2023-2024 Club Volleyball Coaches / Teams

Ashley Kelsey “AK” has accomplished many great things in her career! As a D1 athlete, AK played at the University of New Mexico for 6 years ending her career with 1,529 digs ranking her 5rh all-time for the Lobos. AK has received numerous awards and recognitions such as the 2017 All-Mountain West, 2017 Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week, and the Lobo Classic Outstanding Libero. In her home state of Hawaii, AK was recognized as the 2012 Girls High School Player of the Year.

AK will be leading the New Mexico Elite Volleyball Club. Some of AK’s responsibilities will include: overseeing coaches in the program, communicating with parents / athletes, practice and game schedules, tournament preparation, and overseeing all summer camp/ extra-curricular events the club may do in the future. We are happy to have AK onboard with NM Elite!

Ashly Grady was raised here in Albuquerque, New Mexico! Ashly played at St. Pius from 95’-99’. At St. Pius, she was the starting varsity setter from her sophomore to senior year. She helped lead her team to a State Championship in 98’ and State Runner Up in 99’. Due to her amazing accomplishments, she was named First-Team All-State her junior and senior years, as well as a member of the All-Metro Team. In her senior year, she was selected to play in the North South All Star Game. She later went on to play for two years at Illinois Institute of Technology on an academic and athletic scholarship before she returned to Albuquerque. Ashly began coaching as a senior in high school and has never looked back, as she has enjoyed inspiring youth athletes. She has coached at Holy Ghost, Highland High School, Bosque High School, St. Therese, NM Juniors, and E3. She is excited to continue her coaching journey at NM Elite and believes in their vision of the development of the full athlete.

Jessica Sanders has been coaching and playing volleyball for over 20 years. She comes to New Mexico from Colorado but spent most of her life moving around as a military brat. Jess played volleyball for New Mexico Highlands University, earning her undergraduate and graduate degree in education. She played volleyball for the NMHU Cowgirls from 1999-2003 and again 2005. She achieved several academic and athletic honors while playing for the Cowgirls, which included RMAC Academic All-Conference, RMAC Player of the Week, and ranked Top Five Blocker in the Nation for Division II several times throughout her career. She was a 4-year letterman and Team Captain. Jess describes that playing volleyball for NMHU taught her perseverance, grit, leadership, and self-discipline. She uses these qualities and a passion for the sport to sculpt volleyball players of all ages. She has enjoyed coaching volleyball players across New Mexico from Las Vegas, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Artesia, and Roswell. Jessica is the 2019 New Mexico Teacher of the Year and was recently inducted into the NMHU Athletic Hall of Fame. She is looking forward to growing young women of character throught volleyball at New Mexico Elite.

Shari grew up in Fort Worth, Texas and has enjoyed the game of volleyball for over 25 years. Her love of volleyball started in the 6th grade and developed her knowledge of the game playing for the Mid-Cities Club in Fort Worth. Shari received a full ride to New Mexico State Aggies in 2000 and played as a starting middle hitter for four years. While playing every game for the Aggies she was able to help the Aggies compete in two NCAA Tournaments as a Junior and Senior. Shari's Aggie career resulted in being in the top ten all time for hitting percentage per match, career high blocks per game, career total blocks, and career block assists. Holding these records for over 15 years, her legacy as an Aggies continues. Shari has the privilege of coaching a national team at E3 for 2 seasons. Shari is excited to be one of NM Elites coaches and hopes to share her passion for the game. Shari looks forward to developing young women and sharing in their volleyball journey.

Tyson Wood began playing volleyball in 2004 at the University of New Mexico, where he was picked up for the Lobo Men’s Club Volleyball Team and played as a middle until 2008. He played for other Division One Clubs in Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Rhode Island, and New York. He began coaching club in 2006, where he specialized in mechanics, jump form, and individualized training. Tyson was an assistant coach at West Mesa High School in 2018. In 2019, he assisted the UNM Volleyball Program with their summer training camp program. Tyson has played doubles since 2007 and has played in multiple open-level tournaments in New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado. He has coached sand for both youth and adults since 2010. Tyson will be an advisor to all coaches, a specialized training coach for NM Elite, and help wherever else is needed.

My name is Sam Harris, I am originally from Farmington New Mexico and have just recently moved to the Rio Rancho/Albuquerque area. I am beyond thrilled to be a part of a wonderful community and club experience. My volleyball career started in middle school where I developed my love for the game, then I proceeded to play at the high school level for 4 years, but started club volleyball when I was 12. I played at the club level for 6 years before going to college. I was a setter at the NJCAA, NCAA Division 2, and NAIA levels. For my career outside of the court, I am finishing a trade school for dental assisting, continuing school for a Bachelor of Dental Hygiene and will someday be attending Dental School for my doctorate. Though college ball is not in my present life, my love for the game will always be something I cherish deeply, which is why I decided to take up coaching, knowing that I have so much passion and knowledge to give to the club. I am beyond thankful to have this opportunity to teach and coach the next generation, I'm hoping for the best club season to come!

Hi, I’m Dee! I’m a very passionate volleyball player and I’ve been coaching volleyball for about 4 years now. Just a little background about me, I am happily married and blessed with two beautiful daughters who also share my love of volleyball. I am an instructor at Central New Mexico Community College and I enjoy snowboarding and golfing when I’m not completely engulfed in coaching. My greatest joy in life is teaching/coaching others to be the very best that they can be! No truly great effort goes without reward!