Dear Core Values Families,

Let me start by thanking our founder Cynthia Dang for her vision, hard work, tenacity and commitment given to our players, parents, coaching staff and community over the years. Our program would not exist, let alone be what it is today or where it will be moving forward, without her efforts. She has touched each and every person she has come in contact with (including me) as the ambassador for Core and as “that Dang coach.” Her desire for good and providing an environment that fosters growth on and off the court is palpable for those lucky folks she brings into Core as coaching staff and players. Yes, it’s about volleyball and helping players grow and achieve the most possible on the court through acquiring and mastering skills, and — A BIG ”AND” — Core is a home where players will grow as people through confidence, discipline, and determination. These qualities are life skills, which will ultimately be the most important attributes in helping Core athletes succeed outside of volleyball throughout their lives. Cynthia’s efforts are not limited to just our program. She has instilled in players and coaching staff the importance of giving back in volunteer efforts, charity contributions, and helping other volleyball clubs who are just starting out. Cynthia’s (and Core’s) presence is known throughout the community.

The growth of Core and the unique program we provide is where it is today because of Cynthia’s tireless efforts as well as those of her husband (and our Mr. Can Do Anything), Mike Dang. It is very much my intention to continue community outreach efforts and donations initiated by Cynthia on Core Values VBC’s behalf. Now that Core Values VBC is a non-profit organization we have more flexibility in aiding athletes and families in our program, but also in the community. In 2020 and 2021, our volunteer efforts had to change because of the pandemic. We could not do as many things in person as we have in the past. It is my goal in the 2021-2022 season to ensure Core (our athletes and coaching staff) is more readily involved in volunteer efforts in our community.

I am very grateful that Cynthia provided me the opportunity to learn about running a club behind the scenes over the last three years. When she took me on as a volunteer coach in 2018, she was gracious and patient and allowed me to learn some of the inner workings of the club. I had always had a dream of directing/owning a club, but I was unsure where to start. After the loss of my mom, I realized how important it is to live a life where you can positively impact and help others. I had coached on and off in a volunteer capacity for many years, but my corporate life at IBM did not afford me the opportunity to help others and follow my passion in a focused manner. I am now able to follow my life path and coach, teach kids, and help them grow on and off the court. Core Values VBC is a unique home that fosters growth. I appreciate Cynthia’s eloquent words in her goodbye letter to Core families and I am very thankful for this opportunity to direct Core Values VBC going forward.

Please know Core Values will stay intact moving forward. We will continue to offer a unique program for our athletes that focuses on growth and discipline. We will not be “just like other clubs.” Parents and athletes choose a home in Core because we focus on the whole athlete and person. Parents entrust their children’s education to our coaching staff, myself, and other coaches — and we do not take that trust lightly. There will be some changes in the 2021-2022 season, with the addition of new coaching staff who embrace our mindset, new programs including participation in the Club Youth Volleyball League (new club league targeting ages 11-14), the return of the Summer Program (6/1 – 8/3), goals to adopt common language for coaching staff to teach across teams and building blocks/focus areas for each age group, which may grow as the athletes grow and progress in the program, build more competitive teams, leadership and volunteer opportunities, addition of more tournaments and potential opportunities for travel.

I realize this greeting has been a bit lengthy, and I appreciate you have taken the time to read this message. For those that may not know me…I am Coach Bri and have been with Core Values VBC for 3 years and am a lifelong volleyball player. (I still play women’s sixes volleyball in leagues, RMR Adult club level, in national volleyball tournaments, as well as doubles). I played volleyball in high-school and club as well as at the college level. I have coached at variant levels and age groups since I was 18. I coach volleyball because nothing is more rewarding than seeing the joy on a child’s face when she succeeds. What I expect from players I coach, and I believe other Core coaches echo this sentiment, is there are many things we can’t control in life but “we can control effort, we can be tenacious, we can prove those that doubt us wrong in our success.” If you would like to read more about my bio you may view it here. Coach Bri's Bio

Thank you, Cynthia, for believing in me to take your vision forward. My words cannot express the gratitude I feel each day. To the Core Values Family (parents, athletes, and coaches) thank you for the well wishes. I look forward to the opportunity to lead Core Values VBC moving forward. “To the Core.”

I look forward to working with you all,

Brianna Smith (Coach Bri)

Head Coach/Director Core Values VBC