Testimonials

Emily Graf

I had the privilege of playing under Coach Amy Farber Teal (formally Knowles) leadership for two seasons, however, throughout my six seasons at Austin Junior Volleyball, Amy was an integral part. My time playing volleyball was a very refining season of my life. I began playing with little to no knowledge of the game, but I knew I could be taught. Beyond teaching me the game of volleyball, Coach Amy taught me valuable life lessons I remember and reflect upon, to this day. Training under Amy’s leadership was truly an incredible experience. She pushed us hard every day to be better athletes and volleyball players, but at the end of the day, I knew she cared more about us being better people. Her style of coaching was unlike anything I had experienced; one where my character and kindness was prioritized over my vertical or jump serve. Amy knew she had such a significant platform to impact her team of high school girls, and she did just that. She taught volleyball knowledge just as much as she taught us to be role models in our schools and communities. She expected excellence on and off the court; encouraging and correcting when we did not meet that goal. She pushed us to be stronger women, harder workers and more confident leaders. Her authority and leadership were received so well because of her humility and confidence. She led with a grace and strength that inspired us to be better. She earned our respect and trust early on, allowing for a sense of unity that any great team strives for. To this day, I am a better and more selfless student, friend and employee because of the lessons learned and character developed on Coach Amy’s team.

Kylie Nothnagel

Amy taught me the true meaning of being a selfless teammate. Every pursuit during a long rally, every time you sacrifice your body to the floor to keep the play going or give every ounce of strength you have left to jump a little higher to give yourself a better chance to block the other team; when you know how to be selfless for your team, those tasks become second nature. And when you learn to put the team above yourself, that’s how champions are made. 

She taught me how to be mentally tough. Whether that was the ability to push through a tough drill or long rally, or how to accept criticism knowing that it is coming from a place of love. She built a foundation of trust and a safe environment with all of her athletes so that they know her constructive criticism ISNT something to take personally- it’s because she cares so much she wants you the be the very best you can possibly be.