A proud Texas A&M graduate, Coach Ross joined the Wakeland staff in 2024, bringing with her a passion for both teaching and coaching. This career path was never much of a question, but more of a calling.
“I’ve known I wanted to coach volleyball and teach since I was a little girl,” Coach Ross said. “My dad is a high school football coach. I grew up a coach´s kid, and I loved watching him do that and loved seeing him interact with the kids. I feel like he had such a big impact on so many people’s lives, and I wanted the opportunity to do the same.”
This inspiration shines through everyday in her classroom and on the court. Whether she is breaking down the complexities of Algebra II or encouraging her players after a tough match, Coach Ross leads with positivity and care.
“I try to focus on the positive most of the time because I feel like as athletes and humans we are more inclined to focus on the negative as it is,” Coach Ross explains. She feels it is more productive, instead of dwelling on things we aren’t doing well on.
Her students say that her classroom is a place where everyone feels comfortable and supported.
“She keeps it positive, even when people are saying wrong answers. Coach Ross goes above and beyond to make sure we succeed.” Says sophomore Addison Brennon. “The few times I have gone to tutorials, she’s helped me big time.”
Junior Michael Thiele also added that Coach Ross makes math fun and engaging. “She gives us activities and lets us work with our table groups,” he said. “I love group work and she lets us do a lot of it.”
Not only is Coach Ross a great teacher, but also a great coach! She is described by her athletes to be encouraging, energetic, and deeply invested in their success. Coach Ross’s coaching style is different from other coaches because she leads with encouragement.
“Coach Ross doesn’t yell at you,” freshman Gracyn Winston said.“But she still pushes you to what you’re capable of. She always makes sure to encourage you.”
Sophomore Chloe Hartshorn shared how Coach Ross’s energy helps players stay motivated, saying, “She’s always there cheering us on and making sure we feel loved, even when we’re struggling. During a JV tournament, I was getting in my head after a few mistakes, but she really pushed me to do better and play more confidently after that.”
From early morning practice to long school days, Coach Ross brings the same energy and encouragement everywhere she goes. Her students and athletes know that with her support, they can always push a little harder, learn a little more, and smile a little bigger. Wakeland is lucky to have her!
