In the ever-evolving world of collegiate sports, volleyball has seen remarkable growth over the past few years. With increased participation and interest in the game, it’s no surprise that coaches, players, and fans alike are eager to learn from some of the best minds in the sport. This past weekend, Roberts Wesleyan University (RWU) played host to a volleyball clinic that brought one of the most influential figures in the volleyball world to Rochester—former Olympic coach John Speraw.
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The event, which was led by Speraw and RWU’s first-ever men’s volleyball head coach, Mike Dedee, marks an exciting moment in the development of the men’s volleyball program at Roberts Wesleyan. The clinic not only showcased the expertise of an Olympic coach but also highlighted the rapid growth of volleyball, a sport that has become one of the fastest-growing in the United States.
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Mike Dedee’s Commitment to Excellence
Mike Dedee’s journey into coaching collegiate volleyball is relatively recent, but his passion for the game has been evident for years. “Even though I’ve been around the game most of my life,” Dedee shared, “coaching college was new to me.” Last year, Dedee was appointed the first head coach of Roberts Wesleyan men’s volleyball team, a position he embraced with determination and enthusiasm. Despite his previous experience playing volleyball, coaching at the collegiate level brought new challenges that he was eager to tackle.
Dedee’s commitment to providing the best for his players is apparent in his actions. When he reached out to John Speraw—one of the most accomplished volleyball coaches in the country—it was an indication of his drive to take the RWU program to new heights.
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“We didn’t know he had those high-up connections yet,” recalled RWU captain Jonah Grbic. “It was really surprising when we found out.”
Dedee’s connection to Speraw traces back to UC Irvine, where Dedee played volleyball during his collegiate years. Interestingly, it was at UC Irvine that Speraw, a five-time NCAA Champion and two-time Olympic bronze medalist, began his own coaching career.
When Dedee reached out to Speraw, he was eager to learn from one of the best. Speraw was more than happy to offer guidance. “He called me up and said, hey, can I come pick your brain for a little while?” Speraw recalled. “I really enjoyed his intention and interest. He’s such a student of the game and really wants to be great.”
This meeting laid the foundation for an exciting collaboration. After spending time with Speraw in California, Dedee invited him to New York for a two-day clinic. Since then, the two have continued to meet annually in Rochester, helping elevate the volleyball program at Roberts Wesleyan and creating a lasting impact on the local volleyball community.
The Clinic: A Masterclass in Volleyball Fundamentals
This clinic held at RWU was not just an opportunity for players to meet an Olympic coach; it was a chance for them to learn invaluable techniques that could help them improve their game. According to RWU captain Paul Fillion, “It’s the stuff that they can take home in the process that is really super valuable for them.” The clinic was designed not only to enhance individual skills but also to foster team unity and emphasize the importance of strategy, focus, and communication on the court.
For John Speraw, the clinic was about much more than offering a few tips and tricks to the players. “It’s about giving them the tools they can use to grow as individuals and as a team,” Speraw explained. “When you teach something, it’s about making sure they understand the ‘why’ behind it, not just the ‘how.’” Speraw’s approach to coaching emphasizes the mental aspects of the game—how players think, how they react to situations, and how they work together. These insights were key takeaways from the clinic.
Speraw also shared his vast experience in high-level volleyball, discussing the tactics he’s used at the Olympic level and with NCAA championship teams. By focusing on fundamentals, building mental resilience, and creating a culture of excellence, Speraw’s clinic aimed to help these young athletes reach their full potential.
The Growth of Volleyball: A National Phenomenon
One of the key themes throughout the clinic was the rapid growth of volleyball as a sport across the United States. Dedee remarked, “It’s the fastest-growing sport in the nation, hands down.” Indeed, the data backs up this claim. According to the Associated Press, among girls’ junior clubs associated with USA Volleyball, membership has more than doubled in the past two decades—from 1,750 in 2004-2005 to 3,880 in 2023-2024. Similarly, the number of boys participating in high school volleyball has also seen impressive growth, doubling from 42,878 in 2005-2006 to 85,255 in 2023-2024, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).
This surge in popularity was on full display in Rochester, where the clinic became a testament to the growing interest in volleyball. The presence of John Speraw, a legendary coach, only fueled the excitement around the event. As local senior Gretchen Klossner from Rush-Henrietta High School put it, “If we have big names coming to Rochester, then more people are inclined to come here and view volleyball and watch volleyball and make this a volleyball community.”
This clinic was not only a teaching moment for the athletes but also an opportunity to unite the local volleyball community and create a shared space for growth. The event brought together players, coaches, and fans in a celebration of the sport, reinforcing the idea that volleyball is not just a game but a thriving, dynamic community.
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, Mike Dedee is enthusiastic about the future of Roberts Wesleyan’s men’s volleyball program. “We’re very excited about the season,” Dedee said, reflecting the team’s optimism for the upcoming competitions. With the guidance of experienced coaches like Speraw, Dedee aims to develop a program that continues to grow in skill and reputation. The influence of Speraw, combined with Dedee’s dedication to his players, has the potential to turn Roberts Wesleyan into a powerhouse in collegiate volleyball.
Speraw, too, remains passionate about the future of the sport. He believes that the organic growth of volleyball is not just a trend but a long-term movement. “There’s been an amazing organic growth with the sport,” Speraw noted. “If we can coalesce all the leadership and people who understand the game, I think we can really do something special for kids and elevate the sport even further.”
For Roberts Wesleyan and beyond, the clinic represented not only a chance to learn from the best but also a glimpse into the future of volleyball—a future that is bright, growing, and full of potential.
