Berg goes full circle in coaching the Strattons

Michelle Stratton, from her Westosha Central playing days.
Michelle Stratton, from her Westosha Central playing days.

Long-time Central volleyball coach recalls 1989 state team and present

By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

For the last 40 years, Bristol resident Charlie Berg has coached hundreds of girls volleyball players at Westosha Central High School, spanning multiple generations.

One generation includes Nikki Stratton, daughter of Michelle, who played on Berg’s first state championship team in 1989.

“I have been around a while, and it is an unique experience to have the daughter of someone from my first state championship team,” Berg said.

Nikki Stratton
Nikki Stratton

Most recently, when Westosha Central opted to place Michelle’s team photo back in the gym, it leaves Nikki with an impression of her every day she is at practice.

“It is a little weird seeing her face on the wall everyday, but definitely an honor to know my mom was a teammate who won a state championship,” Nikki stated.

Michelle, a setter on the 1989 team, played for Berg during her junior and senior seasons, graduating from Westosha Central in 1991.

During Michelle’s tenure, another fond memory she had was earning an all-conference selection.

When Michelle graduated, she never envisioned Nikki on the same court as Berg, let alone her youngest daughter, sophomore Alyssa, showing an interest in the sport as a member of the junior varsity squad.

“It was not something that I thought about as I was living in the moment,” Michelle said. “However as the years of my life went on and saw the girls find an interest in volleyball I thought it could be possible.”

Living in the moment, Berg states, is one of the values he places an emphasis on.

“It is about focusing on the present,” Berg states.

Charlie Berg
Charlie Berg

Meanwhile, as Michelle raised her daughters, both continued to show an interest, and when Nikki was about join the team – Berg was still holding court.

The moment, Michelle said, left her thrilled about Nikki’s opportunity and brought back memories of her days playing for Berg.

“I was excited to see her get this opportunity and knew that she was in good hands,” Michelle stated. “It was a flashback, as my two years of playing, was something I will remember forever.”

The memories, Nikki said, include her Mother’s use of the same terms Berg often uses on the court.

“Sometimes I hear my mom say things like Coach Berg says, like ‘penetrate’ or ‘grit,’” Nikki said. “It’s a little creepy, but clearly shows that he still has the same coaching styles as when he did back then.”

To go along with the same coaching style is the same passion, Michelle said, adding that Berg always has a desire to get to know his players.

“His persistence and passion for the game and trying the make every player better (are what stands out),” Michelle said. “He is very passionate about volleyball and getting to known his players.”

Nikki agreed, adding Berg taught her to use her strengths on the court.

“He is very persistent in what he says, I can’t tell you how many times he’s told me to “swing high and fast,” or “Use your height Stratton!” said Nikki, who is 5-foot-10.

The persistence has started to pay off, according to Berg.

“She has really come into her own this year,” he stated. “She is blocking better.”

Berg’s persistence includes reminding Nikki of the legacy her mother left behind as a member of his first state championship team.

“Every once in a while I think about that while I’m on the court,” Nikki said. “And Berg mentions it often so it isn’t easy to forget.”

Berg is not the not only reminder, however, noting Michelle often motivates her to reach the top.

“She has shared memories from the state experience, and uses it as motivation for my team and to get to the ‘top of the mountain’ this year,” Nikki said. “The ‘S’ word is not allowed to be said during the season, so we say, top of the mountain instead.”

Alyssa Stratton
Alyssa Stratton

While Berg said both have different playing styles, they showcase the same qualities, work ethic and doing what is best for the team.

“They both worked hard and are great teammates,” Berg stated. “That is something you can not coach.”

While Nikki plays out her last year, she hopes to convey the same message to her sister.

“When I watch her games, I tell her some things that (Berg) tells me,” Nikki states. “We are pretty similar so I know berg would have the same things to tell her as he says to me.”


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