Salem College

Kelley (Newton) Coats was named as the Assistant Coach for the Salem volleyball program on August 5, 2023, in an announcement from head coach Barry Rymer.

Coats joined the program after working with a multitude of Club Volleyball programs in the Triad of North Carolina. She serves as a head coach at Spears YMCA in Greensboro, conducting both camps and clinics for youth ranging in age from 10 to 15 years old.

Coats served as the head coach at High Point Christian Academy from 2005 until 2015, working with the Ragsdale YMCA (2010-12) along the way. In 2011, Coats was the head coach of the Carolina Region Champions Volleyball Club.

After attending Ledford High School, Coats continued her volleyball career collegiately at Catawba College, where she graduated with a bachelor of arts in international business and earned minors in both business administration and French in 1990.

Coats wrapped up a decorated career with the Indians, appearing in 74 matches over four seasons. She amassed 367 assists, 40 digs, 11 aces and six kills. Her teams qualified for the NAIA District 26 Tournament on four occasions, winning the Carolinas Conference in 1988 and the South Atlantic Conference crown in 1989.

Coats played a key role in helping her Catawba team win the NAIA District 26 and Bi-District Championships in 1989. The 1988 unit set the program record for most wins in a season (38-3) and the 1989 team, which qualified for the NAIA Tournament, came through with a mark or 32-11.

On the courts, Coats and her teammates went onto help the Indians reach the NAIA National Tournament in 1989. From 1988-1991 the volleyball team enjoyed much success winning two conference regular season championships, two conference tournament championships.

Prior to accepting the position at Salem College, Coats worked in the private business sector with Best Home Furnishings (2014-19), The Kitchen Studio, Inc. (2015-23) and Ned R. Elridge, Inc. Accounting (2012-14).