Danielle Humphrey

“Integrity is choosing courage over comfort; choosing what is right over what is fun, fast, or easy; and choosing to practice our values rather than simply profession them.” -Brene Brown

School: Traverse City (Central) High School

College: Northwestern Community College (Associates), Ferris State University (Bachelors of Science-Education), and Central Michigan University (Masters of Arts- Ed. Tech.).

About Me: By day, I am an Instructional Technology Specialist, this means I have a cool job of helping teachers with technology and resources in their classroom. I am also an avid board game player, reader, and craft enthusiast. I love traveling- not just around the state to volleyball events- but across the country and I’ve dabbled in international travel. 

Coaching Experience: I started in 2008 in Suttons Bay as the JV head coach. I then went to TCAPS before the LEAP program was around, assisted coaching their 8th grade team. Left for a little while. I coached for GTAVC (which no longer exists) for a few years. Returned to TCAPS when the LEAP program started and was the Director of Volleyball at East Middle School. That overlapped with coaching for Northshore- this is my 8th year at Northshore. I have coached 14-blue, 13-2, and 12s. This is my 3rd year as the head coach for the 12s.

Why I Coach: I don’t believe in teaching only volleyball skills, I am a big proponent of giving them life skills that they can carry with them off the court. I am really focusing on mental resilience and mental toughness through journaling, mindfulness activities, and team activities. Even at the younger levels, I see the need for these tools. Being multi-sport athletes, student-athletes, and human beings in today’s world- there’s a lot to handle. I love encouraging courageous choices, growth through difficult situations, and connecting with others through teamwork. The spark of joy that comes from watching 12s overcome hard things is what feeds my soul as a coach.

Biggest Volleyball “ICK”: Terrible Sportsmanship