After graduating from Bryan High in 2017, volleyball coach Emily Hubacek played as an offensive specialist for A&M Corpus Christi before transferring to Texas A&M University, where she won two national championships. After her successful college career, Hubacek coached at A&M Consolidated for three years until she found her way back to Bryan High as the head volleyball coach.
Principal Lane Buban has been with Bryan ISD for 22 years and has had several former students return to pursue a career in education.
“I’ve known Coach Hubacek since she was in middle school,” principal Lane Buban said. I know the type of person she is and the qualities she brings to the school. I felt very comfortable with her taking the lead role for our volleyball program because I know the kind of integrity she brings with her.”
Hubacek sees the history and environment at Bryan High as a path to success and a reason to return.
“I think it says a lot about Bryan High and the fact this is a place that I want to come and give back to,” Hubacek said. “It shows the kind of culture created here, which they should be proud of.”
The culture of such an institution is created by the people who make it up. Hubacek knows growing up surrounded by supportive people who care is the definition of a memorable school experience.
“It’s a special relationship to be able to walk into a place and know that you fully trust the staff and that they’re loyal to you,” Hubacek said. “No one is coming to get me because they made me who I am; they always have my back.”
Players appreciate Hubacek’s unique perspective and experience, which they believe puts her in a greater position to be the coach they need.
“I feel like we can connect with her more because she knows how our school runs, and the personalities and atmosphere around here are different from many schools,” sophomore Gabby Nunn said. “She has a lot of advice, especially because she’s played and coached here.”
Hubacek’s contribution to the volleyball team is not limited to her past high school experiences.
“She’s very fun and has a lot of energy,” senior Emmy Heslip said. “She can be tough on us sometimes, but I feel that toughness brings many of our skills out on the court. And I know she’s brought the team together, a very team player mentality as a coach, so she knows how to make us work together, have fun on the court, have fun in practice, and stuff like that.”
While garnering praise from not just her players but also her colleagues and administrators, Hubacek’s work, which is significant for volleyball, extends beyond that.
“She brings a new energy and excitement to the volleyball team,” Buban said. “I know she’s worked really hard getting them prepared for the season, and she works really hard in the classroom as well.”
With her athletes, Hubacek focuses on usable life skills on and off the court.
“We’re trying to become better people and improve that adversity,” Hubacek said. “We’re learning how to overcome adversity and grind through things outside our lives, at home, and in school.”
Students believe Hubacek stands out in her ability to effectively coach and teach her students, demonstrated in her relationships with those students and players.
“Some coaches expect their players to know everything already and aren’t good at coaching,” sophomore Layla Gonzales said. “Coach Hubacek focuses on coaching and teamwork to bring us together.”
One of Hubacek’s abilities as a coach is her ability to understand and empathize with her players and discern the correct response to whatever situation she faces.
“Coach Hubacek is one of the best coaches I’ve ever had,” Gabby said. “She’s the first coach to know when we need punishment and when It’s the right time to discipline.”
Hubacek now seeks to provide her students with the same culture and high school experience that she experienced and fell in love with.
“We’re working towards creating a culture and community that they’re proud to be a part of,” Hubacek said. “Creating that competition within ourselves and competition within our program to feed onto the court.”
At 25, Hubacek has coached for four years and has no plans to stray from her career path.
“I fell in love with coaching, and I noticed that’s what I’m meant to do,” Hubacek said. “I was put on this earth to be a coach. This is the goal. This is what I want to do.”
