A heart for volleyball in the Heart of America
Within the Heart of America, sitting in Central Missouri, lies a small club with an explosion of high-level talent. At the helm of that club sits a director whose main focus for his players is to help them become successful at their next level of play.
Coleman Lee, a Springfield native, heads up H2 Volleyball Academy-Columbia. Recently wrapping up the club’s fourth season of competition, Lee turned in another year of multiple top-25 Region finishes for several teams at the Premier level. In just four years of existence, his club has seen one National Bid, several Power League qualifying teams and over 25 commitments from athletes to continue playing in college, all represented at JUCOs, NAIA institutions and in every division within the NCAA.
What is even more impressive about the director, is that he gives all of the credit to his players and coaching staff. But we all know, behind great players and great coaches, is someone who creates an atmosphere where all coaches and players can be successful. His attitude and energy towards the club is so contagious, that his club is expected to return over 95% of its players from this previous season. He’s built up a club environment that kids and parents can’t help but want to be a part of.
Spending countless hours planning extra weekly club-wide positional practices and clinics, Lee’s goal for every player is to become a solid contributor at the next level. Whether it be in high school for the younger players, or as an immediate impact player at the college level for his juniors and seniors facing impending graduation.
In his spare time, Lee promotes and organizes college showcases that are open to all players in the area, not just his own H2 kids. He also has been known to step in and help completely separate clubs (from H2) in need of extra coaches and additional instruction. He does all of this to grow the sport he loves and continue to build up volleyball within Missouri.
On the side, he serves as an assistant volleyball coach and Recruiting Coordinator for Central Methodist University. CMU just recorded one of its most successful seasons with an appearance in the NAIA National Tournament, in part due to Lee’s diligence and dedication to recruiting high-level quality student-athletes.
Historically, Central Missouri has been a largely untapped area for volleyball players who aspire to play at a high level. Lee’s passion and drive has been quickly changing that path. He has produced a dynamic and talented club which has found itself at the top of the food chain in terms of volleyball clubs in the area. With an anticipated close to full return of its 2018-19 season players, as well as expecting a few strong new additions, Lee’s small club has well established itself as a local HOA powerhouse and should stay that way for years to come.