GORDON, Neb. - From managing team dynamics to the pressure to win, coaching high school sports can be a challenging arena. For around 30 years, Gordon-Rushville’s head volleyball coach, Kim Campbell, has been "in the game." This month, she spiked a major milestone: her 500th win. 

“She works us hard in practice. There’s not a day that goes by that I’m like, ’That practice was easy,’” said Gordon-Rushville volleyball player Rylie Shultz.

Campbell has spent countless hours in the gym, coaching hundreds of players. 

“I have kept almost every practice plan, so I have boxes of practice plans. To look back and see how the game has changed is crazy. Some of the drills I ran in the first ten to 15 years compared to now—it’s a much faster game,” Campbell said.

Campbell has been serving volleyball drills for around 35 years, including 29 at Gordon-Rushville.

“Kids have changed. Families have changed, and so you have to adapt with that,” Campbell said.

She credits those families for her 500th win, making her one of the most successful coaches in Nebraska high school history.

“I’m the 35th coach in the state to reach that milestone and the tenth most winning that’s active right now,” Campbell said.

In addition to the time spent at the gym, Campbell said it really takes the support of the entire community to run a successful program.

“When they say it takes a village to raise a kid, it also takes a village to put together a successful program,” Campbell said.

A program that Campbell said is about more than just volleyball.

“I want them to learn skills that they can use out in the real world that will help them get through different situations,” Campbell said.

Digging up life skills that will hopefully set her players up for life.

“Volleyball has taught me to have a really good work ethic,” said Gordon-Rushville volleyball player Emma Martins.

“Work for what you want really,” said Gordon-Rushville volleyball player Braylynne McKimmey.

“And then also energy. If you don’t have energy, it brings down the whole team. That’s something that you really need,” Shultz said.

Because Campbell said winning the game of life is the biggest victory of all.