Coaching is arguably the most volatile job in all of sports. As leaders of the locker room, coaches are expected to establish, cultivate, and maintain a winning environment season after season. When the team succeeds, every fan points to the players, and deservedly so. But when a last second spike changes an elimination game from overtime to a loss, coaches are often the scapegoat of fans’ disappointment.
Jake Spain, the new Head Coach of the Women’s Volleyball Team, brings over 16 years of coaching experience across club and school programs and is poised to embrace the spotlight of a historically top program. Known for his success developing athletes and winning Norcal Division Titles and North Section Championships, Coach Spain now sets his sights on guiding the Monarchs toward another standout season: the team swept NorCal, WCAL, and both Spikefest and Stockton tournaments just last year. Now with the experienced Spain at the helm, the Monarchs aim to capture a state trophy.
Reflecting on his early experiences at Mitty, Spain says, “I love the community here, I have such a unique role in Admissions, Excel, and coaching. I’m able to see students from all different facets, from incoming 8th graders to volleyball players!”
Such involvement across multiple areas of campus allows him to support students both academically and athletically, a balance that strengthens the team’s identity and the spirit of the school as a whole.
One of the hardest jobs of a new coach is having to acclimate to a new roster with preexisting chemistry. To this end, Coach Spain has already built meaningful relationships with his athletes, both on and off the court. One of his favorite moments so far came during the team’s trip to Las Vegas for the Durango Classic tournament.
“I really enjoyed going to Las Vegas with the group,” Coach Spain said. “I got to learn a bit more about the players as people as we spent time off the court with one another.” That experience, he explained, reminded him that championships aren’t just built through drills and matches, but through trust and fostering relationships. For Coach Spain, team chemistry begins long before the first serve.
As the new voice of the locker room, Coach Spain has implemented a new philosophy for the team, one that is rooted in simplicity and consistency. “I think my philosophy is keeping it simple, improving a little bit each day…We have fantastic players so it’s expected to keep a good perspective and control what we can.” Rather than overwhelming players with complexity, Coach Spain focuses on steady, daily growth, a mindset that prepares the Monarchs to face the tough CCS and WCAL competition ahead. His point by point approach encourages players to stay grounded, emphasizing discipline and continuity.
Coach Spain also recognizes the importance of pacing and patience as the team grows together. “We can never get ahead of ourselves, I think taking it day by day and meeting the kids where they are is going to be important,” he explains. His approach reflects a deep understanding of player development, recognizing that progress happens not in leaps, but in steady, intentional steps.
As he integrates into a rich program with legendary alumni like Kerri Walsh Jennings and 25 CCS championships, Coach Spain is mindful of balancing the team’s special history. His goal is to blend the aspects of team building that are important to him while still upholding the Mitty culture that has made this program so successful.
This “old-and-new” tandem is also found in this year’s roster composition, and Coach Spain is optimistic about what this squad holds: “Eight underclassmen and six upperclassmen. With our experiences with tournaments and off-court team bonding time, we set common goals together.”
As Coach Spain and the team begin their state title journey, their sights are set on success. Mitty Volleyball has a new leader, and his collective experience will help shape the program’s future.