Phelps resigns coaching position

Volleyball coach Kristee Phelps announced her resignation effective Friday, after five years at the helm. Phelps is joining the staff at the University of Texas San Antonio as the faculty and staff wellness coordinator.

Phelps applied for the position “not really thinking I would get it.” On Oct. 5, UT San Antonio officials called and asked for a phone interview, which led to an in-person interview. Phelps was offered the position Oct. 30.

“The university is larger, I’ll have so many more things available to me and be able to be creative with my duties. It is my dream job,” Phelps said.
In her five years at UT Tyler, Phelps took the University volleyball team to its first American Southwest Conference Tournament and achieved her 100th career coaching win.

“Kristee did a great job helping shape the lives of many young women during her time as head volleyball coach,” athletics director James Vilade said. She also assisted at the Herrington Patriot Center as the personal training coordinator and as a personal trainer.

Last summer, Phelps led a volleyball camp for children and co-coordinated “The Weight is Over,” which she said she will be implementing at UT San Antonio.

“San Antonio is the second fattest city in the nation and obesity is a huge epidemic. I will be doing the Weight is Over program and teaching classes and seminars on wellness and fitness,” Phelps said.

Phelps’ husband, Stan, is an assistant baseball coach. He plans to join his wife in San Antonio after next spring, she said. “Stan is committed to the baseball season and he has a house to sell. I will be coming back on weekends to see him and visit with friends,” Phelps said.

“I appreciate all UT Tyler has done for me. I will miss all my co-workers, students and volleyball team. Everything about the UT system is great.”