By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

ALECK FRANKS

“Getting to Know” is an ongoing series that was created to spotlight the coaches and administrators that are guiding today’s Portage County student-athletes to be tomorrow’s leaders.

Today, we get to know Waterloo High School volleyball coach Aleck Franks, who is in her third season leading the Vikings’ program.

Q: Hometown?

A: Randolph, Ohio.

Q: High school?

A: Waterloo High School. Class of 2018. Played volleyball and basketball.

Q: College?

A: Keiser University, Tiffin University and Kent State University.

Q: Current occupation?

A: Bartender, server, substitute teacher.

Q: What inspired you to become a coach?

A: I wanted to give young athletes my knowledge of the game and to see them succeed.

Q: What makes being a coach at Waterloo special to you?

A: It is one of the most rewarding opportunities I have had, especially with it being my alma mater. I am a big believer of when you step on the court, you play, respect the game and every player that has come before and after you. Knowing these girls have gone through the same culture and achievements that I have is what makes coaching at Waterloo so special.

Q: Who has been your biggest influence?

A: All of my many volleyball and basketball coaches, but the most influential would be Kevin Longanecker, Kevin Canterbury and Lyn Semolina. Each one of these coaches have followed me from my playing days to my coaching days, and I still look to them for advice and a different perspective. They have taught me the good, the bad and the truth that happens in coaching athletes, and I couldn’t be more thankful to have them in my coaching career.

Q: Favorite TV show?

A: How I Met Your Mother.

Q: Favorite movie?

A: The Wedding Date.

Q: Favorite food?

A: Steak and rice or tacos.

Q: Best vacation?

A: Any trips taken to Anna Maria Island with my family.

Q: Shoutout to former teammates.

A: Becky Adelman, Jordyn Jennings, Kerrie More Hays and Amanda Strainer.

Q: Favorite quote?

A: “There are a lot of little reasons why the big things in our lives happen.”

Q: Describe your coaching philosophy?

A: If you are going to give me 110 percent, you’re going to get 110 percent out of me.

Q: Favorite restaurant?

A: Texas Roadhouse.

Q: Favorite teacher from high school?

A: Chelsey Ritchey.

Q: Advice you would give the younger version of yourself?

A: Create your own destiny and stay confident in yourself.

Q: Favorite coach from your playing days?

A: Kevin Longanecker.

Q: Coaching resume?

A: Black Swamp Volleyball Club (11U co-coach, 2019-2020), Waterloo Middle School (7th & 8th grade coach, 2020-2021), Waterloo High School (head coach, 2021- present) and Infinity Volleyball Club (14U & 16U head coach 2020-present).

Q: Favorite sports team?

A: Ohio State.

Q: Favorite athlete then?

A: Destinee Hooker.

Q: Favorite athlete now?

A: Zoe Fleck, Taylor Sandbothe.

Q: First job as a teenager?

A: Magrells Pizza.

Q: Family member that always gives you the best advice?

A: My aunt Julie.

Q: Favorite video game?

A: Any Jackboot games.

Q: Favorite candy?

A: Anything sour and gummy.

Q: Can you play a musical instrument?

A: I was in a band for eight years, playing percussion and drumlins.

Q: First car?

A: 2014 Ford Focus.

Q: Best friends?

A: Hannah Canale, Aleena Samblanet, Becky Adelman.