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

Coach Reeve

When I think of Sister Reeve, a flood of emotions comes to my mind. I played Volleyball, Basketball, and Track  with her as my coach in 1973-74.  Good times;  I loved her contagious laugh. I remember the generosity of her family, staying in her parent's basement as we traveled through Salt Lake.  The long trips in the van, as we traveled to various matches and tournaments.  Trying to keep Sis. Reeve awake, listening to her stories.

I recall the intensity of the games:  If you happened to be sitting next to her on the bench, you would end up with bruises on your legs because she would pound them from her excitement.

Hanging out at her apartment was always a treat, listening to the latest Anne Murray album ( I still enjoy listening to them).

I will forever be grateful for her great example.  Her love for the Lord and his Gospel and the way she lives her life reflects that love.

Several years ago, my family was passing through Rexburg and stopped to visit with Sis Reeve.  She made each of my children feel important in her very special way.  She took the time to show our oldest son the campus of BYU-I.  I always hoped my daughter would be able to come and play Volleyball for her. When BYU-I did away with the sports I realized it wouldnt happen.  My family still remembers her fondly.

My name is Valerie Garrett Biggs.  Today, my husband, Don and I reside in Mesa, AZ.  We are the parents of 5 children, and 6 grandchildren.

Sis Reeve, Thanks for all the memories and especially your friendship.  You will always hold a special place in my heart.  Enjoy your retirement!

 Valerie Garrett Biggs  1040 E Kael St.   Mesa, AZ  85203

I'd love to hear from you.  vbiggs@cox.net

 

 

 

Coach Reeve Retirement

Congratulations Coach.  I played basketball and volleyball for Ricks College in 1976-77. 

 

I think we were the last team to wear the uniforms that were homemade and came with blue sewn in bloomers under a skirt.  There is actually a picture of them in the team pics in this blog – those were fun to do a volleyball roll inJ  

 

Other memories that  make me smile: no assistant coaches, the alphaphete (a wonderful run around the campus - did that stop?), a Coach with a great laugh and smile, kazoo bands down the streets of our opponents city and even a stay at my folks house in Rockland on our way home from a Utah game.

 

From all the lessons learned memories I’ll choose one - I remember driving into Rexburg during summer school in 1976 after the Teton Dam Flood.  The city was devastated from the wall of water that had ripped through.  Sister Reeve was walking down the road with a quilt over her shoulder.  If memory serves, it was the only thing she had salvaged while looking for all her belongings.  I don’t remember that she complained at all.  She just moved on with strength and grace.  Thanks for that great example in how to handle adversity.  It has served me well over the years.

 

Here is wishing you the best in the newest chapter of your life.  If you ever find yourself in Boise please look me up.  I’d love to catch up.

 

Colleen May

comay01@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

Coach Reeve

Congratulations Coach, on a lifetime of sacrifice and service. You have been a great example of greatness to so many along the  journey.
So many memories that I could write about:
The trauma of tryouts as you stood on that ladder across the net, pounding balls as you yelled out my name. I was too afraid to even tell you that I went by Linn and not Karren.
Then there was the night, one of the nights, of those many long road trips, when we'd sit up at the front of the van reading the map and giving directions. I can't remember now how we ended up going the wrong way, but a whole hour in the wrong direction, was not a good way to prepare for the upcoming match.
One of my all time favorites though, was the morning of the Egg McMuffins. Barbara, Joyce and I had run to McDonalds to get breakfast for the team. We were short on time and it was important that we get some breakfast before the game. You were specific in wanting Egg McMuffins because they had the protein we needed. When we returned with 20 empty english muffins you couldn't believe it! The rest of the trip, and then some, you kept wanting to know how we had pronounced "egg mcmuffin". How could we have messed that up? Did we mumble? I'm pretty sure we rehearsed the words the rest of the weekend. And laughed all the harder each time.
Dancing on the little trampoline in your front room, in our Lavoy nightgowns listening to Anne Murray.
Whether we lost a game, or came out on top; on the court or off,  you always reminded us that,  "Greatness is it's own reward."
Thanks for the memories!
Good luck to you as you continue to affect the lives of all you come in contact with, as you no doubt will.
Love,
Linn  ("Karren")


--
Linnea

Coach Reeve

Congratulations Coach Reeve on an amazing career at BYU-I!!  You have influenced my life and so many others.  It was great to see you last summer and have my kids meet you.  Whenever they have to do something difficult, I will say to them," It isn't supposed to be a piece of birthday cake!" and I think of you with a smile.  That phrase you always said is a good reminder that we can do hard things.  Life isn't going to always hand you a "piece of birthday cake".  Thank you, Coach and I hope your retirement brings some wonderful new opportunities!!
 
Sincerely,
Robyn Stewart Mecham

Volleyball

September 1972 was the first of many changes in my adult life. I left a very small community and a very large, happy family to start my college education.

Sister Reeve's caring and fun personality was attracting to me. I felt safe to be with her. I learned many things that I wanted to use when teaching in the public school and with my callings in Young Women's.  What has impacted my life the most is that she shared with me spiritual experiences of listening to promptings, understanding them, and being grateful for them.

Tim and I just completed a new building in Hamilton Montana for our growing Carpet Cleaning and Restoration business.

I have 3 adult children, two are married, and 3 grandchildren.

Attached photo is Weston's wedding on May 28, 2011

Peggy Mouritsen McKay    plmcrewboss@hotmail.com     1171 Nordheim, Lane    Corvallis, MT 59828

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Congratulations Coach Reeve on all the good you have done over the years!  Thank you for your help to me while I played volleyball at Rick's.  I now live in New Mexico with my husband and our two sons.  Love, Kim Spangler Leonard

Coach Reeve

Coach Reeve would do anything she could, to make us a better team.  I remember having a rough game at Utah Valley.  Their fans sat right next to the court and heckled us the whole game.  Well, Coach Reeve was not going to let some hecklers get the best of her team.  The next thing we knew, she had asked the Ricks College Football team to come to our next practice.  They had been instructed to heckle away.  To Coach Reeve's dismay our football team was too nice to do more than cheer and encourage.  However, we learned the importance of blocking out the fans and focussing on the game.  

Coach Reeve also has many qualities that I have admired off the Volleyball court.  I remember as a player watching her several times picking up garbage that she saw on the ground, and putting it in the garbage cans.  I know it is kind of a silly thing, but I have always admired her that.   

Also, because I live in Rexburg, I get the opportunity to watch, as her deep, genuine concern for people, benefits those in our community. She has given motivational speeches to my daughters volleyball teams, and is a wonderful ward primary president, to my niece and nephews.

I found the following quote, that Coach Reeve had put in each of our individual volleyball folders back in 1989.  I would like to express the same thoughts to her now in 2011.

Whatever we do…we're thinking of you.  At times we have so much to do, 

We miss not having time with you… But even when you're not around,

Our thoughts of you can help,  we've found!

When we're surrounded by a crowd,  our thoughts of you sure make us proud,

'Cause when we look at all the rest, we know in you we've found the best!

When we watch you, on the floor, we know you're champions and are giving more…

So we will take this time to say… we respect you and love you more dearly each day.

Happy retirement and thank you for everything,

Christy (Stembridge) Jackson

Volleyball memories with Coach Reeve

Oh so many memories from 2 years of fun and great volleyball at Ricks College playing for JoAnn Reeve!  Where to start… 

 

My name is Kori (Wilson) Livingston and I played for Coach Reeve from 1991-1993.  Some of the first memories I have of Coach is her telling us that the ball is like a light fluffy cloud – I guess that was meant to mean use a soft touch…which, as a setter, did mean something ;)  We go from her softer side to a more intense side as I remember her up on mats hitting balls down at us and yelling our names at the top of her voice with fire in her eyes!  I will always remember when one teammate, Diana, had her turn and Coach yelled, “Di!! (die)” each time she hit the ball at her and we could not stop laughing!  She was even a magician one time when she pulled a fabric softener sheet out of her sleeve and with a surprised look on her face said, “oh look!” (which we turned into “ta da!” when we retold the story).  Coach had a great laugh!  Coach Reeve was also a motivator.  She used Yoda’s “Do or do not. There is no try” to get us working hard and doing our best.  I continue to use that line with my kids!  One night after we won Coach’s 500^th win, a bunch of us, with colored water in squirt bottles, went to her home and wrote “500” in the snow for her.  We had a great year that first year and went 54-1 going into the NJCAA tournament held down in Miami.  Asst. coach Larry Stocking had put together a great motivational video for us to watch before Regionals that year and to this day I can’t help but smile and feel the excitement of that year along with the fun memories when I hear MC Hammer’s “Too Legit To Quit” J  From summer volleyball camps and big red van “races” taking campers to and from the high school (which I won, don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise haha!) to hiking the Tetons for team building, to water tower runs with Larry and finding shortcuts through sprinklers, to jump training in the pool in modest Ricks College issued swimwear, to sprints on the football field, to winning, playing hard and having fun… I THANK YOU, Coach JoAnn Reeve, for the memories!  I’m blessed to have played for you and learned from you.  Happy retirement, it is well deserved!

 

Kori (Wilson) Livingston

 

Pictures

info for Coach Reeves Blog

Thank you for sending the notice about Coach Reeve’s Retirement.  Please add my comments to the Blog and my attached picture.

 

 

I was very shy in high school and was extremely nervous about leaving home and attending Ricks’ College (that is what it was called back then).  JoAnn Reeve was assigned my advisor, my coach and my teacher in many classes.  She helped me tremendously in gaining confidence, and working hard both in classes, and in volleyball.  I was so blessed to get to know and feel her great spirit and testimony of the gospel.  When Coach Reeve’s went on a mission I met her at the MTC and was able to wish her well.  I have seen you several times at The Jordan River Temple when you would bring your sister, you have and will always be a wonderful influence in my life.  Thanks so much for your example, faith and enthusiasm.  I will always remember your laugh!  J   Happy Retirement and I know you will do many great things yet to come.

 

 

Charlene Holden

 

volleyball memories

To whom it may concern,
My name is Rochelle Russell. I went by Rass and was on the team from 1992-1993. I walked onto the team as a middle blocker. I currently live in Buckeye, AZ. I have three children ages 16, 14, and 7 years of age, and will be celebrating my 18th anniversary. I currently am a Resource teacher for 7th grade. I graduated with a dual major with Elementary Education/ Special education K-12.
 
Here are my memories:
 
The first month into volleyball, we were conditioning by using the swimming pool to enhance our jumping. I wasn't paying attention to how close I got to the curb and split my chin open. I received 5 stitches. When it came time to take the stitches out, she volunteered on taking them out. She couldn't wait to use her nursing skills to take the stitches out. She had a great touch and we got all of the thread out. Thanks Coach! 
 
Another time is when our bus broke down in St. George, UT. Our assistant coach Larry Stocking had just ran a marathon. We ended up renting a van and crammed the team into a van. We were 2 hours late for our next game with Snow College. We got off the van, changed, and played the game. With no warm up we won against Snow. Let's just say the bus driver and the team saw a different side of coach Reeves. DON'T MESS WITH COACH REEVES! 
 
Have a great retirement.