FAIRLEA- Last Thursday, the Greenbrier East volleyball swept two games with Pikeview and Princeton and in the process, head coach Matt Sauvage recorded win no. 600 in his Spartan coaching career.
East beat the Panthers of Pikeview 25-20 and 25-11, then defeated the Tigers 25-20 and 25-19.
On Saturday, Sept. 7, the Spartans had another tri match at Woodrow and defeated Independence 2-0, 25-23 and 25-12, but lost 2-0 to the host Flying Eagles, 18-25, twice.
So, after all was said and done at the end of the week and weekend, Sauvage sits at 601 career victories–9-2 this season– with plenty more to add as this season continues to move forward.
But with Sauvage, his meaning of success has never been about wins, but rather how he has helped the lives and futures of his players.
“I pray every day that I have been able to touch the lives of my players in positive way. Succeeding to me is not about winning games, it’s about winning at life. God has blessed with me a platform and I pray that I have used it correctly,” Sauvage stated.
On a path to 600 wins creates a lot of favorite times to look back on, and once again, Sauvage does not equate the victoriesinto the equation.
“Most of my favorite moments are actually just being around such awesome young ladies for the past 21 years. God has truly blessed me with the opportunity to coach such amazing players,” the coach said.
“Winning is fun but that is not my favorite moments. My favorite moments are a mix of seeing players receive scholarships, seeing former players succeed in life, having my own family treat GEVB as part of our family, watching the players get excited when they succeed on the court and I could go on and on, but these types of moments are definitely my favorite,” he added.
And he wasn’t done thanking everyone else other than himself.
“All the moments that I’ve had with my former and current assistant coaches over the years are very important in my life. They are some of my best friends. Being able to coach my daughter was a four-year moment, all wrapped up into one,” he said.
When asked who deserves the most credit, Sauvage was quick to point out five things that have been through the thick and thin of his legendary career.
“The amazing and talented players that I have been truly blessed to be a part of their lives, the awesome coaches that have been on the coaching staff over the years. Blessed doesn’t describe it. God has blessed me, whether it be my health, players, coaches, administration, or parents. God deserves all credit. I’m old. 600 wins tells me I’m old. My family, my wife Joanna, son Shad, and my daughter Dia. Their love, support, and understanding of hours away from them means more to me than they will ever know,” Sauvage explained in a heartfelt manner.
As for the rest of his season, the coach is excited to see what happens.
“The sky is the limit for this group on the court. I’m excited to see how this season goes. We as coaches are truly excited,” Sauvage exclaimed.
