Fenwick athletics have always been a massive part of what it means to be a Friar. Because of this, it is of utmost importance that the best coaches are running the programs so that players have the best chance to succeed. Every year Fenwick gains new amazing coaches. This year the 7 Volleyball team welcomes a new head coach, Thirapol Pimsarn.
Being a volleyball coach is nothing new for Coach Pimsarn. He has had quite an impressive career and has been coaching for 16 years. He currently coaches the club 1st Alliance and has been with them for the last 10 seasons. He has also been a coach for surrounding high schools: Resurrection College Prep, Trinity High School, Hinsdale South, and Montini Catholic High School. However, Coach Pimsarn is not new to Fenwick, as he was the assistant varsity coach last year as well.
Coach Pimsarn enjoys coaching not just for what is played out on the court. When asked about his favorite part of coaching, Coach Pimsarn said, “I absolutely enjoy training all the players in our program on and off the court. Our expectation for them is beyond the wins and losses, but we expect all our players to be positive members of the Fenwick community.” Coach Pimsarn expects all his athletes to be the best they can be in every way possible. This idea is reflected by a senior on the volleyball team, Lizzie Scharpf, who states that “Coach T’s expertise goes past just the court and into the community. He emphasizes a strong sense of sisterhood throughout the program, taking steps to ensure all players of all grades feel seen, recognized, and valued.”
Lizzie Scharpf, who has been playing volleyball for eight years and has been a manager on the Boys’ volleyball team for three years continues to say, “As players, we are constantly trying to improve. Coach T allows us to learn by being straightforward about our mistakes.” Although this is her last year on the Fenwick volleyball team, Scharpf is very excited about Coach Pimsarn coming into the program and thinks he will do lots of good for the team going forward and into the season, giving not only the seniors but the entire team a remarkable year and season.
Coach Pimsarn is ready to help the team “grow and improve” throughout the season, and Scharpf says the team and she are ready to do so. Under the coaching of Coach Pimsarn, it is looking like it will be a great year for the Girls’ volleyball team, and the Fenwick community is ready and excited to watch!
