A perennial top 25 volleyball contender makes Ohio State University (OSU) Women?s Volleyball Coach Jim Stone one of the most successful coaches in the Conference. Stone has been coaching at OSU nearly 20 years. After finishing fourth in the Big Ten last season, Stone is excited about his returning veterans and their chances for more success this fall.

Of course, winning the NCAA Championship would be the ultimate prize for the team, but Stone receives the biggest kick out of watching his players perform. "My biggest thrill is working with the athletes and helping those who want to get better," he says. This internal motivation in athletes impresses him the most. Ambivalence is a trait that Stone can do without. Desire and the ability to work hard make him excited about coaching.

A native of Battle Creek, Mich., Stone was named the 1991 National Coach of the Year by Volleyball Monthly, in addition to Big Ten Coach of the Year honors three times. To date, he has coached more than 40 All-Conference players and 12 All-Americans.

He prefers not to pigeonhole himself with any particular style of coaching. Rather, the make-up of each individual team lends itself to differing styles. If he works with a more experienced squad, he sets different goals and uses motivational techniques that are separate from those he would implement with a younger squad.

A volleyball player himself at Ball State University, Muncie, Ind., he earned the team?s most valuable player honors in 1975. Before joining the OSU program, he spent three years coaching at the University of Wyoming.

Coach Stone's Coaching Tips
1. Stress repetition so players become good at what they practice the most. Help athletes pick out those elements they want to be good at.
2. Enjoy the sport, and help your athletes enjoy it as well.