When Palmerton volleyball coach Savannah Mickel talks about her team, the words come naturally — leadership, integrity, accountability.

They’re the same principles that have guided her for more than a decade in the U.S. Army Reserve, and the same ones she’ll carry with her when she deploys early next year.

Mickel, who recently completed her third season leading Palmerton’s program, will soon trade her coaching clipboard for military gear as she prepares for her first deployment.

“I’m super excited,” said Mickel. “People ask me all the time, ‘Are you nervous?’ or, ‘Gosh, you don’t want to be going, do you?’ And I tell them, absolutely not — I’m pumped.”

For Mickel, it’s a moment more than 11 years in the making.

A Palmerton alum and 2015 graduate, she joined the Army Reserve in 2014 at age 17. What began as a way to challenge herself and explore opportunity has evolved into a defining part of her life.

“I joined as a human resource specialist because it was a really good career field that transfers over into the civilian world,” she said. “But I recently switched into the intelligence field, and I love what I do. I’m a sergeant, an E-5, and it’s been the absolute best experience.”

A shared mission

During her three seasons as head coach at her alma mater, Mickel has brought a new level of structure and discipline to the Bombers’ program — traits she credits directly to her military background.

“There was a post one of my girls made once, joking, that said, ‘Don’t join volleyball unless you want to go to boot camp,’” Mickel said with a laugh. “But they definitely understand what the expectations are.

“The program’s come a long way in three years. I see such a big difference in a lot of the players from the beginning of the season to the end, and I like to think that a lot of it comes from the structure and the standards we’ve built. I want to teach them not just about volleyball, but how to be true young adults, professionals and leaders.”

That connection between team and service is something she feels deeply.

“The relationships you build in the military — the camaraderie — it’s unmatched,” she said. “You don’t find it in really anything else you do.

“In a sport like volleyball, where it’s all about the team, that matters so much. Showing up to be someone who can be counted on — that’s really fulfilling. It’s about knowing that the person next to you isn’t letting you down, and you’re holding yourself to that same standard.”

Balancing both worlds

Mickel understands how difficult it can be to balance her many roles — soldier, civilian and coach.

“As a reservist, it’s definitely a sacrifice that a lot of people don’t recognize,” she said. “You have your civilian job that expects to be your top priority, your family, your team — and then the government, which knows it’s your top priority.

“It can be challenging. But I love what I do. I take my service very seriously, and I think it’s the best decision I’ve ever made for my life.”

That balance extends beyond the gym and the uniform.

Outside the military, Mickel works as a logistics manager, overseeing supply chain operations. Her leadership role there, much like in the military and in coaching, gives her the chance to help others grow.

“I’ve always loved training and developing people,” she said. “You can’t really move forward in the military without also becoming a better leader. That carries into everything I do.”

A family of service

As much as she’s shaped her players, the path that led her here was also influenced by those who came before her.

Mickel comes from a proud line of service members. Her grandfather retired as a major from the Army, her step-grandfather also served, and her uncle recently retired from the Air Force after more than 20 years. Still, she said her own decision to enlist came from within.

“I’ve always liked a challenge,” Mickel said. “Pushing myself beyond limits that others might not think they can do. One day I met with a recruiter at school, and it just clicked.

“It’s an amazing opportunity — especially for people looking for support with college or career paths. The military offers so much that people don’t realize. You don’t have to be a fighter or the strongest person; there are roles and opportunities for every skill set.”

Her advice to anyone considering service is simple.

“It’s doable,” she said. “I hear from people all the time who say, ‘I thought about it, but I don’t think I could do it.’ You can. It seems like a big commitment, and it is, but 11 years have gone by so fast. The opportunities are endless.”

A lasting impact

As excited as Mickel is to deploy, stepping away from the program she helped build will be difficult.

“Missing next season will be heartbreaking,” she said. “But the school, parents and players have been so supportive. Everyone understands that this is a big next step for me.”

Palmerton Assistant Principal and Athletic Coordinator Justin Petersen said Mickel’s influence on the program has already been profound.

“Savannah has helped our program move in a positive direction,” Petersen said. “I’m seeing a culture shift where the girls are starting to believe they can compete. Savannah is the reason for that. She took over a tough job, but has put a lot of time and effort into getting it here. What’s great is that she isn’t satisfied and wants to continue to push forward. Her hard work and dedication have been a great example for our student-athletes. We truly appreciate her efforts, her dedication, and her service to our country.”

After more than 11 years in the Army Reserve, Mickel is about to begin a new chapter — one she says will only deepen the lessons she’s already learned.

“I’ve learned to not be afraid and not let others stop you from progressing yourself,” Mickel said. “At the end of the day, the only person who’s going to do that for you is you.

“I wouldn’t be who I am or believe in myself the way I do without the military — or without the people I’ve met through it. It’s shaped everything about who I am as a leader, a coach and a person.”