Mills College!

Yesterday was a big day for us. . .

We moved out of Stockton and have achieved graduation goal number one GET OUT OF STOCKTON.
We moved in with Pagra - God love Joe's grandpa for allowing us to stay with him in San Francisco until we can get this thing called life figured out..
I got a phone call from Mills College and we began to figure out this thing called life as they offered me and I accepted the Head Women's Volleyball Coach position!!!!

I start August 1st!



Overall, Joe and I could not be more thrilled to be able to begin setting our roots in the Bay Area. I really truly feel like this is a God-Given opportunity, he opened a huge door and we are stepping through :) We are so thankful for this opportunity and feel confident that this is where the Lord wants us to be. The more time passes the more we understanding what it really means to trust in God for His Plan and Will in our lives. Brother John said it best, "know His plan is best! Isn’t so comforting that he knows what is best? We don’t have to have it all figured out." John, we could not agree more. :)



So I know some of you may be like, Susan has never even mentioned Mills, where did all come from?? So here is the story. . .It all started about two weeks ago on a Wednesday I received a phone call from a guy named Niel, the swimming coach at Mills college. He explained that they would like to have a phone interview with me as I applied for the Head Women's Volleyball Coach position in April. I was so excited to hear back from them and decided that given the economy it was time to be BOLD. So I called them back and mentioned that Joe and I would be driving through the Oakland area on Thursday and Friday- Joe had an interview in the city and we were going to stay with Pagra Thurs night- and that if if worked for them I would be available for an interview in person on those days. (read Bold move for me!) They called me back and mentioned that due to protocol they would need to interview me over the phone first. . . and were wondering if 3:30 that day could work! (the time was 2:45 ha!). I said 'SURE" and had the interview with them that day. It went well and I heard back from them at about 5pm and they said they would like to have me on campus on Friday for an interview.

Friday rolls around and I was nervous but so so excited! They told me that the interview would consist of a one hour long interview with everyone in their department that was available (11 people total), then I would teach a volleyball skill to a graduating senior, sort of like a pop quiz coaching session and I did not know the skill until the session. Being the planner person that I am I outlined all of the skills ahead of time and made mini practice plans for each skill! ha. I was going to be prepared!!! I hate getting caught off gaurd! Then after the skills session I would have a one-on-one with Themy (TAMMY) their athletic director.

The interview went well, and I actually really enjoyed myself, the nerves wore off, and I walked away really feeling like it would be a perfect fit.



It really feels like such a great fit, the values and goals of NCAA Division III are so aligned with my own, and are such a great match for my degree in student affairs. The focus is on the development of the WHOLE student-athlete, making sure that their experience as an athlete only enhances their growth in college and is an asset to their development. The athletic department at Mills is actually overseen by Student LIfe and I have a degree in student affairs. . .feels perfect. The people within the athletic department seem so kind and supportive and like a group that enjoys having fun. The campus is gorgeous! Almost like a little cottage town with cute little buildings dispersed here and there, tons of trees, and even a running trail and river running through! And it is totally safe! Only one entrance and exit to the whole campus. It reminds me a little of Pacific, a beautiful private school in the middle of a big city. I will also get to be coaching a sport I absolutely love and have missed so much over the years. I get to be proud of being a volleydork and reading volleyball magazine cover to cover. haha. I could go on and on. .
To sum it up, we are thrilled!

www.mills.edu