Keiser University (Fort Lauderdale)
NAIA • TSC
Date: January 21, 2025
Would Recommend
Tags
Coach Rogers is a coach, with a winning record, who holds his athletes accountable and demands excellence on and off the court. As we went through the recruiting process, we found Coach Rogers to be honest and direct. Some of the first words out of his mouth, after introductions and a bit of information about the program were, "We don't journal or braid. We are business partners, not friends. We work hard and we win." These words were music to our athlete's ears. Rogers was 100% honest from the very beginning and ran and managed his program exactly as he had promised. Rogers made the expectations for his program and expectations of his players, very clear. On the court, whether in practice or during games, Rogers pushed his players to bring their best every single day. Off the court, Rogers expected his players to be ambassadors of the program and of the school. Rogers placed emphasis on academics and required players to attend all classes, show up on time, and be prepared. He focused on developing his athletes as people and preparing them for the future. Rogers cared about each of his athletes and would jump in where there were challenges with academics, which could happen during season when athletes were missing classes to travel for volleyball. Athletes knew they could reach out to Coach Rogers, and his assistant coach, if they were ever in a jam and needed help. Broken down on the side of the road, call/text coach. Having trouble with a part time job, call/text coach. Not from the area and need a recommendation for a restaurant, doctor, dentist, safe hotel for visitors, mechanic, etc., call/text coach. Those who chose Keiser simply for the location (close to the beach and great weather), refused to work hard, couldn't follow rules, were disrespectful to the program and their teammates, and were not willing to accept the successful coaching were not a good fit for the program. Those who chose to be successful, have flourished on the court, in the classroom, and into their futures beyond Keiser Volleyball. During our time at Keiser, we watched many players come and go. Some simply because they really didn't want to play volleyball anymore. Some because they refused to put in the hard work and dedication required by the Keiser Volleyball program. It's easy for parents to blame the coaches, and make excuses, when things don't work out for their athlete. As a parent of an athlete who chose success over excuses, I am happy that my athlete was able to grow and learn under the care and direction of Coach James Rogers.