Volleyball tryouts and practices tipped off at Lake Highlands this week for the first time under the direction of new coach Melissa Christman. Former coach Cory Williams stepped down after a highly successful, seven-year run, including last year’s first-ever trip to the state semifinals. Christman played for the University of Oklahoma (1996-99) and has lived in Spain, China and Panama. She coached junior varsity volleyball for a year in Missouri and was the varsity assistant at Highland Park the last two seasons. She sat down for a few minutes between practices to conduct a Q&A with the LH Sports Blog.
Q: Let’s get the obvious, first-impression question out of the way: How tall are you?
A: About 6-2 with any shoes on. I’m 6-1. I always say, I’m tall but at least I’m not super-awkward.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I’m a military brat, but I went to high school in Missouri. My dad was in the Navy.
Q: How did you end up living in places like Spain and China?
A: I have an inordinate amount of good luck. It’s not normal.
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Q: Do you still have wanderlust, or are you planning to be here a while?
A: I bought a condo here. I’ve put down some roots. It’s tough, though. I’ve been here for two years. I just got this job, so I’ll be here for a while.
Q: What interested you about coaching at Lake Highlands?
A: I was very surprised and flattered to even get an interview at Lake Highlands. I didn’t have much tenure in the world of coaching. And I was already at a school that was successful [Highland Park was the Class 4A state runner-up last year]. When Lake Highlands opened up, I considered it in the top five jobs in the state. I was flattered to get an interview and I was knocked on my tail to get the job.
Q: Why do you consider Lake Highlands a top five job?
A: It’s top five as a program and as a school and just everything. It’s the community here, the administration. And then the caliber of the athletes.
