We are thrilled to have Coach Don West Jr. serve as co-coordinator of our Lehigh Valley division. Coach West served as head coach of Southern Lehigh Girls for nearly a decade. He led his Southern Lehigh Girls to a number of titles, including District XI AA runner-up in 2008 and District XI AA titles in 2009, 2010 and 2011. In 2010 the team finished 3rd in the state and in 2011 they were finalists. He also coaches the Southern Lehigh High School Boys Club. He began coaching club volleyball at the age of 19 with Northampton Volleyball club and coached his 14s Boys team to an appearance at Nationals. He was an assistant coach at Bensalem H.S. to his father (Don West Sr.) from 1993-1995. He returned to Council Rock H.S. as a volunteer assistant from 1996-2001. He also played for 3 years at Council Rock High School, making 2 appearances at states, and continued to play in college at Bucks County Community College and the College of New Jersey. He has been an avid Open outdoor player for over 20 years, and says he is continuing to “try to play against much younger players with a little success!”
Coaching Philosophy: FUN. If we don’t let and/or help our players have FUN and love this wonderful game that we are not doing our job and we won’t get the most out of them.
Best Volleyball Moment: Making it to the PIAA State Final in 2011.
My Life in Sports: After playing every other sport my entire life, my dad finally convinced me to play volleyball my sophomore year at Council Rock H.S. I am glad he did!
When I’m Not Coaching Volleyball: Is there time when I am not? I’m also a Southern Middle School Health and Physical Education Teacher and I like spending time with my wife Natalie, daughter Brianna and son Trey (Donald III).
Favorite subject in school: Math and Physical Education
Last Book I Read: The Racketeer by John Grisham
Favorite Movie: A Few Good Men
Favorite Quote: I can’t is an excuse for I won’t try!
Person I’d Like to Have Dinner With: My wife without kids!
Something You Probably Don’t Know About Me: I have run 3 half marathons in last 2 years and hated every second of it…until it was over!