Launched as a pilot coach development initiative in 2025, the AVCA Coaching Fellowship wrapped up the 2026 edition on April 9.

The Coaching Fellowship Initiative is designed to help expose aspiring college volleyball coaches and engage them as leaders in a unique professional development experience.  The initiative provides a pathway for the selected Fellow to immerse themselves in another program to gain valuable insight related to coach development and the current coaching environment.  The initiative currently falls under the purview of the AVCA T.E.A.M. Ad Hoc Committee.

This year’s Fellows were Coach Jaleesa Harper, head coach at NCAA D-II University of North Carolina-Pembroke, and Coach Keyonna Morrow, head coach at NCAA D-II Bluefield State University.  Coach Benavia Jenkins and UNC-Charlotte women’s volleyball served as the hosts for Coach Harper, March 29-31, while Coach Genny Volpe and Rice University women’s volleyball hosted Coach Morrow, April 7-9.

Each Fellow had the opportunity to engage with the respective coaching staff, observe practice(s) and sports performance drills, and have face-to-face meetings with athletic administration including sport administration (SWA), marketing/communications, and fundraising.

Coaches Kayla Black, Jasmine Brown, and Alexis Calloway were selected for 2025’s pilot experience with Louisiana State University (Coach Tonya Johnson), The Ohio State University (Coach Jen Flynn Oldenberg), and University of Virginia (Coach Shannon Wells) serving as hosts, respectively.

To learn more about the AVCA Coaching Fellowship, visit avca.org or email the AVCA.