John Kessel: A Lifetime of Dedication to Grassroots Volleyball

In the world of volleyball, few names resonate with as much respect and admiration as John Kessel. With a career spanning decades and countless contributions to the sport, John’s commitment to grassroots volleyball is unparalleled.

As the head coach of the Gear Up Rise Up (GURU) Toolkit project, John brought his wealth of experience, passion, and resilience to our mission in the Philippines, leaving an indelible mark on the communities we served and playing a crucial role in filming the educational content for the toolkit.

Collaborative Preparation:

In preparation for the Gear Up Rise Up project in the Philippines, John Kessel collaborated closely with a team of global experts. Ziva Cof from Slovenia, Timo Lippuner from Switzerland, Lesley de Jonge from The Netherlands, and Eric Hodgson from the USA joined John in weekly online meetings.

Together, they meticulously crafted the educational content and training modules that would form the backbone of the GURU Toolkit. Their collective expertise and dedication ensured that the toolkit not only met but exceeded the needs of grassroots volleyball communities worldwide.

A Legacy of Dedication:

John Kessel’s journey in volleyball began over 30 years ago. His career includes roles as a coach, development director at USA Volleyball, and educator, shaping the future of the sport both in the USA and internationally.

His contributions to the Special Olympics and various grassroots initiatives have earned him recognition as one of the sport’s leading experts.

Overcoming Challenges:

In November, John faced a significant personal challenge when he suffered a stroke. Despite this, his determination to contribute to the GURU project never wavered. Cleared by his doctors to participate, John joined us in the Philippines, ready to share his knowledge and passion with the local communities.

Inspiring Coaching Sessions:

Throughout our journey in the Philippines, John led numerous coaching sessions, engaging with children and local coaches. His ability to connect with participants of all ages and skill levels was truly inspiring.

John’s sessions were not just about teaching volleyball techniques; they were about instilling a love for the game and empowering individuals to believe in their potential.

Each day in the Philippines was a testament to John’s dedication. From early morning travels to remote villages to late-night strategy sessions, John’s energy and enthusiasm never waned. His experience and insights were invaluable in shaping the training modules and ensuring that our toolkit was comprehensive and effective.

Creating a Lasting Impact:

One of the highlights of the project was the opportunity to interview John and capture his thoughts and emotions on camera. Seeing him tear up while discussing the importance of our mission was a poignant reminder of the deep impact our work has on communities and individuals. John’s legacy is not just about his past achievements but about the future he is helping to build for volleyball enthusiasts worldwide.

Family Ties and Special Moments:

A particularly touching moment was when we returned to the Volleyball Nations League in Manila, where John’s son (and LKTBF ambassador), Cody Kessel, was playing for the USA national team.

We conducted a heartfelt interview with both father and son, highlighting the generational impact of John’s dedication to the sport. This summer, John will be inducted into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame, a well-deserved honor that recognizes his lifetime of contributions.

Conclusion:

John Kessel’s involvement in the Gear Up Rise Up project has been nothing short of transformative. His passion, resilience, and commitment to grassroots volleyball have inspired everyone involved. As we continue our mission to spread the love of volleyball worldwide, John’s legacy will serve as a guiding light, reminding us of the profound impact that dedicated individuals can have on communities and the sport as a whole.

Thank you, John, for being our GURU and for your unwavering dedication to keeping the ball flying.