Callie was a successful college women’s volleyball coach known for her physically aggressive approach to the game. Then at age 27, she developed rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and things changed—in many ways for the better, according to Callie. Now, both a volleyball coach at Johnson and Wales University in Charlotte, North Carolina and a special education teacher at Jay M. Robinson High School in Concord, North Carolina, Callie says, "My ability to empathize and relate to others helps me to be a better advocate and motivator for students." She also thinks that her RA has given her an advantage on the court, and she passes it on to her players. "I am better able to anticipate and see plays unfold because I use my brain rather than relying on sheer physical ability. I work to help my team add these same mental abilities and make them more complete volleyball players," says Callie. This remains her game plan as she earns a master’s degree in sports administration at Wingate University in North Carolina with plans to help nurture her team, on and off the court. "Many college athletes believe that sports are all they have. I look forward to teaching them about life through sports."