Volleyball coach uses athletics to teach life lessons

by Bryce Treat 

For coach Wes Briscoe, volleyball is about more than winning games. As the JHS head boys’ and girls’ volleyball coach, he focuses on helping athletes grow through challenges, build confidence, and become the best versions of themselves.

Now in his ninth season coaching the girls’ volleyball program, Briscoe believes growth happens when athletes push beyond their comfort zones. His philosophy is reflected in one phrase that players across the program immediately recognize: “Be a jungle tiger.”

His coaching journey began long before arriving at JHS. As a high school student, Briscoe helped coach youth sports before taking his first official coaching position at Corydon Central. Through those experiences, he learned that no two athletes are exactly alike.

“It’s more about knowing what the specific athlete needs and coaching them to be the best version of themselves,” he said.

Briscoe often encourages athletes to embrace difficult situations rather than avoid them. He believes the most growth occurs when players are willing to challenge themselves and learn from mistakes.

That message has stuck with many of his athletes. Junior Samantha Dues explained that one of Briscoe’s most important lessons is that mistakes are part of the learning process.

“He reiterates how we all make mistakes, but we know how to learn from them,” Dues said.

Briscoe’s focus on growth extends beyond volleyball skills. One of the most important lessons he shares with athletes is simple:

“Doing the right thing is never the wrong thing.” He hopes players carry that lesson with them long after their playing days are over.

Junior Ryder Lott described Briscoe’s coaching style as a balance between giving players independence and helping them improve when needed. More importantly, Lott said Briscoe stands out because of the connections he builds with athletes.

“He has a relationship with all the players. He cares about all his players,” Lott said.

The culture Briscoe has created within the volleyball program extends beyond practices and matches. Dues noted that after every match, players are encouraged to compliment a teammate, even after a loss. The tradition helps build team chemistry and reminds players to support one another regardless of the outcome.

Junior Caeley McDaniel described practices as strict but encouraging. She credits Briscoe with helping her stay motivated and encouraging her to be kinder to others. She describes Briscoe in three words: “loud, determined, and spunky.”

When adversity strikes, Briscoe encourages athletes to persevere rather than give up. His influence can also be seen in the confidence he gives his players. Dues recalled a memorable moment during her sophomore season when he trusted her to contribute during sectionals despite having less experience than some of her teammates.

“He had the confidence in me to perform for my team during sectionals, even when I had less experience than the others,” she said.

For junior Caleb Solmon, Briscoe’s success is evident in the growth of the program itself. Watching varsity players develop has motivated him to improve his own game, and he said Briscoe has helped transform inexperienced athletes into successful competitors.

“He’s made people who have never played volleyball become state contenders,” Solmon said.

Of course, players also remember Briscoe’s lighter moments. Solmon recalled one memorable incident when a player had to run 35 laps after catching the volleyball twice during a game, a story that has become part of team lore.

Whether he’s reminding athletes to be a “jungle tiger,” encouraging teammates to support one another, or helping players develop confidence in themselves, Briscoe’s impact extends far beyond volleyball. Through his leadership, Red Devil athletes continue to grow not only as players, but as people.