In the last 23 years of Brett Mather’s coaching at West Delaware, he has qualified for state ten times, earned nine conference championships, and took home five state runner-up titles and one state championship.

On October 11 he reached one more pinnacle—his 800th win.

Mather believes that a growth mindset, hard work, and chemistry are all important factors of the West Delaware volleyball team.

“Teaching players what commitment and work ethic are is my ultimate goal,” Mather said.

Senior team captain Claire Demmer said Mather works the girls in practice and is determined to make every girl better.

Demmer is inspired by Mather because he is determined for them to do their best, no matter the skill level of the opponent.

“He knows the game so well. He knows a players’ weaknesses and strengths,” junior team captain Macey Kleitsch said.

Going into the postseason, the girls are ranked eighth in the state and have a record of 32-10.

“I am excited for the postseason and finishing the season strong,” Mather said.

The girls take on Waverly-Shell Rock tonight at 7 p.m. in the Seedorff Gymnasium in their substate game.