The University of Utah Athletics
Q&A with Brenda Whicker
5/15/2020 12:13 PM | Beach Volleyball
Beach Volleyball Coach Opens Up on her Background and Appreciation for the Game
Former Utah volleyball standout Brenda Whicker was named the head beach volleyball coach for the Utes in February 2018.
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Whicker was an indoor volleyball player at Utah under Beth Launiere from 1994-96. She is one of just five players that registered at least 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs in a career while playing for the U. She ranks third all-time with 1,565 career kills and fourth overall with 1,313 career digs. She is the program's all-time leader with 161 career service aces.
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In addition to having played in the AVP tournament back in 2013, Whicker also played a beach circuit from 2009-10 where she and her playing partner won an in-state tournament to qualify for a national event that was played in both San Francisco and Chicago. She won the Steamboat Tournament in Colorado back in 2013 and finished in third-place at the Motherlode Tournament on two separate occasions.
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Below is a Q&A with Brenda on more of her background.
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When did you start playing beach volleyball?
I was introduced to beach volleyball while I was in college and played a little but didn't really start playing seriously until I finished my indoor college career. I fell in love with the sport immediately. I love the environment...being outside, rain or shine, the people and the music. I love having only two people on the court, no coach and no substitutions. I love learning new things and it was a new challenge to learn this game.Â
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How has being around beach volleyball and coaching helped you?
After college, I spent most of my time playing locally with a great group of friends and then in some larger out of state tournaments across the country. My focus at the time was having and taking care of my family but beach volleyball was an outlet and passion that was very fulfilling. I also spent a lot of time coaching indoor volleyball at the high school and college level but beach was where I wanted to be. I eventually started coaching only beach. Coaching helped me learn more about the game that also improved my game. I had the opportunity to qualify for an AVP tournament that was held in Utah and that was one of the last big tournaments I got to play in. It was definitely something I will never forget and I have such respect for athletes at that level who train so hard day in and day out. There are so many challenges to balancing mental, physical, and nutritional training but there is something about pushing yourself to be the best you can and playing competitive matches that makes it all worth it. It's the best feeling!Â
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What's your favorite part of being a coach?
The best part about being a coach is the people you meet and the relationships you build. l also love to see a players progress. My goal is to help them become better players and people. I know that is something they do for me. I have also been lucky enough to learn from some of the best coaches and players out there and I hope to continue to.Â
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What will you be most excited about when the team gets back together?
Our beach season got cut short this year and I've had quite a bit of time to think about it. I was reminded how important it is to enjoy the moment and the people you're with because you never know what tomorrow might bring. I miss being together with my team but I'm really excited to see them all in the fall. It's time to start playing again!Â
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Whicker was an indoor volleyball player at Utah under Beth Launiere from 1994-96. She is one of just five players that registered at least 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs in a career while playing for the U. She ranks third all-time with 1,565 career kills and fourth overall with 1,313 career digs. She is the program's all-time leader with 161 career service aces.
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In addition to having played in the AVP tournament back in 2013, Whicker also played a beach circuit from 2009-10 where she and her playing partner won an in-state tournament to qualify for a national event that was played in both San Francisco and Chicago. She won the Steamboat Tournament in Colorado back in 2013 and finished in third-place at the Motherlode Tournament on two separate occasions.
Â
Below is a Q&A with Brenda on more of her background.
Â
When did you start playing beach volleyball?
I was introduced to beach volleyball while I was in college and played a little but didn't really start playing seriously until I finished my indoor college career. I fell in love with the sport immediately. I love the environment...being outside, rain or shine, the people and the music. I love having only two people on the court, no coach and no substitutions. I love learning new things and it was a new challenge to learn this game.Â
Â
How has being around beach volleyball and coaching helped you?
After college, I spent most of my time playing locally with a great group of friends and then in some larger out of state tournaments across the country. My focus at the time was having and taking care of my family but beach volleyball was an outlet and passion that was very fulfilling. I also spent a lot of time coaching indoor volleyball at the high school and college level but beach was where I wanted to be. I eventually started coaching only beach. Coaching helped me learn more about the game that also improved my game. I had the opportunity to qualify for an AVP tournament that was held in Utah and that was one of the last big tournaments I got to play in. It was definitely something I will never forget and I have such respect for athletes at that level who train so hard day in and day out. There are so many challenges to balancing mental, physical, and nutritional training but there is something about pushing yourself to be the best you can and playing competitive matches that makes it all worth it. It's the best feeling!Â
Â
What's your favorite part of being a coach?
The best part about being a coach is the people you meet and the relationships you build. l also love to see a players progress. My goal is to help them become better players and people. I know that is something they do for me. I have also been lucky enough to learn from some of the best coaches and players out there and I hope to continue to.Â
Â
What will you be most excited about when the team gets back together?
Our beach season got cut short this year and I've had quite a bit of time to think about it. I was reminded how important it is to enjoy the moment and the people you're with because you never know what tomorrow might bring. I miss being together with my team but I'm really excited to see them all in the fall. It's time to start playing again!Â
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