Stormers volleyball head coach Michel DeLisle not only leads MATC’s women’s team but also travels outside the country and coaches for U.S. teams globally. The coach left for Germany on June 14 to coach the women’s U.S. volleyball team, leading the team to the AAU Nationals. She returns to Milwaukee on July 24.
Coaching in Other Countries
This isn’t DeLisle’s first time traveling overseas; she has traveled to Barcelona, Spain, and Australia. “In 2023, I coached an American team in Barcelona. It went well, and when they asked me where I wanted to go in 2024, Australia was offered,” she explains. She adds that Australia is one of only two continents she has ever visited. She further explains that when it comes to coaching these teams, there are certain eligibility requirements. “To coach with America’s team, you have to be a JUCO (Junior College/Community college), NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics), or NCAA Division III coach,” she says. “America’s Team assembles a roster for the coaches and then schedules early meetings with the players to focus on team building and game strategies,” she says.
Memories of Barcelona and Australia
Outside of volleyball, DeLisle says the most enjoyable part about Australia was their pies. “On the flight from Adelaide to Brisbane, passengers were served two small, hot pies…one chicken and one beef. I think we need to step up our pie game here in America,” she said. It wasn’t just the pies that won her over; exploring Australia’s wildlife also added to the excitement. “I’ve gotten to see Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, and even held koala bears and drove to a lighthouse to watch whales and dolphins,” said DeLisle. As for Barcelona, she mentions that the team took tours and visited many historic landmarks. “We were able to visit La Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell, see a human UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), event, visit museums and monasteries, and (take) a catamaran in the bay at sunset. I would 100% return to Barcelona.”
Coaching Overseas vs. Coaching for MATC
Coach DeLisle says there’s a difference between coaching overseas and coaching MATC student-athletes. “The U.S. teams abroad are high school aged, so there’s a difference in both the level of coaching and the players’ confidence,” she says. She explains that the younger players tend to be more eager to learn, but they also require additional support to succeed. “The rules are different as well between junior-level volleyball (high school), JUCO volleyball, and FIVB international volleyball, so I have to stay on my toes,” she says.
Taking what She Learned Back Home
Coach DeLisle applies everything she learned about coaching the U.S. team to the MATC women’s volleyball team. “As a coach, I’m always looking for opportunities to grow in that role for strategies or lessons I can bring back to my players to help them achieve their goals,” she says. She adds she’s open to learning, applying, and trying new things to better herself and her team.
