ECU Volleyball Announces Hiring of Kelsie French as Assistant Coach
ADA, Okla. – East Central University head volleyball coach Danielle Essix has announced the hiring of
Kelsie French as the program's new assistant coach.
"I'm excited to welcome Coach Kelsie to our program," said Essix. "Throughout the hiring process, it was clear that she aligns with our vision, values, and commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the court. I have no doubt she'll make an immediate impact on our team and university and look forward to what we'll accomplish together."
French brings more than a decade of coaching experience at the club level along with an accomplished collegiate playing career that established her as one of the top liberos in NCAA Division II.
"I am incredibly excited to join the ECU community," said French. "I am deeply grateful to Coach Essix for the opportunity to make a difference within the volleyball program and with our student-athletes!"
Most recently, French has served as a head coach with Club Z Volleyball in Farmington, New Mexico, where she oversaw practice planning, match preparation, film study, statistical analysis and player development while utilizing the Gold Medal Squared coaching methodology.
Before joining Club Z, French coached with Guns Up Volleyball Club in Lubbock, Texas, and spent four seasons with Next Level Volleyball Club, serving in both head and assistant coaching roles. Throughout her club coaching career, she has emphasized skill development, match analysis, practice planning and athlete mentorship. She began her coaching career in 2015 at Full Force Volleyball Club, helping develop young athletes through competitive play and fundamental instruction.
As a player, French enjoyed an outstanding collegiate career at Lubbock Christian University from 2015-18. A four-year libero and three-year team captain, she graduated as one of the most decorated defensive players in program and conference history.
French was named the 2018 Heartland Conference Player of the Year after earning First Team All-Heartland Conference and D2CCA First Team All-South Central Region honors. Earlier in her career, she was selected as the 2015 Heartland Conference Freshman of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year while earning All-Heartland Conference recognition three times. She was also named the 2017 Heartland Conference Co-Libero of the Year and was selected to the Heartland Conference 20th Anniversary Volleyball Team.
Nationally, French ranks among the NCAA Division II career leaders in defensive statistics. She finished her collegiate career with 2,580 digs, ranking third in Heartland Conference history and second in Lubbock Christian program history. Her career average of 6.14 digs per set ranks 11th in NCAA Division II history, while her career digs total ranks among the top 25 all-time in Division II.
French earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Lubbock Christian University in 2019, graduating cum laude.
