Volleyball | 12/23/2022 11:20:00 AM

Denton, Texas, (Dec. 23, 2022)- "#BeAMovement means to stand out and make sure people know who you are as well as who you want to be."  
 
Penny Tusa, a graduate assistant for Texas Woman's Volleyball, the assistant coach for Texas Advantage Volleyball Club in Dallas and a 2022 AVCA Diversity Award Recipient, said she is dedicated to leaving an impact by showing up everyday for the people who need her the most. 
 
Tusa did not always know volleyball would be a huge part of her life,until she picked up the sport playing alongside her cousin at the age of eight. Volleyball instantly grasped her heart and the sport became a home away from home. 
 
Recently, Penny was awarded the opportunity to further her career by attending the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Convention in Ohama, Nebraska. As a 2022 AVCA Diversity Award Recipient, Tusa attended a prestigious program at the convention which provides 18 of volleyball's influential young leaders with the opportunity to further develop their leadership through a series of workshops and networking opportunities. 
 
#BeAMovement speaks boldly to the work the AVCA Diversity Program has accomplished for the past seven years. By educating the next generation of top coaching talent the AVCA remains at the forefront of coaching development throughout the volleyball community.  
 
During Tusa's time at the convention she paid close attention to Assistant Coach Rita Stubbs with the University of Arizona, as she encouraged Tusa to begin journaling.
 
"I am the type of person to hold everything in and not say a word," Tusa said. "She [Rita] reminded me that we as coaches are human too and we are allowed to have feelings."
 
Tusa learned that by journaling it allows her to understand her feelings, so when it's time to show up for people she can be present.
 
 "We are people that need people," Tusa said. "Developing a genuine relationship with anyone you cross paths with will give them the opportunity to know who you really are and who you want to be." 
 
Tusa admires many coaches, but says she has been fortunate to work beside Jeff Huebner and Luiza Andrade at TWU, because they have exemplified their willingness to teach and help her in future endeavors. 
 
Last year, TWU Volleyball Assistant Coach Luiza Andrade was chosen as a 2021 AVCA Diversity Award Recipient. Since then, Andrade has been provided with a wealth of knowledge and opportunity from veteran coaches across the nation and was able to reconnect with her 2021 cohort in Omaha this year.
 
Andrade said she was excited for Tusa to have the opportunity to be a part of the wealth of experiences at the convention this year.  
 
"Being a part of the 2021 AVCA Diversity Award Class was incredible," Andrade said. "The program continues to offer opportunities for professional growth year-round by providing us with a platform for discussions and conversations through different speakers, meetings and small group discussions. It was incredible to reconnect with coaches from my class in Omaha this year and awesome to see how all of us continue to work towards our career goals."
 
Beginning her coaching career in 2021 at TWU, Tusa made her presence known by being a part of the conversation through relationship building. She set her sights on being innovative and organic but is consistently finding ways to improve the program's culture. 
 
"Coach Tusa has provided guidance for our athletes on and off the court and more specifically with our left and right side attackers, '' TWU Head Volleyball Coach Jeff Huebner said. While she has improved their game play, their approach to volleyball, she has also added a unique perspective to our program that adds value every day. Our team is better because she is a leader within our program and I appreciate the opportunity to grow with her."
 
After the convention, Tusa plans to implement the lessons she learned into her coaching style. She vows to stay curious and ask questions by learning from those around her. 
 
"It is important to be open to different coaching styles from coaches who are still in the game and continuing to learn, '' Tusa said. 
 
#BeAMovement is not just another hashtag, but it embodies the spirit of family that has been fostered throughout the AVCA Diversity program, giving Tusa another home away from home.