News

We are thrilled to announce Ellie Shelby (’15) as our new head varsity volleyball coach.

Coach Shelby earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health from Harding University and has been teaching and coaching at Harding Academy since 2019. She has served as middle and upper school science teacher, assistant volleyball coach, assistant track coach, middle school head track coach, and summer workout program instructor.

Coach Shelby and her family have been a part of the Harding Academy community for decades. She has a deep love for Jesus and is passionate about helping girls grow as athletes, women, and leaders. She is married to Brayden (’14) and is mom to Jon David who is a student at Little Harding.

Coach Shelby said, “There are three things in life I care deeply about: Jesus, my family, and Harding. Throughout my years at Harding, the volleyball program has played a huge role in developing me into the Christian, the wife and mother, the player and competitor, and the alumna I am today. The Harding volleyball program has a rich history, and I am humbled and honored to move into the role as head coach. It is the foundational legacy of this well-established and successful program that excites me for what this next generation of athletes can do. I hope to see many alumna and family members cheering us on this fall. Go, Lions!”

Athletic Director Seth King said, “I’m incredibly excited to see Ellie step into this role. There is no doubt in my mind she is the perfect person to lead our program. She knows our tradition of success and is uniquely equipped to lead us into the future. I’ve had the honor to coach alongside her in high school track and field and to watch her grow as a head coach in middle school track and field. She is an incredible leader who will demand the best of our girls. As a father of three daughters, I would love for my girls to be coached and mentored by Ellie Shelby!”