Emily Smajstrla

About Me
I am from Pearland, Texas and graduated from Pearland High School in 2020. I am a die-hard Aggie fan (Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 2024, Whoop!) and I am preparing to graduate with my Bachelor of Science in Education in December. After graduation, I plan on pursuing a career in English/Language Arts education. On top of teaching and coaching, I also love to read, attend concerts, and drink lots of Dr. Pepper!

Volleyball Background
I grew up playing club volleyball in the Houston area for clubs such as Texas United (known as Pearland Juniors back then) and Houston Stellar. Upon graduating from Pearland, I played volleyball at the collegiate level at Blinn College for two seasons (2020-2022) where I had the opportunity to play in back-to-back NJCAA National Tournaments, placing 5th (2020) and 10th (2021). After retiring from collegiate volleyball, I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in coaching, and my first year of coaching experience was spent coaching developmental teams at Katy United in Katy, Texas. I then moved to College Station, Texas to attend Texas A&M University and spent my second and third years coaching in the 15s age group at Houston Skyline - Bryan/College Station. The 2024-2025 club season will be my fourth season of club coaching, but my first season with AVA and I am so excited to be a part of this club family!

Coaching Philosophy
My coaching philosophy is centered around fostering a growth mindset, where every challenge is an opportunity for learning and improvement. I believe in creating a supportive environment where players are encouraged to embrace setbacks as part of the learning process, rather than seeing them as failures. By focusing on effort, resilience, and continuous growth, I strive to help my athletes develop not only their skills but also their confidence in their ability to improve over time.

Practice Philosophy
My practice philosophy is built on the belief that strong fundamentals are the foundation of long-term success. Whether it’s technique, strategy, or teamwork, mastering the basics allows individuals to perform consistently and adapt to any challenge. I emphasize repetition, attention to detail, and a focus on the core skills that will serve as the building blocks for more advanced concepts.

Coaching Strengths
Defense, Ball Control, Game Strategy

Final Notes
As a coach, my primary goal is to build lasting relationships with my athletes while fueling their passion for volleyball. I believe that connection and trust are essential for creating a positive, motivating environment where athletes can thrive. By getting to know each player as an individual, I can better support their growth both on and off the court. I aim to instill a love for the game that goes beyond winning and losing, encouraging athletes to embrace the joy of competition, the value of teamwork, and the pride that comes with continuous improvement. My hope is that the relationships we build and the passion we cultivate together will last long after the season ends.