After growing up playing multiple sports and continuing her athletic career in both volleyball and softball first at Sioux Falls Christian High School then at Northwestern College before finishing her collegiate volleyball career at Southwest Minnesota State, Emily Strasser knew she wanted to remain involved in athletics.

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"I played a lot of sports growing up and just fell in love with being active and competing," Strasser said. "When I got to college, I couldn't decide between volleyball and softball, so I played both. That love for the games just continued, and I wanted to stay part of that athletic journey."

That journey has now brought Strasser to Dordt University, where she joined the Defender volleyball program as a full-time assistant coach this summer.

Following her playing career at Southwest Minnesota State, Strasser began coaching softball as a graduate assistant, an experience she believes prepared her for her current role despite working in a different sport.

"You learn so much about relationships," Strasser said. "Every athlete is different, so you have to understand what motivates each person and be willing to adapt your coaching style. That ability to connect with people carries over no matter what sport you're coaching."

While Strasser's responsibilities will focus on Dordt's defense and serve receive, her coaching philosophy extends well beyond technical instruction. Building relationships, developing character and helping student-athletes grow as people are priorities she believes are essential to effective coaching—values that align with Dordt's Defender Way.

As a former defensive specialist, Strasser will oversee Dordt's defensive systems, serve receive, serving, positioning and technical skill development, areas where she believes she can make an immediate impact.

While coaching defense will be her primary responsibility on the court, Strasser's approach extends beyond wins and losses. She believes great coaching begins with understanding each student-athlete as an individual and helping them develop both on and off the court.

As a coach, Strasser describes herself as calm and steady.

"I would say I'm mostly even-keeled," she said with a smile. "Maybe underneath all of that I can be a little fiery, but I don't get too worked up."

Since arriving on campus in mid-May, Strasser has spent much of her time getting acclimated to her new surroundings. Summer has included individual workouts with local players, organizing equipment and preparing for the upcoming season.

"It's been great getting to know some of the girls one-on-one," Strasser said. "I'm still learning everyone, so having those opportunities has been really valuable."

Strasser is no stranger to the Dordt volleyball program. During her playing days at Northwestern, she experienced one of the GPAC's premier rivalries from the opposite side of the net.

"When I was at Northwestern, the rivalry was always there," she said. "Some of my favorite matches were the Dordt-Northwestern games because of the atmosphere. Being on campus now and seeing that environment from the inside has been really cool."

She also appreciates the culture surrounding Defender volleyball.

"It's a great program," Strasser said. "Being around the team and seeing the atmosphere has been exciting."

As she begins recruiting for Dordt, Strasser's priorities closely mirror the values emphasized in the Defender Way. While talent and athletic ability are important, she believes character, effort and a commitment to something bigger than individual success are equally essential.

"I look for a lot of energy and effort," Strasser said. "We like girls with personality who are willing to make that crazy diving save. We obviously look for the whole person, having great character and knowing that sports isn't everything. I've been fortunate to have a lot of great coaches," Strasser said. "I've been able to learn something from each one and take pieces of what they've taught me."

With preseason now just weeks away, Strasser is eager to move from organizing equipment and preparing practice plans to doing what she enjoys most—working with student-athletes on the court.

"I'm very much looking forward to having campus filled with student-athletes again," Strasser said. "I'm excited to get into the gym, especially with the renovations, and start working with the team."