Dublin High School’s new head volleyball coach, Lauryn Risinger, took up the clipboard early in her life as she started coaching at 17 years old when she was still in high school.
“I didn’t have the best experience with coaches and volleyball became harder and harder to play as I got older,” said Risinger who first played volleyball at age 9. “I quit school ball my freshman year of high school and got an opportunity to become a manager. I really enjoyed being on the other side of the sport, so I got a job at a volleyball club I used to play for and that’s when I knew I wanted to continue coaching.”
The Saginaw native attended Boswell High School and graduated in 2020 before attending Tarleton, where she obtained her degree in Elementary Education in December 2023.
Throughout the years, she kept working as a club volleyball coach. (She currently coaches Sky High Volleyball in Stephenville as well.)
“We travel to DFW in the spring to play in tournaments on the weekends,” Risinger said. “My favorite moments in coaching are tournament days! This is where we put all of our skills to the test and do our best to win big.”
“My most memorable moment is when my 16s team won first place in gold at a tournament in Northlake,” she continued. “We were there for over 14 hours. My girls pushed through many hours of waiting and came out on top! I was so proud that I will never forget it!”
Risinger believes that team sports encourage collaboration and bonds amongst its players. “Team sports create a sense of community and family,” she said. Volleyball further enforces that to Risinger, who said that it is a sport in which every player matters.
The coach’s goal for the 2024-25 DHS season is to reinforce those lessons.
“My goal for this season is to unite the team,” she said. “Before we start worrying about winning, we build relationships and trust with one another. We will learn how to play against high-level teams using strategy, and above all, we will have fun! I want to build a strong foundation within Dublin Volleyball. We will practice hard and hopefully play harder.”
Risinger already feels a lot of support at Dublin as she started helping out at the Elementary and Secondary campus in February. “Being able to come in early and get to know players and coaches has helped me build positive rapport,” she said. “I am surrounded by people that are excited for me, and willing to help with whatever comes my way. I feel strong support at Dublin from my colleagues, players, and even the administration. I cannot wait to get this year started!”
In addition to coaching volleyball, Risinger will teach 7th grade science and coach track (another sport she loves and started early) and powerlifting.
It’s obvious that the new coach is excited to get onto the court, continuing a position she started early in a sport she loves. “I believe that dreams do come true and I’m living mine!”