GALT, CA (MPG) - Liberty Ranch High School has found its new volleyball leadership in two familiar faces. Former Hawks players Taryn Oberle and Brooklyn Young have been named co-head coaches of the varsity volleyball program, bringing their playing experience full circle as they return to their alma mater.

Athletic Director Samantha Vitoria couldn’t be more pleased with the hiring.
 

“I am super excited to have coaches who were once Hawks,” Vitoria said. “Our two new coaches bring a lot of talent, organization and collegiate-level volleyball experience. It has always been a true dream of mine to bring coaches into our athletic programs who were once players and alumni of Liberty Ranch. I believe they have come back to give back that great experience they had as athletes here.”

“What is better than one talented coach? The answer is having two!” Vitoria continued. “When both were interested in the position, we thought it would be great to create the dream team. Brooklyn and Taryn together bring a lot of energy and a new beginning for Hawks volleyball. I can’t wait to see what they do in the future.”

Oberle brings extensive playing experience to her new role, having competed at the collegiate level for four years. 

After graduating from Liberty Ranch, she played at Cosumnes River College before transferring to Arizona Christian University, where she studied communication.

“I studied communication and learned about the many different types,” Oberle said.

“Communication in any sport, as well as life in general, goes so far. I’m excited that we get to coach being part of the alumni.”

Oberle’s volleyball journey began at age 11 and continued through college. Her versatility on the court allowed her to play multiple positions throughout her career.

“I played outside all around the rotation, shifted into middle when needed, and also played opposite,” she explained. “I was front-row dominant, but I have tons of knowledge to share all around. Playing multiple positions throughout my time helped me grasp different perspectives.”

After rehabilitating a torn ACL and meniscus injury, Oberle also competed in softball. Her athletic background extends beyond volleyball to playing soccer, basketball, swimming and dance.

Young’s path took her to San Diego State before she transferred to the University of Southern California to build on the foundation she established during her four years playing volleyball at Liberty Ranch.

When asked about her coaching style, Oberle describes herself as “tough yet approachable and personable.”

“Some strengths I would categorize myself under would be being personable, tough yet approachable, and adaptable,” she said. “I can work with players individually and as a team equally.”

The decision to coach together came naturally for the pair. 

“We have played together before and our personalities mesh well together,” they explained.

As co-head coaches, Oberle and Young plan to maintain unified leadership through constant communication.

“We always have open communication and transparency on our side,” they said. “We’re also willing to get together outside of volleyball to ensure we’re on the same page. We are aware of each other’s strengths and weaknesses and always support each other. Our goal is to always be unified.”

The new coaches inherit a program coming off its most successful season in school history, including a league championship. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by expectations, they view it as an opportunity to build something even greater.

“Although it’s amazing to have had a season as successful as it was, there is always room for improvement,” they said. “We acknowledge the past success and achievements, but we still know we have work to do. We cannot rely on last season’s success to be successful in the seasons to come.”

Their approach involves starting fresh while respecting the program’s recent achievements. 

“We are new faces, coaches and voices to all of the girls. We are starting from scratch and breaking everything down when needed,” they explained. “We realize last year’s championship was huge for the program, but we have the future to look forward to and work towards.”

When it comes to pressure, the coaches maintain a grounded perspective. 

“The only pressure I feel is from myself,” Oberle said. “Titles, ranks and people come and go, but working hard is forever. As long as we work hard as a team, program and coaching staff, we will keep moving forward.”

The co-coaches plan to establish their own relationships with returning players while fostering team unity.

“It is a two-way street. We are new coaches to the girls just as they are new players to us,” they said. “We will work with everyone together and be looking for effort, good attitude and hard work. Nobody has a title to us.”

Team building will be a priority, with several initiatives planned to create chemistry and trust.

“We will be doing a couple different team-bonding meetings,” they explained. “We want to trust the girls just as they want to trust in us coaches. We will also be having a ‘buddy’ or ‘big sister’ program where everyone has someone to treat on game days.”

As Liberty Ranch prepares for the upcoming season, the Hawks volleyball program enters a new chapter with two coaches who understand the school’s culture and are committed to building on its recent success. With their combined experience and shared vision, Oberle and Young are ready to lead the Hawks into their next championship pursuit.