Welcome to our "Coaches Corner" series, where we take a deep dive into the incredible work our Raider coaches do both on and off the field. Each installment will spotlight a different coach, offering a closer look at their journey, philosophy, and the impact they have on our student-athletes. This week, we feature Gavin Ennis, who enters his third season as Randolph’s assistant middle school volleyball coach.

Gavin Ennis is entering his third season as the assistant coach for Randolph's middle school volleyball team. Off the court, he teaches 6th Grade American History I, helping students connect the past to their own lives. Assistant coaches like Gavin play a vital role behind the scenes, often balancing coaching duties with full teaching schedules, all while making a huge impact on student-athletes.

In this interview, we get to know Coach Ennis and learn about his journey in teaching and coaching at Randolph.



Q: How did you first get into teaching, and what do you enjoy most about it?
A: I started teaching right out of college. I love getting to work with students and seeing them make connections between what we discuss in class and what’s happening in their lives and the world around them.

Q: What do you like most about being part of the Randolph community?
A: From the moment I stepped onto campus, I’ve felt welcomed and embraced by the Randolph community. There’s so much support from colleagues, administration, parents, and students. I appreciate the strong partnership that exists between the school and its families.

Q: What are some hobbies or interests you enjoy outside of teaching and coaching?
A: I enjoy reading, running, praying, talking about all things Pittsburgh, listening to podcasts, and keeping up with the news.

Q: What inspired you to start coaching volleyball?
A: This is my third year coaching volleyball at Randolph. I played volleyball for four years in high school and jumped at the opportunity to get involved in coaching the sport.

Q: What do you find most rewarding about coaching middle school athletes?
A: I love working with 7th and 8th Graders. Since I teach 6th Grade, I often have my athletes in class before seeing them on the volleyball court. It’s great to see them grow beyond the classroom and watch their skills develop through hard work.

Q: What’s one memorable experience or moment you’ve had as a coach?
A: I enjoy jumping into practice and challenging our players. I remember moments when athletes have blocked me or gotten strong hits I couldn’t dig. Those moments are not only memorable for me but also affirming for the players.

Q: How do you balance the challenges of coaching with your responsibilities as a teacher?
A: I make sure to be available for my students outside of class since I miss study hall during the first quarter for practice. I also check in with our players about their academics and encourage them to work hard, especially on game days.

Q: What is your coaching philosophy, and how do you apply it to the middle school level?
A: I’m grateful to have learned from two great coaches, Coach Dignan (Pitz) and Coach Wiggins. I support their philosophies while adding my own. I like to ask players what they think went well and where we can improve, encouraging honest reflection to help them grow as athletes and teammates.

Q: What’s the most important lesson students can learn from being part of a sports team?
A: One important lesson is that team success involves personal sacrifice. You may need to step outside your comfort zone or even let others take the spotlight for the good of the team. Supporting and encouraging your teammates is essential, and that’s a lesson I’m still working to learn myself.

Q: How do you keep your athletes motivated throughout the season, especially during tough matches?
A: The middle school volleyball season is compact, with games packed into a six-week span after months of practice. The quick turnaround between matches helps keep players motivated, and after a tough match, I focus on shifting their mindset to the next game.

Q: What’s your favorite drill or practice technique that you believe really helps the team improve?
A: I enjoy blocking and jousting drills, and it’s always fun to see players you might not expect step up and make impressive plays during these drills.

Q: What’s one thing you hope your athletes take away from their experience on the volleyball team?
A: We are one team, whether you’re on the A Team or B Team, in 7th or 8th Grade. We support each other, and that unity is something I hope every athlete carries with them.

Q: What excites you most about this upcoming season with the middle school team?
A: I think we have a talented team this year. Our hitters are the strongest I’ve seen during my time at Randolph. With both returning and new players, I believe we have a squad that can compete for the county championship.



Thank you to Coach Gavin Ennis for all the hard work he puts into helping our student-athletes succeed both on and off the court. Be sure to catch the middle school volleyball team in action this season!