Godich feels at home in Cadiz | News, Sports, Jobs

REACTION – Harrison Central coach Grace Godich reacts with a player during last week’s season opener. – Mike Hughes

CADIZ – Harrison Central’s impressive season opener against Big Red was more than just a strong start to the 2024 volleyball season.

It also gave new head coach Grace Godich a valuable win in her first official game as netminder in Cadiz.

A graduate of Catholic Central and Franciscan University, Godich was a standout for the Crusaders in both volleyball and basketball. She also played on the Barons’ basketball team for one season before deciding to focus on her education.

Last season, Godich served as a varsity assistant at Catholic Central and as head coach of the Jr. Crusaders at Bishop Musio.

When the position at Harrison Central opened up, Godich jumped at the chance to gain her first experience as a college coach.

Godich was named head coach in March and got to work early on getting to know her returning players and building the culture she wanted to instill in the program—or more specifically, the volleyball family.

“In our first week of training we played doubles and I think that helped build that bond,” Godich said: “We also held team-building days, and when August came, we wanted to bring them together, not just as a team, but as a family. They are sisters, and sometimes I think they are good for that.”

“This is a family. They spend more time at school than at home and that has helped build that bond.”

Godich is the undisputed leader, but given the small age difference between her and her players, she is also, in some ways, a big sister.

The age difference and the fact that she has been a player in both high school and college play a big role in getting her team on board. The fact that she is a woman doesn’t hurt either.

“I always tell them about that time, but that was only six years ago,” Godich said with a laugh, “But they like to hear what I have to say about playing.

“I also think that just the fact that I am a woman allows them to empathise with me and that helps build a bond, not only with the team but with me as well.

“I came here (at Harrison) as a nobody and they definitely welcomed me with open arms.”

It certainly didn’t hurt that Godich inherited a talented roster with six seniors. That’s both a positive and a negative – she’ll be losing a large group of her girls after just one year.

“It breaks my heart a little, so thank you for reminding me,” Godich joked: “You

They take on the leadership role that I have given them. Most of the time they talk in the groups and take charge, and that is fine with me.

“They know what they need on the pitch and I appreciate that.”

The seniors know that their input is valued and considered, and that this in turn helps to endear the older students to Godich.

Although it is the highest authority, the players also have a voice and it will be heard.