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NCVBCA Coach of the Year
Each fall, the North Carolina Volleyball Coaches Association (NCVBCA) recognizes a Coach of the Year in each school classification. Coaches recognized are nominated and voted on by NCVBCA active member coaches.
- NOMINATE: October 12-16, 2026
- VOTE: Oct. 26 - Nov. 2, 2026
- ANNOUNCEMENT: November 16, 2026
To qualify for consideration, a coach must be a NCVBCA/AVCA member, as well as have a successful record for the current season.
NCVBCA/AVCA membership is required to nominate & receive NCVBCA & AVCA awards.
Nominate: 2026 Coach of the Year
2026-27 NCVBCA All-Region and Coach of the Year nominations are open October 12-16.
- All NCVBCA/AVCA active member coaches may nominate to Coach of the Year in any school classification, and may nominate more than one coach.
- Coaches are selected in each NCHSAA school class and the NCISAA.
- To quality, a coach must be a NCVBCA/AVCA member, and have a successful 2026-27 record.
Considerations:
This award signifies outstanding coaching excellence. It celebrates a coach who guided their team to a successful season while demonstrating deep knowledge of the game, developing talent, and contributing to the volleyball community through leadership, mentorship, and volunteerism—chosen by fellow NCVBCA coaches.
Vote: 2026 Coach of the Year
Voting Instructions:
- All NCVBCA active member coaches may vote for one Coach of the Year in each school classification.
- Coaches are NOT required to vote in every class.
Selection Process:
- Coach of the Year will be selected for each NCHSAA school classification and the NCISAA.
- Voting is not necessary in classes with a single outstanding nominee.
- LEARN MORE about the Coach of the Year nominees (Coming Soon).
2025-26 NCVBCA Coach of the Year Awards
Congratulations the 2025-26 NCVBCA Coaches of the Year!!
NCVBCA Class 1A - Corrinna Sammons, Falls Lake Academy
Corrinna Sammons has led Falls Lake Academy Volleyball since 2014, transforming a new program into a perennial 1A powerhouse. With 21 years of coaching experience, including club roles at NC Volleyball Academy, Jammers, and Power Performance, she emphasizes fundamentals and volleyball IQ.
A former D3 player at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, her accolades include three NCHSAA 1A State Championships (2018, 2019, 2025), a 2023 finalist finish, and two NCAC Coach of the Year honors. In 2025, her team went undefeated in conference play, earned the #1 playoff seed, and saw 4 of 6 seniors commit to collegiate programs.
NCVBCA Class 2A - Kristie Thach, Perquimans County High School
Kristie Thach has led Perquimans County High School Volleyball since 2009, building a legacy of excellence and character. A four-time NCVBCA Coach of the Year (2021–2023, 2025), she guided her team to back-to-back state finals appearances in 2024 (1A) and 2025 (2A). Honored with the NCHSAA Homer Thompson Award in 2020 and named Perquimans County’s winningest coach in 2023, Thach is known for her integrity, leadership, and consistent success. She was the 2025 Four Rivers Conference Coach of the Year, an honor she has earned many times, and a finalist for the NCHSAA Hall of Fame. Her impact reaches far beyond the court through mentorship and lasting relationships.
NCVBCA Class 3A - Nicole Waters, Ayden-Grifton High School
Nicole Waters has served as Head Volleyball Coach at Ayden-Grifton High School since 2020, guiding the program to five consecutive Eastern Plains Conference titles and tournament championships. In 2025, she led her team to the NCHSAA 3A State Championship, earning recognition for consistent postseason success and multiple Coach of the Year honors. Waters also directs Top Caliber Volleyball Club and previously coached with Capital City Volleyball Club. A former MVP volleyball player and record-holding outside hitter at Peace College, she holds a degree in Hispanic Studies Education from ECU and teaches Spanish at
NCVBCA Class 4A - Lee Kennell, Uwharrie Charter Academy
Lee Kennell has led Uwharrie Charter Academy Volleyball as head coach for 10 years, building a dominant program with three straight 20+ win seasons and back-to-back 24-win campaigns. In 2025, his team reached the NCHSAA 4A State Championship Finals, finishing 28-4 with 20 straight wins and 60 consecutive sets won—undefeated in conference play.
With 19 years of coaching experience, he mentors coaches at Market City Volleyball Club and fosters community engagement through service events like Run 5/Feed 5.
NCVBCA Class 5A - Helen May, Cedar Ridge High School
Volleyball Head Coach Hellen May is the epitome of what it means to be a well-rounded and impactful coach. Her understanding of every aspect of the game: technique, strategy, teamwork, and mental toughness, sets her apart. She knows exactly what her athletes need not just to succeed, but to thrive both on and off the court. What truly distinguishes her is her composure under pressure. In moments that matter most, she remains calm, cool, and collected. She taught her athletes the same poise and confidence. Cedar Ridge has developed into a state title contender in Helen May's first season winning the Red Wolves' tournament and finishing the season 24-2.
NCVBCA Class 6A - Kim Pryor, Watauga High School
Watauga High School Volleyball Head Coach Kim Pryor has built a legacy of excellence and opportunity. In 2025, she led WHS to a 27-2 record and the NCHSAA 6A State Championship Finals. During her earlier tenure at WHS (2001–2010), her teams won five Northwestern Conference titles, made eight playoff appearances, and reached the state quarterfinals twice. A multi-time Conference Coach of the Year (2006, 2007, 2023), she’s expanded volleyball access by founding the App State Volleyball Club, WHS boy’s volleyball program and a freshmen team. Her impact reaches beyond the court, inspiring young coaches and athletes.
NCVBCA Class 7A - Jennifer Gillikin, D.H. Conley High School
Jennifer Gillikin has spent 27 years cultivating a culture of excellence at D.H. Conley High School, where she has led the volleyball program with integrity, consistency, and heart. Her milestone of 600 career wins places her among an elite group—she is the fifth active coach in North Carolina history to reach that mark, a testament to her enduring commitment to the sport and her athletes.
Under her leadership, Conley captured NCHSAA 3A State Championships in 2007 and 2020, and advanced to the 7A State Finals in 2025.
NCVBCA Class 8A - Alston Godbold, Green Level High School
Coach Alston Godbold, the 2025-26 NCVBCA Coach of the Year, led Green Level High School to a perfect 28-0 season and the NCHSAA 8A State Championship—adding to her 2020-21 4A title. A former Apex High and NC State standout, she captained her high school team to a 27-0 record, a 4A state title, and a No. 9 ESPN national ranking. At Triangle Volleyball Club, she’s coached nationally ranked teams and mentored athletes with excellence. Off the court, she’s raised nearly $50,000 through the Orange Out Game for a player battling leukemia. Her program thrives on discipline, player development, and team culture where athletes grow on and off the court.
NCVBCA Coach of the Year Awards History
2025-26 NCVBCA Coach of the Year Awards
- Class 1A - Corrinna Sammons, Falls Lake Academy
- Class 2A - Kristie Thach, Perquimans County High School
- Class 3A - Nicole Waters, Ayden-Grifton High School
- Class 4A - Lee Kennell, Uwharrie Charter Academy
- Class 5A - Helen May, Cedar Ridge High School
- Class 6A - Kim Pryor, Watauga High School
- Class 7A - Jennifer Gillikin, D.H. Conley High School
- Class 8A - Alston Godbold, Green Level High School
2024-25 NCVBCA Coach of the Year Awards
- Class 1A - Molly Hill, Polk County High School
- Class 2A - Marty Woods, McMichael High Schoo
- Class 3A - Ginny Howard, JH Rose High School
- Class 4A - Brook Hammers, Marvin Ridge High School
2023-24 NCVBCA Coach of the Year Awards
- Class 1A - Kristie Thach, Perquimans County High School
- Class 2A - Ashley Miller, Camden County High School
- Class 3A - Heather Pasour, Kings Mountain High School
- Class 4A - Jodi Scoggins, Middle Creek High School
2022-23 NCVBCA Coach of the Year Awards
- Class 1A - Kristie Thach, Perquimans County High School
- Class 2A - Lisa Mize, J.F. Webb High School
- Class 3A - Dave Markland, North Iredell High School
- Class 4A - Doug Balser, Reagan High School
- Class 4A - Steven Abbott, Milbrook High School
2021-22 NCVBCA Coach of the Year Awards
- Class 1A - Kristie Thach, Perquimans County High School
- Class 2A - Davene Mainwaring, NC School of Science and Mathematics
- Class 3A - Sue Moon, North Henderson High School
- Class 4A - Alston Godbold, Green Level High School
2020-21 NCVBCA Coach of the Year Awards
- Class 1A - Jim Seigel, Mountain Island Charter School
- Class 2A - Meredith Lombardi, Fred T. Foard High School
- Class 3A - Michelle Wagaman, T.C. Roberson High School
- Class 4A - Maggie Malone, Providence High School
2019 NCVBCA Coach of the Year Awards
- Class 1A - Caleb Gilley, East Surry High School
- Class 2A - Ryan Sherburne, R.S. Central High School
- Class 3A - Jan Dowling, West Rowan High School
- Class 4A - Karl Redelfs, Green Hope High School