As Truckee Meadows Community College prepares to launch its inaugural volleyball program this Fall, Assistant Coach Kaya Estrada will play an important role in helping shape the program from the very beginning. Working alongside Head Coach Craig Choate, Estrada brings a player-centered mindset, a strong understanding of the game, and a passion for mentorship to the Mighty Lizards' Coaching Staff.

Assistant coaches are often the daily bridge between athletes and the program's overall vision. From skill development and training support to mentoring players off the court, Estrada will help guide student-athletes through the challenges and opportunities that come with being part of a brand-new collegiate volleyball team.

For Estrada, joining the program is more than just a coaching opportunity; it's a chance to build something lasting.

Joining a Brand-New Program
Being part of a program's very first season is a rare opportunity in collegiate athletics, and Estrada immediately recognized the significance of the moment.

"It would be fun to coach an actual collegiate level of volleyball after playing and coaching in other college clubs. Getting this chance to be a part of the group that gets to grow the program from the ground up is really exciting," said Estrada.

For Estrada, the opportunity goes beyond the first season. She understands that the athletes who join the program now will shape its identity for years to come.

"These upcoming student-athletes are the ones who set up the vision, core values, and characteristics for the program," she explained. "They're setting examples for the future generations to come and help define how TMCC Volleyball will be seen."

That sense of responsibility and pride is something she hopes the team embraces as they step onto the court for the first time in program history.

Assistant Coach Role
As assistant coach, Estrada's role centers on connecting, collaborating, and supporting not only the athletic life of these players, but also serving as someone who can guide them academically and through their unique journey at TMCC.

Her first priority is to help the head coach, Craig Choate, bring the program's vision to life: "I want to be a balance between players' and coaches' views as well as support the head coach and what he envisions for the team," she said.

That connection is especially important in a first-year program, where athletes and staff are navigating new systems, expectations, and challenges together.

Also, Estrada focuses on ensuring players feel supported beyond just volleyball, especially when challenges might slow or hinder their development as students and athletes.  

"Maintaining a support system for the players where they feel comfortable asking for help for anything they need outside the court is part of my primary job," Estrada said. 

Player Development & On-The-Court Focus
Estrada is particularly passionate about helping athletes build both skill and confidence as they transition into the collegiate level of competition.

One of the key ways she helps athletes grow is through emphasizing organization: "Preparations are essential on building confidence and balancing academics with athletics together. Being able to help them feel prepared and ready for any challenge from this college experience may help build their confidence," she added.

Estrada also emphasizes discipline and commitment to improvement. Players must be willing to put in work beyond practice hours.

She describes "hard work" as something non-negotiable: "Putting the work in themselves to accelerate their skills in this new hard collegiate level of play."

Her goal is to help athletes grow technically while also strengthening their mindset, which will be critical as the team establishes itself within the region in its first season. 

Supporting Student-Athletes Beyond Volleyball
While volleyball will play a major role in the lives of these student-athletes, Estrada believes that academics must remain the top priority.

"Always start with your academics first," she advised. "Study, work hard, and make sure you're on top of your education."

At the same time, she believes volleyball provides a valuable outlet for balance. "Use your time in volleyball to decompress and forget all of your other responsibilities and have fun playing the sport you love." 

Estrada understands the pressure student-athletes face—balancing school, training, work, and personal life. Her advice to players is simple but practical. "Make a checklist," she said. "Get an idea of what you want to start with, make sure you have time for yourself, family and friends, and figure out a day-to-day schedule that works smoothly for you."

Team Culture and Connection
As TMCC Volleyball begins building its identity, culture will be one of the program's most important foundations.

For Estrada, transparency and communication are key.

"Transparency," she explained, means players feel comfortable communicating honestly with the coaches on whether they're struggling physically, mentally, or academically. The open communication helps build trust between players and staff, creating an environment where athletes feel supported and accountable.

Ultimately, Estrada hopes the team will be defined by dedication, discipline, and a shared love for the sport.

Message to the First TMCC Volleyball Team
For the athletes who will wear the TMCC volleyball jersey for the first time, Estrada believes they will carry a special responsibility.

"They are the first image and role models of the program that younger generations will reflect and look upon," she said.

This is a gigantic opportunity for these upcoming players that will not only have the chance to compete at a 2-year collegiate program, but also have the chance to go to a 4-year school and play for a D1 university. Their effort, attitude, and commitment will help define what TMCC Volleyball stands for, and shape them into young aspiring student-athletes. 

Looking Ahead
Estrada's journey to coaching collegiate volleyball began years ago when a friend encouraged her to try out for volleyball in seventh grade. Although she initially played soccer, she quickly fell in love with the sport and pursued it through club programs, high school, and college club level play at University of Nevada, Reno and Sacramento State University.

She continues to stay connected to the game through coaching youth volleyball and competing with local club teams in the Reno area.

Off the court, Estrada holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration in Marketing and Management and enjoys applying her leadership and communication skills in athletics and professional environments.

As TMCC prepares for its historic first season of volleyball, Estrada's passion for mentorship, player development, and teamwork will help lay the groundwork for the program's future.

Together with the coaching staff and the first generation of Volleyball Mighty Lizard athletes, she is ready to help build something special from the ground up.