I am now able to devote more time to my passion–volleyball. For the last 27 years, I have been playing or coaching volleyball at several different levels.

My father was a high school volleyball coach in Washington for 27 years. Year after year he was able to take his teams to the state playoffs. I asked him for his secret one day. His answer? “Oh, I just taught them how to pass and serve. We just ended up being better at those skills than most of the teams we played.” Over 500 wins in his career. I guess he knew what he was talking about.