The Culver-Stockton College (C-SC) Women’s Volleyball program is undergoing an exciting transformation under the leadership of new Head Coach Audrye Alejandro-Rivera, who has made an immediate impact in his first season. Grateful to Athletic Director Patrick Atwell for the opportunity, Coach Alejandro-Rivera reflected on his initial experiences at C-SC: “Since my arrival, I have felt welcomed into what I can only describe as a prestigious institution where the atmosphere is one of warmth and harmony.”
With a clear mission to elevate C-SC Volleyball, Alejandro-Rivera embraced the challenges of a team he didn’t recruit but invested trust in from day one. “I decided to work hard with the players that I already had in the program,” he shared. “One of the key pieces was to trust, believe in them, and focus on how we could improve each day.” His approach paid off with impressive results, including a landmark victory over a nationally ranked #11 team, an achievement he described as “proof we’re heading in the right direction.”
A significant focus for Alejandro-Rivera has been building a culture centered on respect, love, and care; values he’s shown in his team since taking over. “The initiatives that I took with the team were to sit down with all the players and be honest, authentic, and be myself… our core values are respect, love, and care,” he explained. This culture has fostered a close-knit environment; to Coach Alejandro-Rivera that represents an “extended family,” where every player is welcomed regardless of their background.
This sense of unity is particularly embodied by senior defensive specialist and team captain Kyla Ellis, whose stellar season earned her the title of Defender of the Week twice in a row. With her average digs rising to 5.25 per match, Ellis proved herself to be a defensive powerhouse. She credits her achievements to a sense of responsibility and trust within the team. “My main job is to dig every ball possible,” Ellis shared. “Every ball is mine until one of my teammates says they’re going to take it.” This level of trust has enabled the team to work seamlessly, avoiding on-court collisions and improving cohesion. Ellis’s recent performances include a staggering 33 digs over two matches. Her ability to “read the hitter” and anticipate their moves has been instrumental to her success, as has her communication with blockers, ensuring good coverage across the court. As a team captain, she recognizes the importance of maintaining this chemistry, especially in high stakes matches. “When we’re cheering for each other and having fun, it strengthens our team chemistry and helps us play our best,” she said, reflecting on recent wins over tough rivals like Missouri Baptist and William Penn.
For both Coach Alejandro-Rivera and Ellis, this season’s journey has been one of growth and accountability
. Ellis believes the new coaching staff has introduced a heightened sense of responsibility, with players held accountable for every play. “We’re now being held accountable,” she said, explaining how the staff’s high standards have inspired players to perform their best each game. Coach Alejandro-Rivera shares this vision, already looking ahead to recruit impact players and to continue the team’s upward trajectory. “C-SC Women’s Volleyball will be around for a long time,” he promised, confident that with dedication and the right mentality, this program can reach conference and national success.
