By Carter Melrose
“Easily 500, probably more.” Donna Forsyth then started to think deeper. “Yes, I have definitely had 500 volleyball filled days in my life.” Forsyth who is the new shot caller of Charles City High School volleyball loves the game and constantly has surrounded herself with it, “I’ve never taken time off from volleyball I was a player, when I wasn’t a player I coached, and when I wasn’t a coach I was a fan and a volleyball mother.” Though Forsyth didn’t take volleyball off she took off the coaching side of the game while her daughters went through the system. “I never wanted to coach my girls, I just wanted to be their biggest fans and their mother.” “I declined the job two times since I’ve been here.” Forsyth admitted. But as passion usually does it took over and propelled her into finally owning this job again.
“I played for Osage high school then went on to play in college, 2 years with Waldorf and 2 with UNI.” she voiced. Forsyth then went on to become a teacher and a coach, “I coached at Tipton for a number of years, then what is now called North Butler before getting a job at Charles City.” For any coach searching for a teaching style had a long and frivolous journey. “My high school coach was very intense but my college one wasn’t, both were great coaches so I took some from both those coaches. Also just through the years talking to other volleyball players and asking about their philosophies. “
“The girls have set goals that I believe are realistic. They are willing to do what it takes to win.” Forsyth stated confidently. Abbe Sindlinger a senior volleyball player clarified those team goals. “Our goals this year are to win conference, make it to state, and to become a stronger team. We lost half our starters, we have big shoes to fill.” Abbe scratched her forehead for a second, than smiled. “At least size 11’s.”
Matt Johnson, former puppet master of Charles City volleyball, recently took a job at Cedar Falls as the head coach, which opened up a spot for Forsyth. Johnson as Charles City’s head coach had much success, even winning a state championship as a Comet in 2012. Change was appearing instantly as Forsyth took the reins. “MJ was very laid back, and Mrs. Forsyth is very intense. It was a big transition for us, but I think as a team we adjusted very well. We’ve known her growing up, so we knew what to expect.”
“I am very excited for this opportunity and know it’s going to be a great season.” Forsyth ended with. Acting as ambassador for the team noted in regard to her new coach: “She wants to keep the tradition in Charles City going. She has high expectations for us, and we get along really well with her.” Like the first snow of winter, hopefully Forsyth and the team’s enthusiasm for this season hint to good things to come.
“I played for Osage high school then went on to play in college, 2 years with Waldorf and 2 with UNI.” she voiced. Forsyth then went on to become a teacher and a coach, “I coached at Tipton for a number of years, then what is now called North Butler before getting a job at Charles City.” For any coach searching for a teaching style had a long and frivolous journey. “My high school coach was very intense but my college one wasn’t, both were great coaches so I took some from both those coaches. Also just through the years talking to other volleyball players and asking about their philosophies. “
“The girls have set goals that I believe are realistic. They are willing to do what it takes to win.” Forsyth stated confidently. Abbe Sindlinger a senior volleyball player clarified those team goals. “Our goals this year are to win conference, make it to state, and to become a stronger team. We lost half our starters, we have big shoes to fill.” Abbe scratched her forehead for a second, than smiled. “At least size 11’s.”
Matt Johnson, former puppet master of Charles City volleyball, recently took a job at Cedar Falls as the head coach, which opened up a spot for Forsyth. Johnson as Charles City’s head coach had much success, even winning a state championship as a Comet in 2012. Change was appearing instantly as Forsyth took the reins. “MJ was very laid back, and Mrs. Forsyth is very intense. It was a big transition for us, but I think as a team we adjusted very well. We’ve known her growing up, so we knew what to expect.”
“I am very excited for this opportunity and know it’s going to be a great season.” Forsyth ended with. Acting as ambassador for the team noted in regard to her new coach: “She wants to keep the tradition in Charles City going. She has high expectations for us, and we get along really well with her.” Like the first snow of winter, hopefully Forsyth and the team’s enthusiasm for this season hint to good things to come.