ORANGEBURG, SC—South Carolina State volleyball coach Jasmine Chambers is making powerful strides in her collegiate coaching career.

Recently, she was selected to take part in the Big Ten Volleyball Mentorship Program, a prestigious initiative aimed at developing future leaders in volleyball. That experience, along with meaningful connections made along the way, paved the path for her latest achievement: acceptance into Class #54 of the Women Coaches Academy, a national leadership academy for women in coaching.

The Big Ten Volleyball Mentorship Program is designed to promote diversity and advancement within the coaching profession by pairing up-and-coming coaches with seasoned mentors across NCAA volleyball programs.

Chambers was matched with Brad Keller, head coach of the University of Southern California (USC) women's volleyball team. During her time at USC, Chambers was immersed in a high-performance environment, gaining firsthand insight into elite-level coaching, program structure, and the culture of a nationally recognized athletic department.

While at USC, Chambers had the opportunity to interact with multiple programs and leaders. She met and observed the USC men's volleyball team and also connected with coaches from both USC and UCLA men's volleyball programs, gaining valuable insight into training strategies, program philosophies, and the differences in coaching men's and women's volleyball at the Division I level.

One of the most impactful moments of her time in Los Angeles came during a conversation with Ed Stewart, Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director at USC. "Speaking with Ed Stewart was inspiring," Chambers said. "He shared his leadership philosophy, the importance of representation in athletic administration, and how coaches can play a role in shaping inclusive athletic environments. It gave me a broader view of the collegiate athletics ecosystem beyond just the court."

Building on the foundation laid during the Big Ten Mentorship Program, Chambers was selected to attend Class #54 of the Women Coaches Academy (WCA). Hosted by WeCOACH in partnership with the NCAA, the WCA is a prestigious multi-day professional development experience for women in all sports and divisions. The program is centered on leadership development, personal awareness, and professional growth, offering tools for coaches to thrive and lead more intentionally.

The Women Coaches Academy (WCA) Class #54 will be held May 19–21, 2025, in Denver, Colorado, and will bring together a select group of women coaches from across the nation. The academy provides non-sport-specific training in areas like communication, confidence, culture-building, and career advancement. Since its creation in 2003, the WCA has graduated over 2,300 women coaches, helping to shape the next generation of leaders in sport.

Chambers noted, "My coaching journey is marked by intentional growth, strategic mentorship, and a passion to lead both on and off the court."

Her dedication to her craft will bring a positive influence on future coaching profession having been involved in two nationally respected programs around the nation.

ABOUT SC STATE ATHLETICS South Carolina State University is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I level intercollegiate athletic program. The university currently fields teams in 14 sports: women's volleyball, men's and women's tennis, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's indoor track & field, softball, men's and women's outdoor track and field, women's soccer and football with all teams competing in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), except for women's soccer.

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