TEAM UPDATE: Stillman College Volleyball as Theresa Berry-Franks Reflects on Tough Loss and Key Steps for Improvement

Stillman College Volleyball as Theresa Berry-Franks Analyzes Hard Loss and Outlines Essential Steps for Progress

Stillman College volleyball coach Theresa Berry-Franks has always been known for her dedication to building competitive, well-rounded teams. Through her years of leadership, she has cultivated an environment focused on discipline, teamwork, and a strong work ethic—qualities she believes are key to achieving both athletic excellence and academic success. This philosophy was on full display as she reflected on her team’s performance following a tough loss in one of their recent fixtures. Berry-Franks’ analysis of the match, combined with her insight into the necessary steps to improve, reveals a coach who is deeply committed not only to the future of her players but also to the long-term success of the program.

The match in question was a challenging one for Stillman College, where they faced a tough opponent that exposed several weaknesses in their game. Despite the loss, Berry-Franks remains optimistic about her team’s potential, focusing her attention on how they can bounce back stronger. She recognizes the importance of acknowledging mistakes, but more importantly, learning from them and implementing necessary changes to avoid repeating them in the future.

As she reflected on the loss, Berry-Franks was candid about the aspects of the team’s performance that fell short. One of the most pressing issues was the number of unforced errors committed during the match. From missed serves to poorly timed passes, the team struggled with consistency in execution. These mistakes, while sometimes small in nature, compounded over the course of the game, leaving Stillman with fewer opportunities to score and a greater challenge in trying to reclaim momentum. Berry-Franks acknowledged that while errors are an inevitable part of the game, the key to success is minimizing them through disciplined training and mental focus.

“Every team is going to make mistakes,” Berry-Franks said, “but it’s how we respond to those mistakes and how we avoid repeating them that will define our season. We’ve got to limit those errors, especially the unforced ones, and make sure we’re staying focused on the little details. If we want to compete at a high level, that’s where we need to make the biggest improvement.”

The concept of minimizing mistakes is central to Berry-Franks’ coaching philosophy. She emphasizes that volleyball, like many sports, is a game of fine margins. A poorly placed pass, a missed serve, or a mental lapse can have a domino effect that leads to a string of failures, which can ultimately cost a team a match. In her eyes, the difference between winning and losing often boils down to a team’s ability to stay disciplined and maintain composure under pressure.

For Berry-Franks, the solution to this problem lies in reinforcing fundamentals. During practices, she focuses on repetition and muscle memory, ensuring that her players are consistently honing their technical skills. From perfecting their serving techniques to improving passing accuracy and communication on the court, the team is pushed to execute basic skills at a high level. She believes that mastering these fundamentals is the foundation upon which all other aspects of the game can be built.

However, building technical proficiency is just one part of the equation. Berry-Franks also recognizes that volleyball is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. In her view, mental toughness is crucial to overcoming adversity and staying focused during challenging moments in a match. Her training sessions often include mental conditioning exercises, such as visualization techniques and pressure situations, where players are required to perform under simulated game stress. This kind of preparation helps players stay composed, even when things aren’t going their way, and teaches them to recover quickly from mistakes.

“Volleyball is a game of momentum,” Berry-Franks explains. “When the other team gets on a roll, it can be hard to stop. But if you don’t lose your focus and you don’t let one mistake turn into two or three, you give yourself a chance to stop the bleeding and get back in the match. That mental resilience is something we’re constantly working on.”

Another important area of focus for Berry-Franks is team chemistry. She understands that volleyball is a team sport, and no individual player can succeed without the support of their teammates. The dynamic between players—how they communicate, support one another, and work together as a unit—can make all the difference. In the aftermath of the tough loss, Berry-Franks noted that the team had moments of disconnect, particularly in terms of communication and decision-making on the court. These lapses were often the result of players not being on the same page, which led to miscommunication in key moments.

“We have to do a better job of talking to each other on the court,” she said. “Volleyball is a game where communication is everything. If one person isn’t on the same page as the rest of the team, it can result in a missed opportunity or even a lost point. It’s something that can be fixed, but it takes time and trust. The more these players get to know each other and understand each other’s tendencies, the better they’ll be at making those split-second decisions.”

To improve communication, Berry-Franks has implemented several strategies in her training regimen. One of the most effective methods is the use of drills that require players to work in pairs or small groups, forcing them to rely on each other and communicate effectively to complete the task. Whether it’s calling for the ball or signaling a change in strategy, these drills encourage players to speak up and develop a strong sense of mutual understanding. As the team builds more trust and cohesion, their ability to communicate effectively during high-pressure situations will improve.

Additionally, Berry-Franks has worked to foster a strong sense of accountability among her players. She believes that in order for a team to grow and improve, each player must take ownership of their actions, both on and off the court. This means holding themselves and their teammates to a high standard of performance, whether it’s in practice or during a match. Players are expected to give their best effort every time they step on the court, and there is an emphasis on self-discipline and self-awareness.

“We all have a responsibility to each other,” Berry-Franks said. “If you’re not giving your best effort, you’re letting your teammates down. This isn’t just about volleyball skills; it’s about being mentally and physically prepared to play your role. And it’s about showing up every day, whether it’s for practice, film sessions, or team meetings. Success doesn’t just happen—it’s earned through hard work, commitment, and consistency.”

With these principles in mind, Berry-Franks is focused on moving the program forward. The team’s recent loss was a tough setback, but she is confident that with the right adjustments, they will be able to come back stronger. She sees the loss as a valuable learning experience—a necessary part of the journey toward becoming a more competitive and cohesive team.

Berry-Franks has already set her sights on the next steps in the team’s development. First and foremost, she plans to continue working on minimizing mistakes, particularly those that are avoidable, such as missed serves and miscommunication. This will be achieved through focused practice, where the team can work on improving their technical skills and reinforcing the importance of mental toughness.

In addition to improving communication and technical skills, Berry-Franks also aims to strengthen the team’s overall fitness and conditioning. Volleyball is a fast-paced, physically demanding sport, and players need to be at peak physical condition in order to compete at the highest level. Berry-Franks has incorporated more conditioning drills into her training sessions, helping players build endurance and agility. She has also placed a strong emphasis on injury prevention, ensuring that her athletes are taking care of their bodies and staying healthy throughout the season.

Finally, Berry-Franks is committed to maintaining a positive and supportive team environment. She recognizes that confidence plays a major role in performance, and she works hard to ensure that each player feels valued and supported, both on and off the court. She believes that when players feel confident in their abilities and trust their teammates, they are more likely to perform at their best.

As Stillman College volleyball looks ahead to the rest of the season, Berry-Franks remains optimistic. She knows that every loss is an opportunity for growth and that the team has the potential to improve with each match. By focusing on minimizing mistakes, improving communication, and building team chemistry, she believes that Stillman can become a force to be reckoned with in their conference and beyond.

“We’re not there yet, but we’re getting better every day,” Berry-Franks concluded. “This is a process, and it’s going to take time. But I believe in this team, and I believe that with the right mindset and the right work ethic, we can achieve great things.”