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Southwestern Michigan College Head Women’s Volleyball Coach Jenny Nate shared her success secrets, such as eating frogs, with 17 Sigma Psi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) inductees May 1.

In four seasons since intercollegiate athletics returned to SMC after a 25-year hiatus, Nate built winning teams that made the postseason every season and this year won the conference championship and Western Conference Coach of the Year.

The Niles native continues to head the English department at Niles High School, where she has taught for 23 years.

Nate was previously the Vikings’ varsity volleyball coach for 10 years, winning three conference championships, two district championships and two regional championships, with two visits to the state quarterfinals. Nate was named Michigan Class B Coach of the Year by Volleyball Insider in 2017.

“Everything happens for a reason. How I came to SMC in 2021 is a great story,” Nate began. “We were on an incredible state run, ranked in the Top 10 in the state. I was very happy and not looking for a job” when then-President Dr. Joe Odenwald called.

But “always say yes” is one of her tenets. When Odenwald reached out again after the season, her three children encouraged her to “check it out. I was absolutely blown away by what SMC has to offer students. So, the gym wasn’t built yet, and I was selling a vision. My freshmen were playing teams that had already played together for a year.”

“Always say yes when an opportunity presents itself, especially if it scares you. I figure it out later,” she said. “I lecture my players constantly about getting out of their comfort zones and taking risks to grow.”

Time blocking anchors her disciplined life. Days start at 5 a.m. and are mapped out until she goes to bed.

Her morning routine that sets her up for success includes making a gratitude list, feeding the dogs, drinking coffee, reading Bible passages and working out.

“I feel strong at 7 a.m. and ready to go to work,” Nate said. “I work on personal development all the time. Read leadership non-fiction books like The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone and listen to motivational podcasts. Prepare for what you want so you’re ready when opportunity presents itself,” like the empty nester did preparing her  large house for sale before she knew she would be moving.

When the kayaker found a place on the water — a creek — she sold it in 24 hours. She keeps her teaching and coaching resumes updated. “When SMC called, I was not looking for a job, but my resume was ready to go.”

“Add value,” Nate urged. “Are you a complainer or a doer?” Her players know to have a solution in mind before bringing criticism.

“As long as I focus on just today, I don’t get overwhelmed, like when you dwell on the past and the future,” she said. “I rock it at work, show up to practice excited and do that over and over. Stack days and love what you do. I’m so passionate about both my jobs and love going to work every day. Not everyone can say that. If you find a career you don’t love, give it a chance, but don’t be afraid to make a change.”

Nate advocates the book Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time by Brian Tracy. It stresses tackling your most important, challenging task first thing in the morning.

“I have three non-negotiable tasks in three areas — my family, my teaching and my coaching — every day that have to be done, no exceptions,” Nate said. “Schedule joy when you’re time blocking. If God and religion aren’t for you, find something you do have hope and faith in so you have something to look forward to every day. Keep your circle small and strong.”

Co-President Abby Koloszar is majoring in nursing and expects to graduate in Spring 2028, then attend nurse practitioner school.

Co-President Kaylie Axsom is majoring in elementary education and anticipates graduating in Spring 2027.

Vice President Hailey Perry will transfer to DePaul University in Chicago this fall to continue studying psychology.

Co-Secretary Miranda Cropsey is majoring in general studies and will graduate in December.

Treasurer Valeria Torres, psychology major, graduates in Spring 2027. She will transfer to the University of Michigan or Western Michigan University.

Tara Fosdick, early childhood education major, graduates at the end of summer semester after completing an internship.

Angel Hernandez graduates in Spring 2027 with a business degree. He will transfer to the University of Michigan Daytona.

Amelia Hurst graduates May 9 with an associate degree in general studies and plans to attend Governors State University in Illinois this fall.

Laila Johnson graduates in business in May 2027.

Breanne Lee is graduating with her associate degree in business and plans to transfer to Ferris State University to pursue her MBA. Her ultimate goal is to professionally manage the Cassopolis Community Garden, a non-profit dedicated to achieving food sovereignty and feeding the local community. Her sons are her biggest motivator.

Cailey Myers graduates with her associate degree in social work. She will be attending Olivet University this fall to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Sianelli Rodriguez graduates next spring in athletic training. She will transfer to Grand Valley State University to major in athletic training.

Ariel Smith graduates after summer semester with an associate degree in psychology. She will transfer to Western Michigan University, where she has been accepted into the School of Social Work to earn her bachelor’s degree in Spring 2028.

Daytona Tate graduates this fall and will transfer to Grand Valley next spring for business marketing.

Amber Voit graduates in May 2028 with an elementary education degree. She then plans to transfer to Indiana University South Bend (IUSB) to finish her four-year degree.

Abigail Weldy graduates in Spring 2027 with an associate degree in communications and hopes to transfer to Michigan State University for public relations.

Bridget Talbot graduates Spring 2027 with her associate degree in music. She plans to transfer to a four-year school for her bachelor’s degree in music.

PTK is co-advised by Colleen Welsch, director of library services, and English Professor Hailey Sheets, who draped inductees with stoles to be worn with commencement regalia as her sister called their names.

PTK is the largest U.S. honor society, with 3.5 million members since 1918 in 1,300 chapters, plus representation from 10 sovereign nations.

“Students we honor and recognize represent academic excellence at SMC and embody the hallmarks of scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship,” Sheets said.