A Program with Purpose: Thoughts on building a successful volleyball program

What decisions do you make as a coach, and why? A successful volleyball program depends on decisions on as well as off the court. In this book, Johan Dulfer, the head coach of the Clarkson University women's volleyball team, takes a look at the foundation of his very successful volleyball program. The Clarkson Golden Knights are a true underdog success story in the Division III volleyball world. Inheriting a team that went 7-25 in his first year at the helm, coach Dulfer witnessed his team climb to the top of the league rankings in a short 3 years. Since then, his Knights have become a regional powerhouse and ultimately burst onto the national scene. Since 2009, the Clarkson Golden Knights have won 3 conference championships, and made 4 straight NCAA appearances, including a trip to the National Quarterfinals (Elite Eight) in 2012. In preparation for the 2013 season, Clarkson earned their first-ever national ranking. This book takes a look at the building blocks of the Clarkson program but also asks broader questions. Dulfer challenges the reader to investigate their own (coaching) philosophy by discussing issues like leadership, communication, confidence building and recruiting. This book is not just a book with drills and tips for running practices, but there is a chapter devoted to that as well. Coach Dulfer has a background in sport psychology and this gives his book a unique perspective on coaching. A Program with Purpose is meant to make you think about the decisions you're making on and off the court (and in life). It challenges the reader to think outside the box and find purpose in leading their own program, team and life. Dulfer uses a unique blend of research, anecdotal evidence as well as story telling to illustrate his point that in order to be successful, you have to know where you're going and believe in your desired outcome.