This season, Berkshire’s JV volleyball team isn’t just playing games—they’re building a future. With Coach Ashok Pillai at the helm, the team has gained a passionate leader whose generous experience is already making waves. A seasoned coach who previously led championship teams, Coach Pillai brings new energy, a structured strategy, and a clear vision to a program he believes is poised for growth.
From the start, Coach Pillai prioritized fundamentals, implementing a simple yet effective 4-2 system with a middle-up defense. This approach gives players a framework for developing their confidence, skill, and game IQ. “We’re focusing on consistent rotations and solid positioning,” he explains, noting how these elements are helping the team build a reliable foundation. As the season progressed, drills shifted to full 6-on-6 matches, designed to give players the chance to make real-time decisions in a game setting. “The best way to learn the game is to play the game,” he says, reflecting his belief that hands-on experience is the key to true mastery.
But Coach Pillai’s goals go far beyond this season’s scoreboard. For him, JV volleyball is a vital stepping stone for Berkshire’s varsity team, and he’s determined to create a feeder system that nurtures future varsity standouts. “Volleyball can be picked up faster than many sports,” he points out. By building fundamental skills and instilling confidence at the JV level, he hopes JV players will soon make their mark on varsity, creating a ripple effect that could strengthen Berkshire’s presence in the highly competitive NEPSAC Class B league.
One of the challenges Berkshire faces is its remote location, which limits access to club volleyball programs. This makes Coach Pillai’s role even more pivotal. Without frequent outside training opportunities, many players rely solely on the school’s resources to develop. Understanding this, he’s set a mission to make the JV team a high-level training ground. “We’re not just working on physical skills; we’re building a culture of respect, discipline, and love for the game,” Coach Pillai shares. His goal is to inspire students to see volleyball as more than a sport, but a way to push personal boundaries and strengthen teamwork.
Coach Pillai also sees this as a thrilling time for volleyball nationwide. Volleyball’s popularity has surged recently, especially in women’s sports, with monumental milestones like the record-breaking crowd of over 92,000 fans at the University of Nebraska’s Women’s Volleyball match last fall. “Volleyball is growing at an unprecedented rate across the country,” he says. “I’m optimistic we’ll see similar growth at Berkshire, with more students wanting to play and more fans in the stands.” This trend promises a bright future for the sport, and Coach Pillai is determined for Berkshire to be part of it.
As Coach Pillai reflects on his players’ progress, he’s proud not just of their athletic gains, but of their passion and resilience. “I’ve had a lot of fun coaching this team,” he shares, “and it’s rewarding to see them improve and embrace the game.” With each practice and every match, Coach Pillai lays the groundwork for a legacy of excellence.
Berkshire volleyball is on a promising path under Coach Pillai’s leadership. His commitment to building well-rounded players who understand the game deeply hints at a future full of achievements and energized fans. Coach Pillai’s vision might just inspire a new era for the Green and Gray—one where Berkshire volleyball becomes a source of pride and a program to watch.
