Same Gym, Different Role is a personal memoir about perseverance, identity, mentorship, and the life-changing power of opportunity.
Lala Thomas shares her journey from being a sophomore peeking through the gym doors at Wells Community Academy High School to becoming the head coach of both volleyball programs inside the very same gym that changed her life.
What began as a random invitation from Coach Sam to join the boys’ volleyball team quickly became something much bigger. Through struggles with academics, transitioning, homelessness, college setbacks, and stepping away from the sport multiple times, volleyball continued finding its way back into her life in unexpected ways.
Along the journey, Lala learned the game not only as a player, but also as a student manager, mentor, assistant coach, and eventually a program leader. Guided by mentors like Dave Buehring and supported by the Wells community, she helped rebuild the Wells Raiders volleyball culture, create new opportunities for athletes, and lead both programs into making history.
More than a sports story, Same Gym, Different Role is about growth, resilience, leadership, and opening doors for others the same way someone once opened a door for her.
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