Coach Reeve

Coach Reeve,

            You are an amazing woman!  I learned so much from you!  Thank you for putting me on your team and teaching me many lessons about life and volleyball!  You are an inspiring woman and deserve the best retirement ever!

My story of Ricks College Volleyball was a crazy one!  I tried out for the team right out of high school and did not make it.   But, I ended up at Ricks College for school anyway.  I finished my Associate’s degree there, including many credits from Coach Reeve’s volleyball and wallyball classes.  The week that I was to graduate from Ricks and move on, Coach Reeve asked me if I would stay and play with the 2001 team, the LAST Ricks College Volleyball Team.  I was a little shocked, but was able to rearrange my transfer plans to stay for one more semester.  That was a great choice for my life!  Thank you for believing in me Coach!

We had many laughs and many tears with Coach Reeve.  One of my greatest memories of Ricks Volleyball was being able to tour Nauvoo and Carthage Jail.  There, I had some humbling spiritual experiences!  In addition, as a team, we had a “great” jog along the Mississippi River in Nauvoo.  We ended up taking a wrong turn and jogging WAY longer than we were supposed to.

In Ricks College Volleyball’s final year, we were able to help Coach Reeve reach 900 wins.  We were so excited for her!  Way to go Coachie!!

I now teach school and coach volleyball and softball.  I teared up when one of my players, one year, called me “Coachie.”  What an honor, and a lot to live up to!  I put lessons from Coach Reeve to use all the time.  Yet, I sometimes wish I had all her enthusiasm for teaching the skills of volleyball!  She always put so much heart into everything she taught us.  I went to her camps when I was young and I can still hear her one of a kind voice, “Come on little one!”  I love that I see Coach around from time to time!  I love hearing her voice, with all its sincerity, asking me how I am and how life is. 

My husband James and I have been happily married for 9 years now.  One of my most treasured wedding gifts is a picture of Christ that Coachie gave us.

I love you Coach!  You are the best!  Happy Retirement!!

Mandy (Sutton) Munns

coach reeve

Dear Coach Reeve,

 I can't believe all these years have gone by and you are still there at good old Rick's College! I have had 2 kids at that school since I was there in 1978-1979 and I think it is a wonderful school. Knowing you, and having the chance to play volleyball with you was one of my best times, until Joe stole me away!

 You have been a cherished role model and friend to me and I am truly grateful. I have great memories of our trip to Washington, DC for the national tournament and being your navigator in the van, reading the map as we toured around. I have wonderful memories of times spent with your dear sister Becky, road trips, and good talks with you and all the girls.

Thanks you for believing in me and inspiring me. I have continued to play volleyball, coach and work as an official as well over the years.

I am sending this picture because 32 years later, after starting at Rick's, I have finally graduated in May 2011 with my High school English teaching degree! Hooray!

I sure hope there is volleyball in heaven and that I get to see your fun, smiling face there!

Sincerely

Joan Broadhead Rudd

1978-79 team

Coach Reeve

I guess I got to see the more relaxed side of Coach Reeve's coaching when Ricks became BYUI. If you can call it that! She would walk from court to court and without even looking at the court call someone out on a technical mess-up. I swear she had eyes in the back of her head! She called me "lil' nikki" and made me feel talented the minute we met. Her teaching style and knowlege of volleyball was amazing. She wouldn't find the obvious flaw, she would find the root of the problem and know exactly how to fix it.
But her love for volleyball was what was so contagious to everyone on the court. If you wanted to have a good time, then you found were Coach Reeve was and played volleyball! I do not know of one single person that not only didn't like Coach Reeve but could write 2 pages on what an amazing coach and friend she is. My husband just kept hearing all the good things I was saying about her and had to take a class from her too. He had about the exact same impression and experience as I had. Coach Reeve is the sweetest most genuine person you have ever met and is so so talented at coaching volleyball. I will always hold a special place in my heart for her and hope that someday I can give back in the same way. I honestly believe she is the only reason I improved so much in volleyball and I hope that someday I will get to run up to her again, give her a big hug and kiss and tell her all of this in person. But for now Coach Reeve, please know there is someone across the country that thinks so highly of you that I will never forget your legacy, talent, service and sweet optimism at BYUI! I sure love you! Nicole & Devin Gneiting

Coachie!

Coach Reeve,

My two years with you were simply the best.  I remember them so vividly... all the trips, training, talks, and memories.  Here are a few...

Coachie-- as we called you-- so full of life and your love of the game was contagious!  I still remember your raspy little voice as you would inspire us for a game or chew us out for playing poorly!!  My favorite thing about you would have to be your laugh.  Your high pitched squeal and giggle would have everyone smiling!

Coachie-- what you taught me that sticks out the most was to just love the game. I came out of high school sooo burnt out and you helped re-inspire me to love the game and to stop thinking so much and just play.  You were like a 2nd mother to me and all of us.  You always took such good care of us.  I remember hurting my back my sophomore year, and you were there with me at the trainer, emergency room, doctor, and chiropractor.  You never left my side and were always there for me.  You also helped me to get my scholarship to Eastern Washington.  I know you put a lot of time and effort into that and it was an amazing experience thanks to you.

We had many long talks in your office about boys, volleyball, boys, school, boys, and life!!  You had so many wonderful bits of advice that I just loved talking to you and listening to what you had to say.  I especially remember when you found out that I was dating one of those "football boys!"  You told me that Chris (my husband) was a real "hot one!!"

My volleyball years at Ricks were some of the best years of my life.  The friendships I created with my volleyball girls are some of my best-est friends ever!!  Singing on the bus, eating chick-o-sticks, modeling our leopard underwear, football games, 2-a-days with the football boys, CONDITIONING with Larry... too many memories to think of!!!

Thank you Coachie for the opportunity to come to Ricks and play for you.  Thank you for helping build me as a person and as a player.  Thank you for all the time, effort, and love that you put into us girls and your many teams throughout the years.  Congratulations on your retirement!!  You are amazing!!  I love you dearly.

Robyn Felder (Sonju)
Robyn--Chris--Brock--Paige--Wyatt

Best Coach Ever!

Thanks to you, JoAnn, my only claim to fame was being a member of the National Junior College Volleyball team in 1975. I believe it was the ONLY time Ricks College took 1^st place in volleyball Nationals! I think we took 4^th place the year before.

At any rate, I will never forget how awesome it was to play for you, JoAnn, and the love and friendship we have shared over the years. That game we played to win the Nationals was amazing and we came back from behind to win it. You believed in us as a team and as individuals. Thanks for all of the great memories while traveling to all of those games, back in the day, in the team van. We had to “drive” everywhere! We laughed/slept/sang/ate, and took turns sitting up front with you to keep you awake while you drove us to and from our destinations. To this day when I hear the song “Please Come to Boston” by Dave Loggins…I think of you! We came in dresses, we played in dresses, and we left in dresses. (Our inside joke on our field hockey uniforms we wore back then-ha!) To this day, I have that uniform that you sent to me for a birthday gift years ago with the message that you had retired No. 44 in my honor. I have always treasured that gift! (Not that anyone else would ever want to wear it – tee hee)

Having come from the mid-west and not knowing anything about the real game of volleyball (back then, I did not even know that power volleyball existed…only what I now call “jungle ball”), I tried out just for the love of playing sports. Fortunately, you must have seen some potential and I made the team. You were so personable, fun, animated, and loved the game…it was easy to work my heart out for you. Thanks for all the memories!

It was amazing to represent the Church and Ricks as we played in so many different locations against some amazing teams. I know we made an impact with referees/teams/individuals. Through it all, I always knew how strong your testimony was, and just how much the Gospel meant to you. I have always admired and looked up to you. Next to my own mother, you are one of my heros. You truly are a wonderful woman and I thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of such a great experience! I hope your retirement will be all that you hope it to be.

With much love and affection from the “girl from Missouri”

Roxanne Skapple

Pictured below with son, Wade

Coach Reeve

I just wanted to let Coach Reeve know how much she has impacted my life.  I am so grateful for the opportunities she gave me to earn college education by playing volleyball.  I knew early in high school that if I wanted to go to college I would need a scholarship. Playing for her at Ricks helped with that.  She always expected us to work hard in practice and games.  Runs with Larry and Dairy Queen blizzards were such a fun reward.  Volleyball camp in the summer was great as a kid and fun as a player!  How could you forget her Isaiah Thomas cutout with his intent eyes or Yoda's "Do or do not- there is no try!".  Coach you always worked to find inspiring quotes.  You were always a good example in the way you treated your sister Becky and your friends.   But it is off the volleyball court that I realize how much she really cared and continues to care about her players.  My sophomore season I was engaged (my fiancee was attending BYU in Provo).  Coach would stop and let him ride with us to away games and stay with John (one of our assistants).  Brady loved it and so did I!  I never wanted to be accused of being unfocused at any of our games though.  I was a little shy anyway.  One trip in particular I remember getting to Provo and the bus stopping to let Brady off and I got an earful about letting him go without kissing him...so redfaced I hopped off the bus to give him a goodbye kiss to everyone's delight!  As I finished my time at Ricks and was preparing to go on to a 4 year school, I remember sitting in Coach's office discussing my plans and having her look me in the eyes intently and tell me that I was a good enough player to get a scholarship at a 4 year school and that I would need it being a newlywed! She was right and she was instrumental in me attending the University of Utah to play volleyball there.  Another great blessing in my life!  She always wanted us to do our best and be the best we could be. Now 7 kids later, she is still full of good advice.  When my oldest was old enough to play volleyball, but wouldn't because she liked soccer.  Coach told me to hide the soccer balls until she liked volleyball! When I played in the alumni game this past November, Coach was right there cheering us on to win against the young kids and reminding us of little techniques we hadn't used in a while.   I am proud to be part of JoAnn Reeve's volleyball family! Thank you for the opportunities and the friendship! Heidi (Snell) Cook 1992-93

Basketball Pictures

Coach Reeve

Dear Coach Reeve,

I, however, did not have the chance to play on your team when you coached at Ricks College but I was able to take several of your volleyball classes at BYU-Idaho. You have had a strong impact on my life through how you continued to believe in me as a player and an individual. I, unfortunately, did not have a great volleyball coach in high school and was left on my own to learn the game. It was not until my freshman year at BYU-Idaho that I was exposed to what a great coach was supposed to be like and that was you. You refined my skills and helped me to gain a newfound love for volleyball.

 Also, I learned from you how to coach volleyball through taking your coaching class as well as being allowed the opportunity to be your TA for several summer classes. I want to thank you for this great blessing because it has helped me during my Master’s degree when I started teaching Beginning Volleyball classes at BYU. I was able to know how to break down each skill to simple and easy cues that my students were able to pick up on. Their skill level improved greatly because of the way you taught me how to coach and by the end of the semester, I was able to see them correct their own mistakes out loud because they knew what they did wrong.

Coach, I don’t know how to express my gratitude for what you have done for me because you are the coach I hope to be someday and I will always work towards the example you have been for me. You are a remarkable coach and I hope to one day be as great of a coach as you are. I will forever remember you as being the greatest coach I have ever had and I will always acknowledge you as being the one who encouraged me to begin coaching volleyball. Thank you so much and I hope you enjoy your retirement!

Charity Breneman
(One of the Breneman sisters- you have taught all four of us)

JoAnn Reeve

My memories about JoAnn go back to refereeing her matches and then later as the Women's Region Director.    JoAnn always had great teams that played the game at the highest level.

They were always in the hunt for the tile or just plain won the tile.   The thing that was impressive was the outstanding way the team also presented themselves.   They were a great example

Of great athletes who preformed to the best of their abilities as well as acted and matured as young ladies and great citizens.   JoAnn's great leadership and example to the many student athletes

She touched is commendable.   JoAnn will always be remembered as one of the great coaches and contributors to women's athletics.  It was my pleasure have worked with JoAnn and to have seen

The influence she had on the sport of volleyball, the players and the Region.

 

Norma Carr

 AD  SLCC

Blog for Coach Reeve

Coach Reeve,

Before I even met you, I heard great things about you from my sisters, "The Brenemans". They told me how you helped them to improve upon their skills and when they came home I could see the improvement through their playing. I wanted the same and could not wait to join your class. You taught me to not be afraid, to play to my highest ability, to have confidence in every skill, and to push myself to be better. Your teaching style really helped me to improve my playing. Coach you treated me as an individual and did not compare me to my sisters and you said "we all have different abilities that brings the team together". Coach you will be sadly missed and no one will ever be able to replace you in the volleyball program. I thank you for everything and I will never forget you.

Sincerely,
Halley Breneman

VB

Memories of Coach Reeves,

 

My name is Malissa (Bingham) Zirker.  I played at Ricks College from 1996-1998.  There are a few words that I think sum up so much of the person that we all love in Coach Reeve. First is, Integrity. She has a moral compass that is so staight and true, she does what is right just because that is who she is, a woman of Integrity.  Second, is Loyal.  Once you were on her team, you were no longer just a name, you were immediantley brought into her personal family.   Just like in any "real" family there are times when you have disagreement and discouragements, the same happened on her teams, but you knew when the game and the day was done, you were still part of her family.    Lastly, is happiness.  So many of us watched her as life happend and the cards were dealt to, that she wasn't the kind of person who would allow to be beaten.  She constistantly allowed us to see what it is like to be a true hero. 

 

One quick story:  Coach was always interested in our personal lives.  One day at practice she asked me what I was doing for Friday night.  I told her I was having a boy that I was interested over for dinner.   She asked who he was, when I told her it was Jed (whom she knew because she was serving in the Stake RS pres, with his mom)  she got very  intense and nervous and told me that she was going to come over and help me cook dinner for him, "because this boy loves food  and his mom is a great cook".  If I was going to impress him I better be able to make it taste good.  She then needed to know exactly what I was cooking to see if it was going to be good enough for him.  I had to work so hard to convince her that she didn't need to come over because I had it under control.  Jed and I have joked and laughed about that memory for years. 

Andrea Baird- Volleyball Alumni

Kevin, Thank you for doing this!  This is so important to all of us Volleyball girls!  We love Coach so much!  She deserves a million dollars for her work at the college.  Is there any way we could buy a copy of the book?  Would love a book about Joanne's coaching history.  Please Keep me posted if that is a possibility.  For the blog/book:  I have attached a photo that is a large file, so sorry about that.  

Coach, It was so awesome to see you, and to be in the temple together recently.  You are an unforgettable part of my life!  You were so tough as a couch, and life is tough.  I was so much better prepared to face the difficulties that have come after having to claw for my place on the team.  I love you.  Good luck with your new stage in life.  I will enjoy keeping tabs on you. I would like to know what new adventures life brings.  I am so upset that I was unable to attend the Alumni event.  I have a family wedding in Salt Lake.  I would love to be reconnected with the girls from 88-89.  You are the best!  Love, Andrea Baird  

1015 Washington St. N 

Twin Falls, Idaho 83301. 

 (208) 735-1532

My thoughts for Coachie

Hopefully this is not too late. Thanks Kevin for doing this!

 

A few scartered memories I have:

Coach Reeve (affectionately referred to as Coachie) has helped make me who I am today. So many fun memories were made there in Rexburg with Coachie. A very common phrase that Coachie would use is "we're burning daylight". And everytime I hear it I think of her and smile.

I also remember our many long bus rides to and from games. Some rides were long and quite after losses, but I remember more of the ones filled with laugher and fun. On those trips is when Coachie would pull out her green goblin mask and come around and tickle us.

I remember sitting in her office in between classes just to chat. Coachie was always happy and loved to take time out of her busy schedule to talk to me. Even though they were short in length I cherish those chats.

Coachie,

I wish I was able to be there this weekend to celebrate with you and to give you a huge squeeze. You have taught me so many lessons that have changed me and I am a better person becasue I was able to rub shoulders with you. You have a wonderful legacy that so many people will look to for many years to come. I love you with all my heart! I hope that our paths will cross again it has been too long.

Sending my congratulations and love,

Laura (Nielsen) Earl

 

For Coach Reeve

Coach Reeve,

Karissa and I are honored to have been able to be a part of the volleyball experience at Ricks and BYU-I. As far as we are concerned, the name Joann Reeve is inseparable from the worlds greatest sport! I can't imagine that this would be any different for anyone who has ever had the pleasure of being part of a team or class that you were involved with. You have done so much for the sport of volleyball and the students and athletes who love to play it. Your passion and love for the game is something that will forever inspire us. Trust me, one day we will raise some little setters who will most certainly hear of the amazing legacy of Joann Reeve!  

We miss you and love you!

Sincerely,

--
Josh & Karissa Conley

206-795-2692

Well done!

Congratulations, Coach, on completing a marvelous career!  Retirement is a wonderful time of life -- and I have heard that it is busier than ever for many folks!  I can imagine your marvelous talents will be used in so many terrific ways.   Let me thank you for helping me learn a number of important life lessons, which have had more lasting value than the volleyball techniques and strategies you taught.  From you and our team, I learned about effective leadership, diligence, reaching beyond limits, teamwork, and so much more.  Most importantly, I learned about myself and was able to define what is most important to me for my happiness -- and I have followed that, with splendid results and much joy!  These lessons saved me a lot of trouble and have made me more effective as a full-time missionary, as a college student, as a professional, as a wife, and as a servant in the Lord's vineyard.  You helped build a strong foundation for indeed a wonderful life!   Here is the nutshell version of my "rest of the story"-- at least so far.  After Ricks, I went to BYU (Provo), earned a bachelors degree in public relations, and served a mission to Japan. I completed an internship at Carnegie Hall in NYC.  Returned to Salt Lake City and began a career in marketing in healthcare and technology industries. In the meantime, I earned an MBA from the University of Utah, and sang with Mormon Youth Chorus, Lex de Azevedo's Millennium Choir, and Utah Opera. I met my husband online and moved to California to join him after we married (5 years running strong). We have a toddler who is an absolute delight! I continue singing and performing, which helps my soul breathe. I am currently serving in the Relief Society in my ward.   May the years ahead be the best yest! And may you be blessed the way you have blessed so many others throughout your life.   Cheers, Brenda (Longhurst) Christensen Middle hitter `89-'91