Tony Hooley is the first-year Dowagiac varsity volleyball coach.

What has been one of your greatest accomplishments as a coach?

TH: Turning programs around or taking them to higher levels.

What has been one of your biggest disappointments as a coach?

TH: When I feel like we haven’t met expectations. When we are not as successful as I think we should be.  I wonder what I could do, or have done, better.

Who is a “hero” in your life and why?

TH: From a coaching perspective, I hold Jean LaClair (Bronson), Kathy Trenary (Mendon) and Vince Strefling (Krush/Glen Oaks CC), among others, in high esteem for what they have accomplished over the years.

When are you the most nervous while you are competing?

TH: I don’t get too nervous anymore when my team competes, but I definitely feel a little stressed late in tight sets.

Describe an embarrassing coaching moment.

TH: Many years ago, I created the most epic warm-up music CD. The team hated it, and we never used it again.

What other sport would you like to coach if you were not coaching yours?

TH: Soccer

Why are sports an important part of a high school experience?

TH: It teaches responsibility, time management, selflessness, and perseverance.

How would you give away $50,000?

TH: I would like to use it to provide better temporary shelter and meals for the homeless and, most importantly, a means to get them back on their feet with dignity and to feel valued again.

If you could be the head coach of a team for a year, what team would you choose?

TH: The mighty Chieftains of course.

If I did not coach sports, I would…?

TH: Have to look for another hobby to stay busy.

What is the most challenging thing for you to do in your sport?

TH: Try to keep everyone happy, valued, or to understanding their roles and expectations.

If you could change one rule about your sport, what would it be?

TH: Allow everyone on the bench to stand if they wanted to like in college.

What is the best compliment you have ever received?

TH: In the form of being voted Region Coach of the Year.

What was the scariest thing you have had to do? Are you glad you did it?

TH: Public speaking, especially when I was a younger coach.

What is your favorite hobby? Why?

TH: Coaching, it allows me to continue to experience the highs of athletic competition and achievement.

Choose one word to describe yourself:

TH: Unambiguous.