Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Mack.
Hi Vanessa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I started playing volleyball at the age of 10. I continued to play throughout high school and college. In high school, I earned a few accolades including, being named Second Team All-State and captain. In college, I rarely saw the varsity court but I got the opportunity to experience college volleyball.
I obtained a coaching minor in college and began coaching as an assistant at a college in MA in 2011. I returned home to CT in 2012 and became a volunteer coach at Albertus Magnus College. I became the women’s head volleyball coach in 2014-2020. In 2015-2016, I began to coach club volleyball and play grass doubles. While coaching club, I realized that I had a different coaching style and philosophy in comparison to other coaches and wanted to run my program. In 2018, I began Pure Passion Volleyball which is a travel club volleyball program with little to no experience in how to run a club.
Pure Passion is for high school girls and it provides an opportunity for each athlete to build on their character and their strengths. We equip athletes to maximize momentum and maintain mental toughness beyond the court through passionate coaching and tangible support. I started with one team of 9 girls. Today, I have three teams. I hope to continue to expose girls to different opportunities and help maximize their passion, hard work, and mental toughness that they can carry with them beyond the court.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. Just like life, it has had its highs and lows. People will always talk about whether you do good or bad, so I’ve learned to live with pure intentions so my heart is at peace with the decisions I make.
Some of the struggles I’ve experienced are balancing my intensity and passion for the athletes and learning how to encourage each athlete. Additionally, learning how to run a successful program that helps each athlete grow while ignoring opinions.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have my Master’s in Social Work. I am a full-time mobile crisis clinician. I work with families and children up to the age of 18, still in school who may be emotionally dysregulated, suicidal, or homicidal and need crisis intervention.
I am most known for my energy and positive attitude. I’m a big kid at heart. I am a team player and do what needs to get done. I am a problem solver and a protector.
I am most proud of being a wife and mother to an 18-month-old baby girl!
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Follow me on Instagram @ i_am_strength and the business page @purepassionvolleyball on Facebook and Instagram.
Please repost any flyers you see to increase awareness about Pure Passion!
