STANFORD, Calif. – Alisha Glass Childress, a former U.S. national team member and Penn State standout, has been named assistant coach for the Stanford women's volleyball program, as announced Friday by head coach Kevin Hambly.
"Whenever you are looking to hire staff, you look for people that know the game at a high level, understand what hard work is and what it requires to be great, and then someone that fits the culture you have established in the program," said Hambly. "Throughout the process I came across several people that would be a good fit, but Alisha really stood out as someone who would not only help us continue to push the student-athletes to grow but would also help challenge the staff to grow as well."
Glass Childress replaces Erin Lindsey, who was hired as the head coach at Santa Clara in December, and will work directly with Stanford's setters and offense.
"Stanford has such a rich tradition of excellence academically and athletically. I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to join such a great volleyball program and hope to contribute in a way that helps continue the championship culture," said Glass Childress. "I look forward to working with our amazing student-athletes and coaching staff, and am thankful to become a member of the Stanford family. Go Cardinal!"
Glass Childress has served as an assistant coach with the U.S. National Team at last summer's Pan American Cup, where the U.S. rallied to win gold over the host Dominican Republic team.
As a player, Glass Childress helped lead Team USA to a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, where she earned Best Setter honors. She was also selected Best Setter of the 2016 NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament, guiding the U.S. to gold and an automatic spot in the Rio Games.
A two-time USA Volleyball Indoor Athlete of the Year (2013, 2014), Glass Childress earned gold medals in three consecutive FIVB World Grand Prix Finals (2010, 2011, 2012). She has also played professionally in Italy, Turkey, Poland, Puerto Rico and Brazil.
Glass Childress played at Penn State from 2006-09, leading the Nittany Lions to three straight national titles during a stretch when the program won four in a row (2007-10). She was a three-time AVCA All-American and three-time All-Big Ten Conference.
A native of Leland, Michigan, Glass Childress is married to former Stanford men's basketball star Josh Childress, who played on The Farm from 2002-04. They have a daughter, Maya.
"Her resume of course fits and speaks for itself. More importantly, Alisha is a great fit culturally, her principles and reasons for coaching are in line with the rest of our staff and program here at Stanford," stated Hambly. "We are excited to welcome Alisha, Josh and Maya to the Stanford family."
