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Monday, December 23, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Jimmy Burleson
Assistant Athletic Director
Dobyns-Bennett High School
T: (423) 378.8400 ext. 8490
KINGSPORT, Tenn. - Dobyns-Bennett High School is proud to announce Katie Helvey as the next head coach of the women’s volleyball program. This announcement comes after Kayce Greene stepped down from the role after leading the Tribe for the last three seasons.
“Katie is a highly accomplished player and will bring a wealth of experience along with her,” said D-B Athletic Director Frankie DeBusk. “She has a deep passion for the game and I am excited to see her get started.”
A native of Alexandria, Indiana, Katie’s volleyball journey began at Alexandria-Monroe High School, where she was a four-year letter winner. Her stellar high school career earned her multiple accolades, including All-Conference and All-County honors in 2008, 2009, and 2010. She was named The Herald Bulletin Volleyball Player of the Year in 2010 and represented Indiana on the prestigious All-Star Volleyball Team. In addition to high school recognitions, she was an AAU All-American in 2008 and played club volleyball for Munciana.
Katie continued her playing career at East Tennessee State University (ETSU), where she competed under Coach Lindsey Devine from 2011 to 2015. Her collegiate career was nothing short of historic. She holds ETSU’s all-time records for both sets played (510) and digs (1,850). Among her numerous achievements, Katie was instrumental in leading the Bucs to the 2012 Atlantic Sun Conference Championship and their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance. She was also named the 2014 Southern Conference Libero of the Year and earned multiple Defensive Player of the Week and Month honors.
In addition to her playing career, Katie has built an impressive coaching resume. She began coaching in 2011 with Kingsport Volleyball Club (now APVA), where she currently serves as president. She has coached at the collegiate level, spending one season as a graduate assistant at Lander University in Greenwood, SC. At the high school level, she served as an assistant coach for Dobyns-Bennett Women’s Volleyball from 2016 to 2019. Also in 2019, Katie helped bring men’s volleyball to Dobyns-Bennett and has been the head coach since its inception.
Katie holds both a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development with a minor in Psychology and a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She has taught at Thomas Jefferson Elementary school since 2018 and is currently a first grade teacher.
Katie resides in Kingsport with her husband, Zach, a captain with the Kingsport Fire Department, and their two daughters, Blake and Kori.
Upon accepting the position, Coach Helvey shared, “I am honored to accept the position as Head Coach for the Dobyns-Bennett women’s volleyball team. I want to personally thank my athletic director, Frankie DeBusk, for trusting in my skill and knowledge to lead this program. I am beyond excited to jump in headfirst with these incredible athletes, fostering their growth both on and off the court. Volleyball has given me countless opportunities in life, and I am passionate about sharing that love for the game with this program. Together, we will build on the strong traditions of Dobyns-Bennett volleyball and create something truly special. Roll Tribe!”
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