James Seidel

James Seidel

Native name	James Seidel
Born	Charlotte, NC, USA
Nationality	American
Occupation	Volleyball Coach
Known for	Volleyball

A Volleyball Coaching Journey

James Seidel’s journey as a volleyball coach is a testament to his passion for the sport, dedication to his players, and strategic acumen. His career spans over a decade, marked by significant achievements, numerous awards, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. From his early days in coaching to his current role, Jim Seidel has consistently demonstrated his ability to build successful programs, develop young talent, and achieve remarkable results on the court.

Early Beginnings and Growth

Seidel’s coaching career took off at Gaston Day School in Gastonia, NC, where he served as the Assistant Varsity Coach and Head Scout for the varsity team, as well as the Head Coach for the junior varsity team from August 2017 to January 2020. During his tenure, he led his teams to an impressive record of 76-21, achieving a winning percentage of .783. Under his leadership, the teams won the NCISAA region championship once and the conference championship twice, and made two consecutive state championship appearances. Jim Seidel’s strategic insights and meticulous scouting were crucial in breaking down opponents and guiding his team to success. His efforts resulted in several student-athletes receiving regional, conference, and state-level awards, with six of them going on to play in college.

Building Championship Teams

Seidel’s next significant role was at Mountain Island Charter School in Mount Holly, NC, where he served as the Head Volleyball Coach and Program Head from January 2019 to January 2021. At Mountain Island, Seidel’s impact was immediate and profound. He led the varsity team to a stellar 18-1 record in the NCHSAA PAC 7 Conference, securing the NCHSAA Western Region Championship and finishing as the NCHSAA State Championship runners-up. His JV team also excelled, finishing 12-2 in the PAC 7 Conference. Jim Seidel’s coaching prowess was evident as three varsity players signed to play in college and three others were added to the Under Armour All American Watch List. His players earned numerous accolades, including four named to the NCHSAA PAC 7 All Conference team, one honorable mention, and one Player of the Year. In recognition of his exceptional coaching, Seidel was named the NCVBCA and AVCA North Carolina Coach of the Year for the 2020/2021 season.

Turning Around Programs

In February 2021, Seidel took on the challenge of revitalizing the volleyball program at Fort Mill High School in Fort Mill, SC. As the Head Volleyball Coach and Program Director, he turned the program around in just one year. Under his leadership, the Yellow Jackets achieved their best record (18-8) since 2007, marking a significant improvement for the South Carolina AAAAA high school. James Seidel’s efforts extended beyond the court as he led youth volleyball training programs that generated substantial revenue for the program. He guided the team to its first playoff match since 2015, advancing to the second round. Additionally, he helped one varsity player secure a scholarship to Radford University and earn a spot on the Under Armour All American Watch List.

Leading at the Club Level

Seidel’s success was not limited to high school volleyball. From August 2014 to June 2022, he served as the Head Coach for national and regional teams at the Carolina Union Volleyball Club (CUVC) in Charlotte, NC. Over the last two years of his tenure at CUVC, Seidel accumulated a record of 68-36, winning and placing in over 12 national tournaments across the country. His teams consistently performed at a high level, with James Seidel achieving the second-highest club wins for any head coach at CUVC. His dedication to player development was evident as nearly 20% of the athletes from his teams in the 2021 college class were placed in colleges. Among his notable achievements were winning the USAV Regional Championship and coaching various younger teams to success.

Current Endeavors

In June 2022, Seidel embarked on a new chapter in his coaching career with the War Eagles Volleyball Club in Clover, SC. As the Head Coach of the 17 boys national team and the Director of NCAA National Recruiting for the Boys Division, Seidel has continued to make his mark. His new boys team recently finished 5th in the Gold Division at the 2023 Southern Classic, held on January 22nd. The team is currently ranked 219th in the country and holds the top spot in the Palmetto Region. Seidel is also a certified volleyball referee, further showcasing his comprehensive understanding of the game.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Seidel has received numerous awards and accolades that reflect his excellence in coaching. He has been named the AVCA and NCVBCA Coach of the Year for the 2020/2021 season and has made three state championship appearances in 2019, 2020, and 2021. His teams have consistently reached the playoffs, with five consecutive appearances, and have won two conference championships and one NCHSAA Western Region Championship. Seidel has amassed over 100 high-level wins in just the last two years, solidifying his reputation as a consistent and proven winner.

Coaching Philosophy and Impact

Seidel’s coaching philosophy centers on building strong, cohesive teams that excel both on and off the court. His ability to fundraise, achieve high academic grades for his teams, and turn around struggling programs speaks to his holistic approach to coaching. Jim Seidel is known for his strategic mind, ability to develop young talent, and commitment to helping his players reach their full potential. His success is not just measured in wins and championships but also in the positive impact he has on his players’ lives, guiding many of them to pursue collegiate volleyball careers.

Personal Attributes

James Seidel’s journey is characterized by his relentless drive, strategic thinking, and dedication to the sport of volleyball. His ability to build successful programs, develop young athletes, and achieve remarkable results is a testament to his expertise and passion for the game. As he continues to lead and inspire, Seidel remains committed to excellence, constantly striving to elevate his teams and the sport of volleyball.

In conclusion, James Seidel’s career as a volleyball coach is a remarkable story of dedication, achievement, and impact. From his early days at Gaston Day School to his current role with the War Eagles Volleyball Club, Seidel has consistently demonstrated his ability to lead, inspire, and achieve. His numerous awards, impressive records, and the success of his players are a testament to his skill and passion for coaching. As he continues to build on his legacy, Jim Seidel’s contributions to the sport of volleyball will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.