Nike Volleyball Camp at Mount Marty University

Camp Coaches

• 

  Sophia Lobo Paes

  Director

  Sophia Paes, originally from Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, is a highly accomplished athlete and coach.

  View Sophia's Bio
  

  Sophia Lobo Paes

  Director

  She played collegiate volleyball for four years at the University of Tennessee Southern, earning numerous accolades throughout her career. Sophia graduated in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in Human Performance and Exercise Science and later completed a master's degree in Education - Coaching and Leadership in 2023.
  
  With a decade of coaching experience, Sophia Paes has contributed to competitive volleyball clubs such as Alliance in Nashville, TN, and RCVC in Huntsville, AL. She had the privilege of working on the Coach Rose Powell club, a 1984 Olympic silver medalist for Team USA, who also served as her coach for two years during college. Now in her fourth year at MMU, Coach Paes continues to share her expertise and passion for the sport, making a significant impact on her athletes and the program.

• Kayla Harris

  Camp Coach

  Kayla Harris is the assistant volleyball coach at Mount Marty University.

  View Kayla Harris's Bio

  Kayla Harris

  Camp Coach

  Mount Marty University is excited to announce the hiring of Kayla Harris as the new assistant volleyball coach. Harris brings a wealth of coaching experience and a strong playing background, making her a valuable addition to the Lancers' coaching staff.

  Harris, a graduate of Morningside University, has a deep passion for volleyball. She left a lasting mark as a three-year varsity starter for Morningside volleyball, setting multiple school records. She also played a crucial role in her team's appearances at the NAIA Volleyball National Championship Tournament in 2018 and 2019.

  Her coaching experience spans various levels, from club to high school programs. Most recently, she served as the head volleyball coach at Vermillion High School, in addition to coaching competitive club teams such as SUX Premier and MVP United across multiple age groups. Harris has demonstrated strong leadership skills in player development, team building and fostering a competitive yet positive atmosphere for athletes.

  "We are thrilled to welcome Kayla to our volleyball program," said Sophia Lobo Paes, head volleyball coach at Mount Marty University. "Her energy, experience and dedication to player development will make an immediate impact on our team. She was a great player in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC), so we are excited to have someone with experience and knowledge of what we face every day.”

  Harris expressed her enthusiasm about joining Mount Marty, stating, "I am super excited to be joining the Mount Marty volleyball program. Mount Marty has a great athletic department that supports their athletes and staff. I am looking forward to reconnecting with the great experiences within the GPAC and college athletics. I can't wait to get started working with the girls and coach Lobo Paes with the great foundation she's put in place for the program!"

  Beyond her coaching experience, Harris has also worked in sports performance training, focusing on strength, agility and volleyball-specific skill development.

  Harris joins Mount Marty as the Lancers prepare for an exciting upcoming season.