Walla Walla High School names Kristen Pearce Head Volleyball Coach Walla Walla High School has selected accomplished volleyball coach and former NCAA Division I All-American Kristen Pearce as the new leader of its varsity volleyball program, bringing extensive collegiate, professional, and club-level experience to the Blue Devils. Pearce most recently founded and serves as head coach of Onyx Volleyball Club in Walla Walla. In the program's inaugural season, her 14U team captured first place among 48 teams at the Northwest Jamboree regional tournament. She previously coached competitive club volleyball in San Diego and served as a volunteer assistant coach at Eastern Oregon University. As a player, Pearce enjoyed a standout five-year NCAA Division I career, earning multiple Conference Player of the Year honors and AVCA Third Team All-American recognition. She helped lead her teams to an Elite Eight appearance at Washington State University, two Sweet 16 appearances and two conference championships at the University of San Diego, and later competed professionally in Puerto Rico. Known for her emphasis on athlete development, accountability, and team culture, Pearce brings a passion for mentoring student-athletes both on and off the court. "We are excited to have Kristen join our Blue Devil athletic department as our head volleyball coach,” said Walla Walla High School Athletic Director Chris Ferenz. “With extensive and highly competitive playing and coaching experiences, she brings a passion for volleyball and developing players. She is dedicated to the responsibility to help players build confidence and resilience through a competitive volleyball experience.” Pearce earned her bachelor's degree in history from the University of San Diego and will begin preparing the Blue Devils for the upcoming season.