An Interview with Young Alumni Coaches

When Andrew Gascho sent out the email announcing our new middle school coaches— all recent alumni, all fabulous humans, and all devoted to giving back to their alma mater— we knew we had to share their stories. These coaches are making a difference and guiding the next generation of athletes! Ms. Cook recently interviewed them together, after practice at EMS.

Ms. Cook: You’re all recent alumni in college now. Tell us what you do when you’re not here coaching.

Luke: I’m Luke Stoltzfus, Class of 2025. I go to JMU, where I study kinesiology, and I coach middle school volleyball.

Bri: I’m Bri Showalter, a sophomore at JMU majoring in special education. I also coach middle school volleyball.

Gabriel: My name is Gabriel Stoltzfus, Class of 2024. I’m a junior international business major at JMU, and I coach middle school boys’ soccer.

Logan: I’m Logan Weaver, a junior at Bridgewater College studying business, and I coach middle school soccer.

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Ms. Cook: It’s so awesome to see so many of our alumni coming back to coach! Many people don’t return to high school after graduating, so it’s powerful that you’ve chosen to do this. Why did you decide to coach?

Logan: I didn’t come to EMS until fifth grade, but my dad, siblings, and grandparents attended here, so I grew up around EMHS. I had a great experience in middle and high school, especially playing sports. When Gascho reached out to me, I was immediately excited. I felt like I had to say yes—it just sounded fun.

Luke: For me, it’s about the community. I recently went golfing with Mr. King [EMHS principal] – EMS is so tight-knit; I never really felt like I left. Coaching is a great opportunity to give back and help build up the next generation of athletes.

Bri: I came to EMS in eighth grade, but I also have grandparents, parents, and siblings who went here. Sports were what really made me feel welcome and connected to the school. Middle school is such a fun age, and being part of that experience again is meaningful.

Gabriel: It’s surreal! I feel like I just graduated, and now I’m the one they’re looking to. I went here K–12, and my dad and many cousins did too. Sports were huge for me, not just for improving my skills, but for building friendships and that special team bond. I always wanted to coach, and this opportunity is perfect. I also hope to emulate my coaches. Alec Vrolik and Taylor Martin— I am bringing something to my coaching from each of them – positivity, fun, and discipline.

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Ms. Cook: Let’s talk coaching philosophy. What do you hope to bring to the program?

Luke: Positivity. I want the kids to have fun, love the community, and want to come back to the sport. If we achieve that, it’s a win.

Bri: Middle school is such an important time for building self-esteem. I want to hype the kids up and help them build confidence, just like my coaches did for me.

Logan: I agree. Even if they don’t keep playing soccer, I hope they take away lessons like hard work, perseverance, and the joy of making friends, playing on a team.

Gabriel: I want to be a mentor as well as a coach. Middle schoolers are figuring out so much, and I hope to help them rediscover the joy in sports if they’ve had a bad experience before, I hope they can come and find themselves on this team. It’s about the joy.

Luke: Of course we want to win, but we also want everyone to play and have fun. If you’re not enjoying it, why do it?

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Ms. Cook: Do you have a favorite hype song, sports movie, or show that hypes you up or puts you in “coach mode”?

Luke: I’m a big Ted Lasso fan! It’s full of life lessons and some great action.

Bri: I loved Miracle Season. It’s sad but inspiring, and it’s part of what made me want to play volleyball when I was in school.

Gabriel: Remember the Titans is a classic for me. And, outside of sports, The Bear—running a kitchen feels like a team sport to me, with everyone playing their part and their service is their match, it’s a great feeling.

Logan: My team used to get hyped listening to “I’m a Boss” by Rick Ross before games. It was a fun tradition!

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At EMS, we are witnessing a beautiful testament to the power of community and legacy. Our coaches, who are predominantly alumni, are not just guiding our basketball, volleyball, and soccer teams; they are embodying the spirit of giving back. It’s truly inspiring to see former students return and feel “like they never left” as Luke put it. They are driven by a deep sense of belonging to help bring up the next generation of EMS students.

What a time to be part of EMS, where positivity thrives and the journey of becoming is celebrated. Our coaches are living examples of the values we instill in our students: that the bonds formed here are unbreakable, and the lessons learned are cherished and passed on.

Thank you, Coach Stoltzfus, Showalter, Weaver and Stoltzfus! Come support these amazing alumni and their middle school teams this fall.

Middle School Girls Volleyball

Middle School Boys Soccer 

Go Flames!