Spotlight: Coach Alexis Wildrick Embraces ‘Change’ and Growth in First Season Leading Mishawaka Volleyball
By The Alltold News Staff
When Coach Alexis Wildrick stepped onto the court to lead the Mishawaka High School volleyball program this past season, she knew she was taking on more than just a new coaching position. She was stepping into a role defined by growth, transition, and community-building.
Coming from a background in collegiate athletics,including coaching stints at Defiance College in Ohio and Bethel University right here in Mishawaka, Wildrick brought a wealth of college-level experience to MHS. But as she looks back on her inaugural season with the Cavemen, one word stands above the rest: "Change."
"I would use the word 'change' to describe our season," Wildrick reflected. "In part because there were a lot of changes that I personally made, some good and some that I think I can improve. A few of these changes included taking a larger roster, adding captains' leadership meetings and required readings, and ticket sponsorships. I know the girls felt a lot of these changes, and I am proud of how they adjusted in light of them."
Redefining Success Beyond the Scoreboard
While win-loss records often dominate sports headlines, Coach Wildrick evaluates her program through a much broader lens. For her, true success lies in human development.
"I define a successful season as one in which the players grow both personally and athletically," said Wildrick. "There was one player in particular who learned to have hard conversations in the moment, and I am proud of her for that."
Beyond individual player milestones, Wildrick spearheaded initiatives to strengthen the bond between the team and the broader MHS student body. Recognizing the power of a packed student section, she introduced a local corporate ticket sponsorship program. For the team’s home opener against Marian and an additional home match-up, the first 50 MHS students received free admission.
"My hope is for next season to have this setup for all home games to increase excitement and student-body support for our sport," Wildrick noted.
Navigating the High School Transition
Transitioning from the collegiate ranks back to high school sports brought a fresh set of dynamics. Before joining MHS, Wildrick served as an assistant coach at Defiance College, graduate assistant coach at Bethel University, and head coach of Bethel’s Reserves Program, as well as Bethel’s sports information director.
"The adjustment back to high school coaching meant transitioning back to working with both kids and parents, rather than adult athletes," Wildrick shared. "I think that I will only grow in this aspect heading into next season."
Adding to the challenge was timing. Arriving at MHS later in the year rather than during the winter meant a condensed off-season to build relationships with players across the freshmen, JV, and varsity levels.
"At all levels, the girls did not have a lot of time to get acclimated with our other coaches," she explained. "We spent a lot of time in the gym, and I think an adjustment that I can make for the girls is to mix up workouts in the off-season—rather than just volleyball—and share more of my personality with the girls now that I am better adjusted to the culture of Mishawaka."
Wildrick also expressed gratitude for the foundation laid by previous leaders in the program, adding, "I want to thank Steve Anderson, Randa Adams, and Robbie Berg for all that they brought to the program previously, and I am excited about what next season will bring."
On-Court Achievements & Off-Season Vision
The season brought tangible highlights, including a runner-up finish at the Shoreline Shakedown Tournament. Building on that momentum, Wildrick already has clear plans for off-season player development and team bonding:
Spring Conditioning: Utilizing allotted IHSAA spring dates (April–May) for gym time, competitive play, and team building.
Purdue Summer Camp: Planning to take varsity prospects to the Purdue Volleyball Summer Camp for top-tier NCAA Division I instruction.
Club Coaching: Coaching the 13 Pink Team at the Northern Indiana Volleyball Association (NIVA), where several MHS athletes train.
Life Beyond the Court: Settling in Mishawaka
For Coach Wildrick, Mishawaka has quickly become more than just a coaching destination—it is home.
"I moved to Mishawaka in January of 2024 for my Graduate Assistant position at Bethel University," Wildrick explained. "I received my Master's in Organizational Leadership from Bethel while also coaching and recruiting for the Bethel Volleyball Program. My husband originally lived here after getting a job after college and we thought this was the best place for us to settle down, and we are excited about expecting our first child this spring."
When she is not in the gymnasium, Wildrick stays active in the local community through a variety of personal creative and athletic pursuits.
"I enjoy singing, taking jogs/walks on the Mishawaka Riverwalk, and serving as a commentator for Regional Radio Sports Network," she shared. "I have done color commentary and play-by-play for Bethel Volleyball and that has been such a positive experience."
A Vision Built on Faithfulness and Service
When asked what attribute she hopes members of the school community recognize in her, Wildrick emphasized dedication, faith, and service both inside the gym and in the classroom.
"I hope that people see that I am faithful to the work that I have been given," said Wildrick. "I believe that God has been so faithful to me in both my personal and professional opportunities, and I want to be faithful in serving the MHS community both in coaching and working as a substitute teacher."
A Stellar Athletic Tradition
Coach Wildrick’s passion for volleyball and leadership is backed by an extensive personal playing and coaching career. Competing under her maiden name, Alexis Beauregard:
Collegiate Athlete: Played NCAA Division III volleyball as a Rightside hitter at Waynesburg University (2018–2019) and collegiate softball (2019–2020).
High School Standout: Named to the Baltimore Sun "Player of the Decade" (2010–2020) while attending Chapelgate Christian Academy.
Elite Coaching Credentials: Served as a paid camp coach at NCAA Division I Baylor University Volleyball Camps (2025 and 2026); coached for Toledo Volleyball Club and Toledo Dynamic Volleyball; served as head freshmen coach at Central Catholic High School (Toledo, 2021) and head varsity coach at Northwest Ohio Classical Academy (2023).
Fitness & Wellness Excellence: Earned the 2022 Student Employee of the Year Award for the Fitness Department at the University of Toledo Student Recreation Center for her work as a personal trainer.
Looking Ahead
As Coach Wildrick reflects on her first year at the helm, her eyes are set firmly on the future. With a full off-season ahead, new programs on the horizon, and a commitment to culture and growth, Cavemen Volleyball is preparing for an exciting new chapter.
Comments