Meet Kasey Gentry, head coach for Prevail Boys 17 Platinum and Assistant Coach at Lancaster Bible College (men’s and women’s teams). Kasey has been involved in volleyball for the past 15+ years, first as a player and now as a coach. Off the court, Kasey and his wife Molly care for their 34 animals on a farmette in central PA. Kasey was kind enough to participate in our Member Spotlight this month. We wish Kasey and his team the best of luck at the Boys Atlantic Northeastern Qualifier later this month.
KRVA: How did you first become involved with the sport of volleyball?
Kasey: Short story, I played baseball growing up through elementary and middle school. There was a really talented athlete who played my position that was one grade level above. He started high school varsity his freshman year so I knew the only opportunity to start on varsity was my senior season. At the time, I did not want to ride the pine and the PE teacher at Hershey High (also the Head Coach) really encouraged me to tryout for volleyball. Trying out for volleyball my freshman year has been one of the best life changing opportunities.
KRVA: Did you play in high school and/or college?
Kasey: I played at Hershey High school under Coach Erdman. I played club volleyball my junior year for Keystone Elite for Coach Mansberger and Totally Xtreme for Coach Baker. I attended Culver Stockton College in Canton, MO and played NAIA volleyball for two years. Then, I transferred back home to Lancaster Bible College where I played NCAA DIII for 3 years under Coach Brubaker.
KRVA: What position did you play?
Kasey: High school I started varsity my sophomore year as a Middle Blocker. I was eventually moved to Outside my junior and senior year. In college, I was moved back and forth between Outside and Opposite.
KRVA: How long have you been coaching volleyball?
Kasey: This year is my 8th year coaching. I currently am an assistant coach at Lancaster Bible College for the Men’s and Women’s team. I am the head coach for the Prevail Boys 17u National team.
KRVA: What has been the most rewarding aspect of coaching?
Kasey: One of my favorite parts of coaching is seeing an athletes’ hard work, determination, and effort during practices pay off during matches. Being able see an athlete take a new skill or see a technique that has been tweaked during practice and execute it at a high level in a match. Additionally, watching an athlete’s love of the game and passion for the sport develop is very intrinsically rewarding. Lastly, watching Prevail alumni play in the NCAA, NAIA, or NCVF level at their respected institutions is very satisfying.
KRVA: What advice can you offer someone interested in becoming an coach?
Kasey: Coaching is about developing and instilling players enjoyment, passion, and love for the sport. Be enthusiastic, smile, make jokes, and simply BE YOU. As much as you are the teacher/mentor you are also the student. Be willing to learn.
KRVA: What is it that you do for work when off the volleyball court?
Kasey: My full time position is a Health and Physical Educator. I currently teach K – 3rd grade at Premier Arts & Science Charter School in Harrisburg, PA.
KRVA: Are you married? Do you have any children? Pets?
Kasey: I am happily married to my beautiful wife, Molly. We do not currently have children, but we have lots of “Furr babies.” We are fortunate to live on a small farmette and have 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 horses, 8 chickens, 20 outdoor rabbits, and a pond full of fish. We are looking to add a goat or two in the near future.
KRVA: What do you do in your spare time? Hobbies?
Kasey: When I am not coaching or working on the farmette you can find me on the links. I love to play golf and play in a few amateur events during the summer. I also love board games and watching sports on TV.
KRVA: Last book you read?
Kasey: I am not much for reading books. I love reading sports articles, USA volleyball events and stories, reading scripture from the Bible, and news about the Physical Education world. But, reading long novels is not my thing. Last book I partially read was for school and it was called, ” Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers“.
KRVA: Favorite movie.
Kasey: I love to watch movies. Some of my favorites include Remember The Titans, Avengers: End Game, Dark Knight Rises, Radio, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and The Hunger Games.
KRVA: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Kasey: My wife and I would love to one day visit Fiji or Hawaii. Both seem like amazing tropical locations. I would also love to visit Israel. It would be amazing to experience some of the places Jesus once lived.