“As soon as I saw the role, it felt like one of those ‘Yep, this is so me’ moments,” said Stacy Percy.

Volleyball Bay of Plenty’s new coach force officer started her career in San Francisco’s competitive, fast-paced sporting culture. “I was lucky to be surrounded by great coaches, strong programmes and a real love for the game from a young age.”

She said she was excited to be in this role and part of Volleyball Bay of Plenty, continuing to mix “passion and purpose”.

“I get to work with awesome people, talk volleyball, and help grow something really special in the region that already has such a strong volleyball energy.”

Percy grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area where she found a love for volleyball before moving to London after university for a work opportunity.

“It was meant to be a short two-year stint, but I ended up staying for 20 years.” That was where she met her Kiwi partner and started a family. But moving to New Zealand was something the couple had always thought about.

“A few years ago, the timing was right, and we made the move. The kids have settled really well into their schools, and getting involved with the volleyball community here in the Bay has been such a positive part of my own adjustment. It’s given me a real sense of connection, purpose, and belonging.”

Percy said as soon as she saw the role she knew she wanted it. “It combined everything I care about: volleyball, community, and the chance to create real impact.”

Percy said she had always believed in the power of sport to teach kids confidence, teamwork, resilience, and joy and this role was a way to support that on a bigger scale.

With her background in leadership and digital strategy, and a lifelong love for volleyball, it felt like a perfect fit.

Her experience and perspective shaped how she coached and designed programmes. “A lot of what I did in the digital world was about listening and really understanding what people needed and then designing something that worked for them.

“Instead of building apps or systems, I’m creating programmes for players, coaches, schools, and communities.”

Stacy Percy's priorities include coach development and community engagement. Photo / Brydie Thompson

Percy wanted the programmes to be useful, encouraging and accessible – and she loved the process of taking an idea, mapping it out, and building something that made people feel more confident, connected and excited about where the game could take them.

“It’s about building something that reflects the needs and aspirations of our whole region. When we align our efforts, we can create real momentum and open up more opportunities for everyone involved in the sport.”

During the next six months, Percy had two main priorities: coach development and getting to know the volleyball community across the Bay of Plenty. “There are so many kids eager to play volleyball right now, which is fantastic for the growth of the game.

“At the same time, we’re facing a real shortage of coaches, especially at grassroots level.”

She said many coaches were volunteers who needed support, resources and clear pathways to grow which was why coach development – particularly for those working with juniors, intermediates and primary schools – would be a key focus for her.

She was also focused on development programmes and in the last few months VBOP had delivered several holiday camps and a term 3 volleyball development programme which both saw strong interest and engagement. These programmes would continue throughout the year.

Percy said one moment that really affirmed her love for coaching was during IPC in June, working with a “young and incredibly talented” VBOP rep team.

“We found our rhythm in an unforgettable five-set battle against Hawke’s Bay. The boys left everything on the court.

“Rally after rally, they showed skill, resilience, and heart.”

She said even though they didn’t win on the scoreboard, it felt like a massive win in every other way. “It was the kind of match that reminded me why I love this sport and made me feel like maybe I’m on the right track as a coach.”

This was why she wanted to make coaching less scary and more accessible for everyone.

With the season approaching, Percy was working on plans to offer a Beginning Coach Workshop to build confidence and practical skills for teachers, parents, volunteers and older athletes like Year 13 students and recent school leavers who might be interested in stepping into coaching.

“By offering structured programmes and consistent guidance, we aim to equip coaches to create positive, engaging experiences for their players and help grow volleyball at the grassroots level as well as develop a wider coaching community to help build the sport for the Bay.”

Referee courses would be organised throughout the region to ensure matches would be kept fair, safe and enjoyable for everyone involved, said Percy. “My goal is to help create opportunities that athletes and coaches can take advantage of to grow and develop, whether that means improving skills, stepping into coaching, or pursuing higher-level goals.”