Meet Our Directors.

A woman with long wavy brown hair smiling in an indoor volleyball court wearing a black zip-up jacket with the ELIVATE Volleyball Academy logo.

Joell Young

Co- Founder & Club Director

Meet the Coach

Volleyball has been a part of my life for more than 20 years, and what started as a love for the game has grown into a passion for helping young athletes discover what they are capable of—both on and off the court.

My own volleyball journey began middle school, where I was fortunate enough to be part of something truly special. My high school volleyball program won 9 out of 10 consecutive state championships, and I was blessed to be a part of the final four years of that incredible championship run. Those years taught me what commitment, discipline, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of excellence really look like.

I continued my volleyball career at the collegiate level, where I gained even more appreciation for the work, sacrifice, and dedication it takes to compete at a high level. Those experiences shaped the player—and eventually the coach—I would become.

For the past 20+ years, I have continued learning, playing, coaching, and advocating for the sport I love. One of my favorite parts of coaching younger athletes is watching them go from learning the basics to finding confidence in themselves and realizing that they belong on the court.

As a coach, my goal is about so much more than winning volleyball games. I want to build confident athletes, strong teammates, and resilient young women. Volleyball teaches lessons that reach far beyond the gym—how to communicate, how to handle adversity, how to trust others, how to work hard when no one is watching, and how to get back up after a tough loss.

I believe in hard work, accountability, encouragement, fundamentals, and having fun while competing at your highest level. I want my players to know that I will challenge them, believe in them, and celebrate their growth every step of the way.

I am incredibly grateful that volleyball has given me so many amazing experiences, relationships, and opportunities throughout my life. Now, one of my greatest joys is getting to pass that love for the game on to the next generation.

I’m excited to get in the gym, get to know each athlete, and see just how far we can go together. Let’s play!

A smiling young woman with long brown hair, wearing a black zip-up jacket with the Elevate Volleyball Academy logo, standing in front of a volleyball net at an indoor volleyball court.

Kirksley Elliston 

Co- Founder & Club Director

Meet the Coach

Volleyball has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I was fortunate enough to be a part of the first volleyball team at Upson-Lee High School and became the first four-year volleyball player to graduate from Upson-Lee. The sport has shaped so much of who I am, and today, coaching volleyball feels like a literal answered prayer.

I have spent the past two years coaching club volleyball, working with both 14U and 15U athletes. Watching these girls grow—not only in their athletic abilities, but also in their confidence, character, and personalities—has brought me an incredible amount of joy, pride, and honor. Being invited into such a foundational season of their lives is something I never take for granted.

Now, owning and running a club alongside Joell is a dream come true for both of us. Through Elevate Volleyball Academy, our goal is to take every girl higher—not only in competition, but also in her faith, character, confidence, and life. We want our athletes to know that who they become is just as important as what they accomplish on the court.

As a coach, I believe strongly in being accountable for your attitude and your actions. I believe in encouraging one another through the highs and the lows, learning from adversity, celebrating progress, and always giving your best effort. And above all, I believe volleyball should be fun. We can be focused, disciplined, and competitive while still enjoying the game we love.

My hope is that every athlete who comes through Elevate leaves not only as a better volleyball player, but as a stronger, more confident young woman who knows her worth, understands the value of hard work, and is willing to elevate herself and those around her.

This is more than volleyball to me. It’s a calling. It’s a dream. And it’s an opportunity to pour into the next generation.

Meet our Coaches

  • Coach Kirksley Elliston

    Co-Founder, Club Director & 16U Head Coach

  • Coach Joell Young

    Co-Founder, Club Director & 15U Head Coach

  • Coach Aleigha Harley

    13U Head Coach

  • Coach Dylan Marshall

    Conditioning Coach