Wagner Volleyball Assistant Coach, Kelsey DeBey, has been awarded the Class A Volleyball Assistant Coach of the Year for 2023. This is her second time winning this prestigious award; her first time receiving the honor was the 2021 volleyball season. Kelsey has been a part of the Wagner volleyball coaching staff for nine years.

Kelsey had a few words to say to her team, coaches and the community. “I really couldn’t have earned this award without the great athletes who are willing to work hard every day,” says Kelsey. “I also have a great coaching team, Stacey Knebel and Lauren Bastemeyer, who are amazing to work with and brought many successes to our team this year. I also want to thank our amazing Wagner community that shows endless support for our team every season.”

Kelsey’s love for volleyball began with her playing for Wagner and continued as she played in college. In high school, Kelsey played for Amy Tyler and Stacey Knebel. As coaches, they were very inspiring people who helped her learn a lot and really furthered her love of volleyball. The way she was coached by the pair who always cared about their athletes, inspires Kelsey to do the same as a coach. Coaching allows her to continue to be a part of the sport as well as share her love and knowledge of it with others.

For Coach DeBey, the best part about coaching is the relationships that she builds with the athletes and being able to witness their growth. It is amazing to see how the girls grow both as people and athletes throughout the season and their high school years.

Coach DeBey felt that this volleyball season was full of great moments for the team. She saw so much growth in the girls as athletes and teammates. Making it to the state tournament and competing against the best teams in the state were great moments for the coach. The SODAK 16 match was probably the most fun to watch and be a part of for her this season.

As the assistant volleyball coach, DeBey coached the junior varsity team. Their record this season was 12-9. Coach DeBey’s coaching philosophy is to lead by example. She cannot expect her athletes to do something if she cannot. To her this means always expecting the best effort in every drill, every practice and every game from both her athletes and herself. DeBey also believes that trust is fundamental to coaching. Trusting and believing in one another will take one far in the game of volleyball and in life.

For the next season, Coach DeBey is really looking forward to seeing the growth that the girls make in the off season and seeing who will fill the roles of the graduating seniors.

Kelsey is also in her ninth year of teaching 3rd grade at Wagner Community School. She and her husband, Corey, have three children, Garret (7), Rylee (4) and Walker (2). In her free time, Kelsey enjoys spending time with her family and playing volleyball.

Coach DeBey was awarded her plaque at the South Dakota All Star Volleyball match held on Sunday, December 3rd at Harrisburg High School. Congratulations coach on receiving this well-deserved honor.