From Freshman on the court, to Head coach on the sidelines. For the Paso Robles High School (PRHS) spring season of 2026, previous alumni athlete Bennett Reed has taken the job as head coach of Men’s Volleyball
In 2024 Reed served as a consecutive 4 year varsity player on the PRHS Volleyball team. Reed played alongside many of our current players such as Colin Daugherty (12) and Nolan Burr (11). This has given rise to doubts about Reed age and experience , questioning if Reed tactics follow under the role of coach or friend. Nonetheless players and previous teammates of Reed go as far to say that Reed wasn’t just an outstanding friend but is an amazing coach. When questioned “He’s responsible, does what’s best for his colleagues and players, and he’s simply a stand up guy”, said Daugherty.
From the start of his journey with volleyball the sport in 7th grade till his senior year, coaching the volleyball club Flight Academy, becoming assistant coach during 2025, to the director of sport for men’s volleyball at PRHS in 2026. Reed has spent eight consecutive years drilling the skills of volleyball not only in himself but in the people he coaches. The balance of after school practice is also shifting as now.
“The practices feel extremely competitive. And, you know, he’s pretty hard on us, “ said Daugherty, but this new style of coach has been working in Reed’s favor as it’s not only motivating the players to keep trying their best but actively instilling the desire to become better. Yet Reed’s coaching isn’t driven from the stature of the coach, rather it’s driven from a desire to unlock the potential within the team. “You can sense that he wants, he wants to bring the best out of us, his main goal is to get us to be successful,” Daugherty said
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“Practice has not only become more competitive but much more realistic with practicing real in-game tactics.” With practice now looking similar to how real games would be, players are able to build the realistic skills and techniques required to win. “I’m very play heavy, I like to get my boys just playing, getting as many reps and touches as possible,” Reed said. With the increased amount of time spent on these tactics bumping, setting, and serving drills, players have seen an increase in their skills. “We focus a lot more on the skills that we need to improve, I think that’s helping us a lot more,” Burr said. Alongside these new drills Bennet never forgets to encourage and support his players with specific guidance advice, useful strategies and overall positivity. One of Bennet’s biggest lessons is “Next Ball Mentality,” the idea that no matter what happens you need to be ready for what’s about to come at you. “Whether it’s in a volleyball match or in daily life that mentally works both ways because next thing you know, something big is going to be coming up for you, and you got to be kind of you got to be prepared,” Reed said, regardless of what happens on and off the court his players need to be ready for what’s through at them, they always need to be ready for the next ball. With this new season just beginning Reed has high hopes for this team and with teamwork, practice, dedication, and discipline the Paso Robles Men’s Volleyball Team has what it takes to walk down the path of victory.
