One of the many joys of seeing Lipscomb student-athletes graduate is knowing God has a plan and purpose for their lives. For former women's volleyball standout Ca'Layci Coffey ('18), God has used her passion for teaching and coaching to bless, encourage and invest in the lives of countless kids across the city of Nashville. We caught up with Ca'Layci to learn more about her desire to honor God through teaching and coaching, and witness how God is moving in and through her life.  
 
Tell us about yourself. Where do you live and what are you currently doing in life right now? 
 
I am currently living in Nashville, TN and serving as a 5th grade teacher at Lipscomb Academy. This is my third year teaching science and social studies there. I'm also a volleyball coach at Lipscomb Academy. I just finished my third season with LAVB as well. Outside of teaching and coaching, I'm working on an Education Specialist degree in Technology Integration. 
 
What inspired you to step into teaching and coaching after graduation?
 
I know for sure that my love for children is what really pushed me to step into teaching after graduation. I have always been drawn to children and fascinated by the ways their little brains work. Getting to love and laugh with children all day long is my most favorite part of the job. As far as coaching goes, my initial inspiration was just to be back in the gym. People always talk about how quickly time flies, but it wasn't until my volleyball career was over that I really felt the ache of time passing. Coaching gave me a chance to be back in close proximity with the game that brought me so much joy. On top of that, coaching is just like teaching, so I'm able to use the gifts God has given me in multiple ways, which is such a cool blessing. 
 
In what ways have you seen God using you in your career (teaching/coaching)?
 
God's hand has been all over my teaching and coaching career from the very beginning. I came on board at Lipscomb Academy in the midst of a very chaotic and challenging season for teachers around the world, but God never once let the challenges overtake me or diminish my desire to be in the classroom. I've seen the love of the Lord so purely through my students and their families, and I've seen God use my love for people to grow sweet relationships that I hope will last long after my students have left 5th grade. In coaching, I've been given the opportunity to mentor our girls and really grow relationships with young women who are truly pursuing a life that honors the Lord. It has been interesting stepping into the coaching role after so many years on the other side, especially since I was never really a fan of the "x's and o's" as a player (I just wanted to play!). Even so, I've really enjoyed figuring out how to train in a way that honors what I know about the game as a player, and what I'm learning every day as a coach. 
 
What has been your greatest challenge in pursuing your faith in your career/outside of school?
 
The greatest challenge in pursuing my faith in my career and outside of school has definitely been finding balance and making room for God every single day. In the past few months, I've realized that I wear a lot of hats with a lot of responsibilities that, quite frankly, take up a lot of my time. As a teacher, coach, student, and just a young adult in today's world, there is always something else that I could be doing. But I've realized the importance of intentionally setting time aside to commune with the Lord, even when the to-do list is long. I quickly learned that without frequent check-ins with God, my capacity to come close to completing even one item on the to-do list shrinks quite drastically. I still have to give myself a lot of grace when facing this challenge, but I know that my life is so, so much better when I'm doing everything I can to walk closely with the Lord, so I cling to that truth and push onward.
 
Were there any key takeaways from your time at Lipscomb that you use with your students in the classroom or out on the court?

One of the most difficult things I faced while an athlete at Lipscomb was not getting the playing time I wanted. At the Division I level, this struggle isn't unique, but I remember being so frustrated when I felt like I was giving everything I had and still coming up short. But even in the midst of frustration, I never lost hope and I was always ready. Then when I got my shot, I played with every ounce of passion I had–not to impress my teammates, coaches, or anyone in the stands, but because I was so grateful for the opportunity the Lord had put in front of me and I wanted to honor Him in any way I could. In the classroom, I see my students battling the same emotions. They doubt themselves, their abilities, and compare themselves to others that seem to have what they want, just like the rest of us do. I see them put forth their best effort and sometimes, they come up short. Whenever I see them struggling in this way, I share my story with them. I encourage them to work hard in everything they do, not for people, but for the Lord. I challenge them to stay ready, and to take advantage of every opportunity they get to give God the glory in the classroom, extracurricular activities, and relationships with others. It is my prayer that they will hold on to the truth that the Lord loves them whether they're in or out, up or down, winning or losing, and always remember to cling tight to Jesus in every season. 
 
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: 

• "In the Bible, Joses was called "Barnabas" because that meant "son of encouragement". I don't know the female equivalent of that name, but it would surely fit Ca'Layci Coffey, if true. She was a super athlete and she is certainly talented and sharp, but it's her infectious joy and kind spirit that I have always thought of first whenever her name is mentioned. I'm thankful to call her a sister and friend, and these days, any time a parent or student tells me that they have Miss Coffey in their classroom, I tell them that they just won the teacher lottery!"  -Philip Hutcheson, Athletic Director, Lipscomb University

 

• "To know Ca'Layci, is to love and adore her. Ca'Layci has such an amazing heart for Jesus and it is so evident in the way she loves and serves others. Jesus truly shines in and through her, and I am personally so encouraged by the way she faithfully prays for her students/players. She shows them the love of the Lord daily and reminds them how loved, seen and cherished they are by God. Ca'Layci has a heart of GOLD and I pray that our girls will get to have her as a teacher one day!!" -Lacey Klotz, Friend

 

• "Ca'Layci is one of the most genuine and electric individuals I have ever come across. She is intentional about everything she does. When you are in her presence, you walk away wanting more. Her personality is 100 percent contagious and she truly is one of a kind. She made me a better coach and a better person." -Brandon Rosenthal, Head Volleyball Coach, Lipscomb University

 

• "Ca'Layci and I were roommates all throughout college and for our first year out of college in the working world. It's safe to say that we have seen each other in both our most joyous moments and the lowest of our lows. There is no one I would rather walked through my most transformative years with.  Ca'Layci is there when you need her. Even when you don't know you need someone looking out for you, she will step into your mess with you and help you walk through it. Very much like Jesus, right? She is a light in every place she steps into and makes a deep impact on everyone she comes into contact with. That is by no means of her own, but rather a result of her knowing Jesus and walking closely with the Holy Spirit. I'm better for knowing Ca'Layci. It has been so special to see her grow to be more and more like Jesus over the past seven years." – Hannah Morgan, Friend

 

• "Playing for Ca'Layci is such a privilege because I have never met someone more understanding, patient, competitive and encouraging." – Ruby Walton, Sophomore, Lipscomb Academy

 

• "When I think about Ca'Layci, some of the attributes that come to mind are real, honest and loyal. She's a warrior and someone I would choose to be on my team for every battle. She authentically pursues the Lord with a prayerful and humble heart, submitting her life to Him. I am a better version of myself because of our friendship. It is such a privilege to love, know and be known by Ca'Layci." – Megan Sullivan, Assistant Athletic Director, Lipscomb Academy