Movin' On Up: J-D Volleyball and New Coach Jay Hays

This year, the Boys Varsity Volleyball Team says hello to a new coach: Jay Hays.

As the Junior-Varsity coach at Jamesville-Dewitt High School, Hays built a strong connection with his teams and had both seasons end with winning records. However, as the 2009 season approached, Hays was offered the varsity coach's position. Last year's coach, Eugene Sul, who also teaches chemistry and coaches the Boy's and Girl's Varsity tennis teams did not return as coach this year. So he could spend more time with his family.

"I was extremely excited to hear this offer. It gives me a chance to work with the kids that I started with here and a chance to continue our great chemistry," said Hays.

His players share their new coaches excitement. "I can't wait! He's an amazing coach and he's has taught us so much" says sophomore Jim Quartier. Others, like Adam Goss, are excited to have Hays back because of his laid back, yet effective coaching style. "He knows a lot about the game and he knows how to explain it and demonstrate it so we get it," Goss said.

Still others look forward to Hays' return to expand their knowledge and skills of the game. "He's such a good teacher. I knew almost nothing about the sport until he ran me through it. Now I can't get enough of it," said junior Brian Wagner.

When Jay Hays first came to the J-D district, he was approached with an opportunity to coach at the junior-varsity level, an opportunity that his love for the game wouldn't let him pass up.

Jay Hays who is also is a physical education teacher who works at both the J-DHS and Tecumseh Elementary School. Hays first found volleyball in college. He fell in love with the sport and quickly found that he had knack for it. His great love of sports led him to volleyball, which has become his true passion. He treed the sport in college even though he had no prior experience or knowledge of the game. He eventually coached at SUNY Cortland for several years before pursuing a teaching position at J-D.

To add to his credibility on the court, Hays has also played on a USA travel team, which is a national and international squad, which plays in several tournaments in many different locations. He has been playing on this team for the past seven years and has been captain for the past five.