Daily Inspiration: Meet Regina Webb

Today we’d like to introduce you to Regina Webb.

Hi Regina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I’m the founder and director of the KC Lady Jaguars Club Volleyball

Throughout my youth, I played multiple sports (softball, basketball, swimming, track, cheerleading, and volleyball).

So that was the beginning of my passion for sports and contributed to the driving force to create something greater than myself.

In 2003, it was my oldest daughter’s freshman year in high school and she decided that she wanted to play volleyball for the first time, so she tried out for her high school and she made it. After her school season, she wanted to continue to play and get better for the next season.

I did some research and discovered club volleyball through the Heart Of America Volleyball Region (HOA) here in Kansas City. We found tryouts for a club, attended and she made it again. The club was looking for volunteer coaches, so I jumped at the chance to coach a game that I have loved since middle school. During that club season, I noticed there were not many black or brown girls playing on these club teams and I knew there were so many that didn’t know about club volleyball and were missing out on this opportunity. I inquired about how to start a team/club with the club director I was currently coaching for and reached out to HOA. From this, the KC Lady Jaguars Volleyball Club was born in September 2004.

My goal was to put together one solid team of young ladies from the urban core, who would love the chance to build their skills in a competitive arena outside of high school volleyball and find another like-minded coach to help me jump-start this program. We held open tryouts to fill 8-10 spots for one team and had such a huge turn-out we ended up with 3 teams our first season. So, that also meant I needed more coaches.

We created a solid coaching staff and my coaches are definitely the bond. This is more than the game for us. We believe in every young lady that comes through our program and works hard to equip, encourage and empower them. We are shaping young athletes into young women and the lessons they learn with The KC Lady Jaguars will carry with them through life.

Our organization is built on the values of Trust, Love, Loyalty, Faith, and Family. Having a family environment means a caring environment where we get to know our players and parents by name. It also allows us to get involved with our players’ lives outside of the club. For example, we attend other extra-curricular events they participate in.

We also try to help our players academically. If we hear one player is struggling with a subject in school, we offer tutoring before practice by a coach or another player who might excel in the subject. We educate and assist in the recruiting process for those who want to play at the next level.

Our club has been around for 18 years and there have been a lot of victories and trials along the way but we still remain steadfast and faithful.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Coaching youth, dealing with parents, working in a competitive sporting environment, a smooth road? No

Being a club director of a small club I’m faced with the challenge to stay within a tight budget, juggling the workload of running a club with a full-time job during the day, and managing a family. Sometimes it’s hard to balance, but by the grace of God, I’ve been able to make it work and enjoy the journey. My coaches are all volunteers, which makes recruiting new coaches hard. This takes a lot of your personal time, so many are not willing to do this without compensation. Many of my coaches have been former players who return to give back to the program.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in teaching the love of the game at any level and am known for developing tough, focused, and resilient athletes. I love watching players develop from beginners to elite and seeing that look of excitement when things start to click and they want to learn more.

I believe what sets me apart from most club directors/coaches is my desire to exceed beyond the medals/trophies or wins and losses. My focus is truly on developing young ladies to become productive members of their community all while playing a game they love. I’m most proud of the young women that have come through my club that are working in their passion and keeping in touch.

We are all here to impact for a short time. I pray I have done my part to impact the life of at least one of the many athletes I have had the pleasure of working with.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We are looking for sponsors. Ø A lot of times we have young ladies/families that can afford this opportunity
and having sponsors helps us help someone else. Ø Our largest expense is facility rental. Having sponsorship would help us keep our fees at an affordable rate.

We would love to collaborate with other organizations that have the same goals and values and are willing to help us bring to life a few ideas we have for camps/clinics, seminars, etc. We want to give those young people who would love a chance to attend those college camps but just can’t afford the high cost a chance to experience that opportunity.

Spread the word about an organization in the community willing to not only coach but a mentor and build your child into a productive member of society.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kcjagsvb.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kcladyjags
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kcladyjaguars
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jags_kc

Image Credits
Jessica Thomas Lee – Scott E Thomas & Daughter Photography