By KATHY COPELAND / Community Columnist

Seasoned volleyball player both at the high school and collegiate level, Emma Cotney is a newcomer to Vincent Middle High School. This is her first year as a faculty member, teaching 6^th grade math, and she is also head volleyball coach.

When asked how she likes it at Vincent, she sat up and got a big smile on her face as she said, “I love it!” She went on to describe how all the teachers care about the students and about each other. “I have made mistakes as a first-time coach. The other coaches and Dr. Edwards (principal) all pitched in and got me through that first game. It was amazing,” she said.

She said she feels blessed to be at Vincent, where there is a real team spirit, adding that other coaches who get more funding are willing to help her out knowing that volleyball just does not draw that kind of financial support.

As the discussion progressed, Cotney went on to explain that she considers this year a building year. Her reasons are mainly due to the team’s inexperience individually and in working together. She pointed to the team’s diversity in age, adding, “We have three seniors and then we have two 7^th graders on the team.”

To listen to Cotney describe her role as teacher and coach, you would never know it was a job. It is obvious she has found her passion.

“At the end of the day, volleyball is a game, I am here to teach these girls life lessons,” she said. “Attitude and perspective rank high with me. We may not have the most experience, but that is not an excuse for not doing your best.”

The girls are well-rounded; they have three who are also in the band, three on track, two play softball and three play basketball. The girls who made the volleyball team demonstrated they are coachable, they are honest and they have positive attitudes.

Cotney said the team has won some games, and it gave the girls confidence. They have also lost some games. Her perspective is that disappointments are part of life.

“These girls know that it’s not the win versus loss picture that matters most; it’s the attitude with which they do it that counts,” she said. “No one is allowed to be a quitter.”

Cotney graduated from Chelsea High School, where she played volleyball all four years. She also played at Faulkner State and at William Carey where she graduated.  She has about 12 years of experience with travel team experience included.

“I have a great group of girls,” Cotney said. From the outside looking in, it appears Vincent Middle High School has been well served.