Tigerettes grab 500th win for Grissom
THORNDALE — A dozen years ago, following a successful four-year stint at Burnet High School, Coach Bethany Grissom brought her fastpaced, aggressive style of volleyball to Thrall High School. The impact was immediate, and the success that has followed her from Burnet continues today.
Tuesday night, Grissom recorded her 500th career win after the Tigerettes posted a 21-25, 26-24, 25-19, 25-22 win over their long-time rivals, the Thorndale Lady Dogs. The win clinched the Tigerettes’ 10th district title in Grissom’s 12 years at Thrall and extended their district-set winning streak to 44 matches.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to honor Coach Grissom on her 500th win,” Thrall Athletic Director Aaron Vanecek said. “She has meant so much to our program over the years, and has a poise and in-game coaching ability that has served her well, and gotten her to this point.”
When Grissom arrived in Thrall, the Tigerettes had already experienced success on the volleyball court, even earning a pair of regional semifinal spots, but that level of success skyrocketed beginning with her first season in 2012. Since her arrival, the Tigerettes have, in addition to winning 10 district titles, advanced to the regional tournament nine times and the state tournament three times, including a state runner-up finish in 2021.
The Thrall High School varsity volleyball team celebrates head coach Bethany Grissom’s 500th career victory Oct. 24 following the Tigerettes’ road win over rival Thorndale High School. Photo by Larry Pelchat
But, Grissom won’t take credit for the Tigerettes’ success. Rather, she will quickly point out that she has had an abundance of great volleyball talent to work with.
“Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to have some great girls to coach,” Grissom said. “They love the game, and they bought into what we tried to teach them.”
Not one to shy away from tough competition, Grissom has routinely loaded the Tigerettes’ schedule with stiff competition. From tournaments featuring 2A to 5A schools, to non-district opponents like Leon-Jewett and Iola, who were ranked first and second in the 2A polls when Thrall played them.
“To get better, you have to play better teams,” she said. “Our girls need to see good competition to help prepare them for the playoffs.”
“When she is coaching, she just has such a passion and desire for her team,” said former Trall coaching colleague Tyler Harwell. “She cares so much about her teams and players and only wants the best win, lose or draw. Outside of coaching, she is one of the kindest people you will ever meet.”
Cassen Mikulencak, who, while not officially a coach, spent years working with Grissom scouting and doing other duties.
“Five hundred career wins is something coaches dream of, and Grissom is so deserving of this accomplishment,” Mikulencak said. “If you look at the athletes who make up those 500 wins, you’ll see it’s not just about winning. Grissom impacted her athletes off the court by creating a sense of family. The volleyball community Grissom has fostered even in previous stops, shows up every year. She is the definition of consistency.”
Her daughter, Melaina Grissom, is one of the three seniors on this year’s team.
“Playing for her is an amazing experience,” the younger Grissom said. “She taught me how to control my emotions on the court and stay calm when things get rough. And, as a captain, I think she’s turned me into a leader and role model.”
