By BAKER ELLIS / Sports Editor

NORTH SHELBY – Jeff Robertson, who has been the Briarwood JV volleyball coach for the past nine years, is taking over the head varsity coaching role heading into the 2016-17 school year, replacing long-time head coach Robbie Wilson.

“I’m really excited,” Robertson said. “I’m really excited about the opportunity and am looking forward to getting to coach these girls.”

Robertson came to Briarwood 10 years ago from St. Joseph Christian School in Missouri, where he coached soccer initially. During Robertson’s tenure at St. Joseph’s the school joined the Missouri State High School Activities Association, dropping soccer in the process, at which point Robertson was asked to take over the volleyball program, which he did with gusto.

“I became a student of the game,” Robertson said of the transition. “I called the local college coach and asked for books, videos, anything I could get my hands on. I went and watched practices. Most everything I know has come from the study of coaches and other programs.”

Robertson left Missouri when he said he felt called to Alabama, some 11 years ago, and that God was leading him in a new direction toward Briarwood, where he and his wife have worked since.

“Almost every February I try to do a self-evaluation with God,” Robertson said. “About 11 years ago I just didn’t feel at peace about where I was, I just felt God leading me in a new direction. We were familiar with Briarwood, and that was the only place I felt led. We submitted our applications and resumes and here we are.”

The volleyball team at Briarwood has a storied past, with seven state championships and four state runner-up finishes to the program’s credit. The past few seasons have been less than stellar, with the furthest push from the varsity team in the past several seasons being a second round appearance in the sectional tournament, according to Robertson. Moving forward, Robertson will strive to help each team meet its own unique set of expectations, while always striving to improve as a coach.

“I think from a personal goals standpoint first and foremost is to continue to grow as a coach each year,” Robertson said. “I believe once you become stagnant you become ineffective. I want to sit down with my players and establish those team goals. The most important team goal is for that team to reach its full potential, whatever that may be.”

Tryouts will start the first week of May for the 2016 team, and the season will start when school is back in session for the 2016-17 season.