We sat down with Miami Killian High School Head Volleyball Coach Clinton Reid and asked him to reflect upon his 30 years of International and Domestic Volleyball Experience. We appreciate his time and the wisdom he shared with us. We hope that parents and young players take the time to read this interview and learn what it takes to become elite players.
SFVR: Coach, I'm sure everyone is aware of your final four appearances in the state tournament and the countless acolades that both your girls and boys teams have enjoyed. Please give us an idea of your initial involvement in Volleyball and your coaching experience:
REID:
> I started playing volleyball in 1978 in Jamaica (Mico Teachers’ college).
> I represented Jamaica in the several Caribbean Volleyball Tournaments from 1980 – 1988.
> Coach Jamaica high school volleyball from 1979 -1988.
> In 1984 I wrote a proposal to United Nation Educational Scientific Organization (UNESCO) asking for funds to implement a Mini-Volleyball program for underprivileged students in six inner city schools of Kingston, Jamaica. I was granted an undisclosed amount and was able to purchase equipment and prepare a training program for over 80 students who were under 12 years old.
> I was coach of the first 19 & under female team to participate in the North Central America and Caribbean Tournament in Guatemala in July of 1988.
> 1990:- coach of the Grand Bahama Women’s volleyball team that participated in the Bahamas Games.
> 1992-94 Assistant Coach of NCAA (D-II) St. Augustine College women’s volleyball team in Raleigh, North Carolina.
> 1995-97 Assistant Coach Miami Springs Senior High.
> 1998-2000 Head Coach Miami Springs.
> 2001-present Head coach of Miami Killian Boys and Girls programs.
SFVR: Your Killian Team has made it to the State Final Four the last three years. What do you attribute the success that your teams have enjoyed over the years?
REID: Changing the culture of the players, by getting them to believe that they are capable of doing impossible tasks on the court. Teaching them to outsmart their opponents, with their learned skills. Teaching the skills of the game to the highest level and respect your opponents every time. They must always strive to be better than their opponents in every aspect of the game.
SFVR: Last night your Killian Team was eliminated by Ferguson. What was your message to the team?
REID: We need to improve our skill level for next year. Ferguson played a better game than we did; therefore we have to spend the off-season getting better. Play some club volleyball.
SFVR: Looking forward what South Florida team will go the furthest in the state championship tournament?
REID: 2A:- Palmer Trinity/Westminster; 3A:- Florida Christian; 6A:- Palmetto
SFVR: What is the best opposing player your team has faced thus far this year?
REID: There was no outstanding player on any team this year. Most teams had a balance group of players who did their best at whatever position they played.
SFVR: Switching Gears, I’d like to talk about the Volleyball scene in South Florida.
SFVR: State wise, how does the level of volleyball in S. Florida compare to the central part of the state?
REID: Not that great. The skill level and the height issue are our biggest problem.
SFVR: What do you attribute to that?
REID: We need to have programs that start at the elementary level or community level, just as the baseball and football programs. The game of volleyball is not pushed in the communities and schools or in the parks, by the park personnel. When I was in North Carolina, every park has a gym and they were in close proximity to each other, and each had at least two nights assigned to volleyball for pick-up games.
SFVR: Coach, we couldn’t agree with you more!
SFVR: I have read that in California Volleyball courts are found in public parks by the dozen if not by the 100’s. Do you think that the Dade County park service should invest a bit to have more hard and sand courts available?
REID: If you cannot build gyms, The Dade county parks could build volleyball sand courts. We need these courts to help provide playing facilities for volleyball. We could stage tournaments on week-ends.
SFVR: We only wish more people thought like you do!
SFVR: Do you believe that Beach Volleyball can help a player improve their respective skills as an indoor player?
REID: Beach volleyball can help build court awareness, vertical leaps, ball control and serving techniques.
SFVR: What do you recommend that a young player do to become an elite performer?
REID: Be more attentive to detailed instructions; don’t find excuses for you not completing the task at hand. Don’t say I will try, “DO IT”. Practice with people who are better than you, and leave the gym or training session better than when you entered. Listen to your coaches, you are not too young or old to learn new stuff.
SFVR: What are your plans for the near future?
REID: Cut back on the number of volleyball activities in the near future.
SFVR: A little more about you:
SFVR: What is your favorite book?
REID: None at this time. I mainly read educational magazine.
SFVR: What is your favorite South Florida Professional Team?
REID: The Marlins
SFVR: Do you follow the local university volleyball programs?
REID: Yes, FIU
SFVR: What do you think of FIU - OH, Yarimar Rosa?
REID: She is a phenomenal player, her poise, athletic ability, skill level, and determination is a behavior that most young girls should pattern. Beside, she is a humble individual, who accepts the fame with grace. She is a model for all young and aspiring volleyball players.
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