For those that don't know I also do previews and game threads for basketball. Watching this men's basketball season unfold, it reminded me of my favorite Jamie Morrison quote. In today's world of NIL, one year player rentals, going to the highest bidder, buying rosters, popularity contests, one thing is forgotten. To paraphrase that quote Jamie says,

"the most important thing coaches can do is coach."

Witnessing Bucky Ball in its entirety, it's beautiful to see a coach who strongly believes in his system, his program, his players, and his self. I saw Jamie Morrison get asked how did he strategize or what did he have to do differently to prepare for an undefeated more talented Nebraska team and he said, he didn't change anything, he trusted his girls and trusted their style. Bucky has a system, whether it's a system that's optimal or the most successful, is to be determined. Whether it's easy to adjust to or control is to be determined. What's not to be determined is how much he believes in that system and stays true to it. Bucky and his staff can coach; more than just X's and O's. They have created a system and have created a culture that his guys believe in and play hard for.

We were down 2-0 to Louisville, we saw Nebraska storm back to take it to a 5th set. A cool calm collected Jamie Morrison reminded his team of who they are, no panic, no chaotic coaching changes, just be yourself and play Aggie Volleyball. Trust the person next to you, trust the work you've put in.

Coaches have to coach. In today's world, programs are most worried about acquiring the most talented roster on paper. NIL and stars don't game plan for you, they don't develop for you, they don't scout for you, they don't build team chemistry for you. In an emotionally heightened match where every point is monumental, stars, records, nil, accolades are all meaningless. What matters is the preparation, the trust, the knowledge, the confidence, and the coaching, most of all the coaching. The ins and out, the intricacies, the minute details, all of it. Coaching!

Whatever December of 2026 may bring, it starts in the gym now. Whether the confetti is falling us, whether we're picking up huge wins, those outcomes are being determined now. Jamie Morrison and his staff have shown an exceptional ability to develop, sharpen a skill, eliminate a weakness, improve a player's game. All that work and development is starting.

We are the reigning national champions. We lost 9 seniors. Many will count us out. Many will say we had a Cinderella run last season. Many will say they had a good run, but no way they can do that again. It's February, practices are under way, our girls are consistently in the gym, in the weight room, spring matches will be coming in the next few months. I'm just here to remind you to don't be afraid to believe in this team once more. Believe in Texas A&M Women's Volleyball. Jamie and his staff can coach. They can develop. They can scout. They can game plan. I don't care what stories are on the other side of the net, I don't care what All Americans are on the other side of the net, I don't care what paid for starting roster is on the other side of the net. We're Texas A&M Volleyball, I'm taking this staff, this team over anyone any given day.

Well said. I believe that, given the Nebraska hype and setting and how the match started, the win against Nebraska in the first set was one of the greatest Aggie sports victories of all time.

another parallel with Jamie and Bucky, they both emphasis that fact that their sport is supposed to be fun. Enjoy the moment on the court, because it's supposed to be fun, that's why you play the game.

Nice writeup tswift.

I do believe these new coaches with the AD got together at some point to establish a culture/vision for this athletic program. All of the coaches support each other. Shoutouts, cross-tweets... They also share similar messages to the team and to the media.

I also think Bucky being a young coach and Jamie being a part of LOVB allows them to understand the young players, connect and meet them where they are at. Watching all of these top volleyball coaches just sit there during games not showing emotion makes me appreciate our coach so much more. I get these hall of fame coaches are very good but it feels like they are just playing chess with amazing players. Jamie often looks like he wants to be a player in the team.

Pushing the Aggie culture, team bonding and unity goes a long way. Once these programs start getting the best players, I hope the culture will continue. Kind of felt like Jimbo really lost control when he brought in the best recruiting class ever. It's hard work to keep everyone motivated and in-line.