Shirley Morrison

Hello Academy Parents and Players,

My name is Shirley Morrison and this will be my second season with Academy. I began my coaching career at Santa Cruz Beach Volleyball Club from 2021-2025 and spent two seasons coaching indoor volleyball with Sand VBC and Kinnect Boys VBC in Santa Cruz from 2023-2024. 

I began playing volleyball at the age of 8 and joined my first club team when I was 11. I played for local clubs around the area such as Tremors, SF Juniors, and Red Rock. I played  as an outside hitter and libero until I was a junior in high-school, which was when I decided to leave the gym and put all of my efforts into beach volleyball. 

I began my collegiate career at Cabrillo College where during my freshman season in 2021 my partner and I were the only pair in Northern California to go undefeated (19-0) and went on to win the 2021 NorCal Pairs Championships. In 2022, after finishing my sophomore season, I landed on the AVCA’s 2022 Top Two Year College Beach Volleyball Players to Watch List. In 2024, I began my Division 1 career at San Jose State where I gathered the 2nd most wins in a single season in program history. 

As a player, I have always been curious, internally driven, and passionate about volleyball. As a coach, I strive to be the person I would want on my sideline—someone who is supportive, knowledgeable, encouraging, and invested in their success.

I strive to create an environment that balances high expectations with genuine support. I want my players to understand that growth comes through effort, consistency, and a willingness to step outside of their comfort zones and learn. 

As a young female coach who once stood in the same shoes as my players, I understand the challenges, pressures, and excitement that come with being a junior athlete. I believe this perspective allows me to connect with my players on a deeper level and serve as both a coach and a mentor.

Volleyball has played a significant role in shaping who I am today, and I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge, experiences, and love for the game with players at Academy.  

Coach Shirley Morrison