A Coach, A Culture, A Family: Mansfield’s Approach at K-State
- Sophie Smith
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Kansas State volleyball head coach Jason Mansfield is embracing a young roster this
spring, and early on, he likes what he sees from his team.
“I’ve been coaching for college for about 25 years, and I’ve never had an incoming kid come early, and so we have four,” Mansfield said.
“It’s pretty special… just have them here and get acclimated with the team.”
With six new players, including four early enrollees, the Wildcats are gaining valuable
experience ahead of the fall. Even with the team’s youth, Mansfield isn’t concerned about a lack
of experience.
“Good volleyball doesn’t really know an age,” he said. “Competitors and good
teammates, ya know, the age, the leadership stuff, doesn’t really matter.” Instead, Mansfield is focused on building confidence and allowing players to settle into their roles.
Beyond the court, Mansfield values the personal growth that comes with being a college
athlete. “This period of time… is a big period of time in your life,” he said. “The growth and
development… is really special, and I just love to be a part of it.” That perspective is deeply influenced by his role as a father. His daughter, who is heavily involved in dance, has become a big part of his life outside of volleyball and has given him a new appreciation for a different kind of competition. “I love watching her perform and do something that she loves,” Mansfield said. “She works really hard… she goes to Topeka three times a week and trains for about three hours a day.”
Mansfield has embraced being a “dance dad,” traveling frequently to support her at
competitions and conventions. “Went to St. Louis two weeks ago for a convention, Tulsa last
weekend, and Omaha this weekend. So, three weekends in a row being a dance dad,” he said.
“I just love it. I love watching her perform and do something that she loves.” He also sees clear
similarities between dance and volleyball, especially when it comes to discipline and teamwork.
“It’s very similar to the volleyball world,” Mansfield said. “It’s competitive, there’s a team
aspect to it, which she loves and I love for her.”
Watching his daughter has also given him a deeper appreciation for how athletes express
themselves. He noted that her favorite style, contemporary dance, allows her to connect
emotionally with music and perform with meaning. “She takes a song that has a lot of meaning
and kind of makes it her own,” he said. “She’s an actress in that way.”
Back in the gym, that same passion and competitiveness is something Mansfield is
starting to see from his team. He pointed to freshman Addison Massey as one of the most
competitive players on the roster. “She just competes in everything that we do,” he said. With a
mix of youth, energy, and strong personal connections, the Wildcats are using the spring to build
a foundation both on and off the court
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