When legendary Secaucus volleyball coach Maria Nolan informed the school’s administration that she was retiring after 26 wonderful years, filled with the highest total of overall victories and NJSIAA state championships in New Jersey history, Nolan figured that she was leaving for good.
"I didn’t think I would be doing anything," said Nolan, who retired earlier this year after 520 career wins and 16 state titles, the last seven in a row. "I thought about my decision for a long time and I was retiring to spend more time with my family. I definitely thought volleyball was a thing of the past."
But a friend, Secaucus-based chiropractor Dr. Richard Guma, put a bug in Nolan’s ear.
"Rick said, ‘Why don’t you run a volleyball camp?’ " Nolan said. "I wasn’t so sure when he said it. But the more I thought about it, the more I thought that I could do it. So many people told me I should in the past, but being so involved in so many things, I couldn’t take on the responsibility."
However, since Nolan doesn’t have to worry about the team – those reins have been turned over to former star performer and long-time assistant coach Sheila Ulrich – the long-time coach can concentrate on her new passion, which is being a camp director.
Nolan has announced the first annual Maria Nolan Developmental Volleyball Camp, which will take place at Secaucus High School in two sessions during the week of Aug. 5 to 9.
The first session, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., will focus on seventh, eighth and ninth grade girls, with the second daily session, from 5 to 8:30 p.m., will feature sophomores, juniors and seniors in high school.
"We broke it up to get the most of our time and so the kids will get the most out of it," Nolan said. "We have an excellent staff that will help players develop their skills and work on all aspects of the game, both individual and team."
Many of Nolan’s former assistant coaches, including Ulrich, will participate in the camp. Tom Buoni, Wayne Lach and Karen Kart have all committed their time to the camp. Kart was also once the head volleyball coach at North Bergen High School.
Some of Nolan’s best players over the years will also serve as instructors, including All-State performers Beata Jastrzembski, Jen Bronowich and Angela Bania, as well as last year’s standout Justine Muzones.
Nolan has also lined up some guest speakers that will address the campers, including renowned sports psychologist Dr. Rob Gilbert, who is recognized as a pioneer in his field.
"We’re going to focus on offense, defense and practice individual and team setting," Nolan said. "We’ve been getting girls from all over the area that are coming, girls from Glen Rock, Teaneck, River Vale and Weehawken. It’s going very well so far. I’ve been surprised with the interest."
Nolan has no idea where the camp idea is headed, but she is certainly excited.
"It may turn out to be a whole new career for me," Nolan said. "I’m so excited. It’s definitely keeping me active in the game."
The camp has also motivated Nolan to take on other roles as a clinician. She has received requests for private lessons – like some people take their children to learn how to play the violin – and she is also conducting a week-long clinic for the children of Newark July 15-19.
"I never thought it would develop into this," Nolan said. "It’s pretty exciting."
For more information about the Maria Nolan Developmental Volleyball Camp, either call (201) 943-7323 or via e-mail at mnvbcamp@aol.com.