Courtney Hammett to lead Lady Roos volleyball program

Before entering the athletic fray as a varsity volleyball coach, Courtney Hammett was a varsity player for a very strong Peaster program before she graduated in 2009. Now, after coaching for Millsap and Godley for the last several years, Hammett will return to Parker County as the head volleyball coach of Weatherford High School.

“Coming back to Parker County has always been the end goal as far as location for my career,” Hammett said. “My husband and I have always wanted to raise our two boys out here and be closer to family and now we are able to do that. I just never dreamed it would happen this soon but I am very thankful that it did.”

Beyond the familiarity and the scenery, Hammett was stunned and appreciative of Weatherford’s interest, even though she had no plans to leave Godley, where she was the head coach for four years.

Bittersweet choice

“I was not looking to leave Godley. I signed my contract back in May with every intention of continuing what I have built the last four years,” Hammett said. “So, when I woke up to a random email from Weatherford a week and a half into summer asking if I was interested in taking over here, I was absolutely shocked. I had to read it about five times before I fully understood what was happening. But after meeting the athletic director Aubrey Sims, learning more about Weatherford ISD as a whole, doing my research, and a lot of prayer, God answered very clearly in more ways than one and I accepted the job. I am beyond excited to start this journey and I look forward to being a Roo.”

At Godley, Hammett coached a strong group through four successful seasons. During her time leading the Ladycats, Hammett guided the team to two second-place finishes in her first two years followed by two undefeated district championship campaigns in her final two years. Overall, Hammett amassed 109 total wins with 45 district victories and four bi-district playoff victories. Now, she takes over a Lady Roo squad who’s previous head coach, Karli Morrison, accepted the head job at Randall High School.

Although Hammett has only recently been introduced to the varsity program in Weatherford, she has noticed the quality attendance and skill on display during summer workouts, along with the family atmosphere she experienced at Godley.

“I don't think there are enough words or thoughts to express how thankful I am to my family in Godley for my four years there,” Hammett said. “They were not just my athletes or assistant coaches or co-workers, they were my family away from home. They took my entire family in, especially when I had my youngest son my second year there, and made us feel at home. The parents and fans were beyond supportive from day one, and my athletes bought in immediately back in 2020. 

“To say it was hard to leave would be a huge understatement. However, I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and God put this opportunity in my lap as a huge answer to many prayers. Although it was hard to say goodbye to Godley, it was even harder to turn down this amazing opportunity.”

Building relationships

In terms of creating a culture, Hammett is eager to forge relationships among the girls and with them. In order to achieve this, she will emphasize balance and togetherness for the busy schedules of her student athletes.

“My philosophy is relationships first. Therefore, I hope to build a culture of a family who fights for one another on and off the court and understands that championship teams don't become championship teams just because they are talented and athletic,” Hammett said. “It starts off the court with relationships, academics, commitment to one another, myself, and the entire program, integrity, grit, work ethic, and selflessness. Once those things are understood and bought into, then the rest begins to fall into place.”