While winning is certainly key, Chattanooga Christian School's new high school volleyball coach has a greater purpose in how she hopes to help her team.
Former NCAA Division I volleyball player Brittney Berube spent her past two seasons helping Covenant College players improve their games and grow closer to Christ. She feels as if her new school will be a perfect fit to continue her passion.
"It's important to play this sport in a way that is glorifying to God," Berube said. "Playing in a way that also lifts up the team as a whole. I am super excited to join a program that already has incredible athletes, but a culture that extends beyond just the sport itself."
Brittney Berube / Contributed photoBerube grew up playing soccer and didn't start volleyball until her freshman year of high school. She grew to love the sport and went on to play at Sam Houston State, where she filled whatever position her team needed.
Doing whatever it took to help her team is a trait she hopes to pass down to the Lady Chargers.
"Volleyball has taught me so many different lessons with being a part of a whole and learning how to function inside a group when you are not the focus point," said Berube, who graduated from the Texas university with a degree in kinesiology in 2009. "It's important to play in a way that is life giving and not just about the individual. I am excited to pass that on and share what knowledge I have with them."
Through working with trainer Troy Tanner and Covenant coach Joanna Ehman, Berube found a way to morph her love for the sport and Jesus together.
After college she spent three years as a tournament director for the Houston Volleyball Academy club. She also played professional volleyball in France.
A staffer of Fellowship of Christian Athletes groups before moving to Chattanooga with her husband and two sons, she also has coached 11- and 17-year-old age groups in A5 club volleyball.
"I am so excited to be a part of the CCS family," Berube said. "It's been really cool to see God open up this door and make it so evident this is where he was calling our family."
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.