Kimberly Wade has joined the Union University Lady Bulldogs as the new assistant volleyball coach.
Wade spent the past five years as the head varsity coach at Ridgeway High School in Memphis, where she coached all-tournament players, Best of the Preps players and two college signees.
Wade has her USAV Delta Region Certification, as well as holding certifications from the American Sport Education Program in coaching principles, Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association Training and Amateur Athletic Union Coaching.
After searching for a top candidate for the position of volleyball assistant coach, it was head volleyball coach, Tripp Swisher, who recommended Wade for the position.
“I had been looking for the right opportunity to transition to collegiate coaching,” Wade said. “I met Tripp last spring and we ended up working a camp together in July. Maybe a week later he called me asking if I would take the position.”
Tommy Sadler, director of athletics, said he believes Wade will not only be a great asset to the volleyball team but also to the athletic department overall.
“She played volleyball at Christian Brothers, a [National Collegiate Athletic Association] Division II Christian college, so she knows both the athletic and academic challenges our players face,” Sadler said. “She has been a high school head coach and worked with one of the top club programs in Memphis.”
Wade is adjusting well to the transition from head coach to assistant coach.
“I see it more as a partnership,” Wade said. “I believe we work well together, and I feel that my voice is heard and respected, just as I respect his decisions as the head coach.”
“She has great people skills and loves the Lord,” Sadler said. “These attributes will help make her a great role model and will assist her in helping our players in their own spiritual growth.”
One thing the team focuses on is being humble and staying focused on God’s purpose for their lives. Wade said they all remind one another daily to make time for prayer.
Wade hopes to positively impact the girls by restoring their confidence in their God-given gifts and talents.
“All of these ladies need to trust and believe that their talent allowed them this opportunity to further their education, so they can use their gifts to excel on the court and in the classroom, ultimately giving God all the glory in return,” she said.