SEATTLE – Seattle U volleyball has named Adrian Leiser and Kaleigh Whitaker as assistant coaches, Head Coach Dan Behnke announced Friday.
Leiser spent the past two season as an assistant coach/director of operations with Katie Wilson's staff at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash. Leiser primarily worked with the middles and passers and held duties of statistical analysis and technical coordinator.
Prior to working with Gonzaga, Leiser spent two seasons with Weber State University as a volunteer assistant. During his span in Ogden, Utah, the Wildcats held a record of 41-12 and claimed two regular season Big Sky championships, one Big Sky Tournament championship and the program's first NCAA Tournament win in school history. Leiser roles on the Wildcats' staff included player development and statistical analysis.
A Minnesota native, Leiser received his Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communications, emphasizing in Journalism from the University of Utah. In addition to coaching, Adrian has worked in sports broadcasting as a radio producer for the Utah Jazz as well as covered other professional and collegiate events. Leiser is married to his wife Amanda and the couple have two dogs and two cats.
"We're thrilled to have Adrian join our program," said Behnke. "His coaching experience at Gonzaga and Weber State, along with his expertise in analytics and his connectivity with student athletes are what really stood out during the hiring process. His experience coaching in the West Coast Conference will be helpful for when we make the transitions in 2025."
Whitaker served as a volunteer assistant coach with Washington's Beach Volleyball program during 2021, assisting with practice plans, film analysis and scouting reports. She broke into the coaching world with Sudden Impact Volleyball in Bellevue, Wash., leading youth athletes in improving their overall development and technique.
Whitaker (formerly Nelson) was a standout for the University of Washington program, earning two AVCA Third Team All-Americans and All-Pac-12 Team selections. Whitaker was a vital member of a Huskies' squad that won the 2013 Pac-12 Championship and later went on to reach the Final Four. She was a member of Washington's inaugural Beach Volleyball Team in 2014 and played in the No. 1 spot from 2014-15.
Whitaker went on to play professionally in both Sweden (EVS) and Germany (KSC), serving as the team captain and taking home the 2017-18 Swedish League MVP.
"Having Kaleigh join our program is a game changer," said Behnke. "She's a local legend that brings an impressive resume both as a coach and collegiate/international player. She is well connected in the regional and national club scenes. We are thrilled to have her start with us as we build out our program."
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Leiser spent the past two season as an assistant coach/director of operations with Katie Wilson's staff at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash. Leiser primarily worked with the middles and passers and held duties of statistical analysis and technical coordinator.
Prior to working with Gonzaga, Leiser spent two seasons with Weber State University as a volunteer assistant. During his span in Ogden, Utah, the Wildcats held a record of 41-12 and claimed two regular season Big Sky championships, one Big Sky Tournament championship and the program's first NCAA Tournament win in school history. Leiser roles on the Wildcats' staff included player development and statistical analysis.
A Minnesota native, Leiser received his Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communications, emphasizing in Journalism from the University of Utah. In addition to coaching, Adrian has worked in sports broadcasting as a radio producer for the Utah Jazz as well as covered other professional and collegiate events. Leiser is married to his wife Amanda and the couple have two dogs and two cats.
"We're thrilled to have Adrian join our program," said Behnke. "His coaching experience at Gonzaga and Weber State, along with his expertise in analytics and his connectivity with student athletes are what really stood out during the hiring process. His experience coaching in the West Coast Conference will be helpful for when we make the transitions in 2025."
Whitaker served as a volunteer assistant coach with Washington's Beach Volleyball program during 2021, assisting with practice plans, film analysis and scouting reports. She broke into the coaching world with Sudden Impact Volleyball in Bellevue, Wash., leading youth athletes in improving their overall development and technique.
Whitaker (formerly Nelson) was a standout for the University of Washington program, earning two AVCA Third Team All-Americans and All-Pac-12 Team selections. Whitaker was a vital member of a Huskies' squad that won the 2013 Pac-12 Championship and later went on to reach the Final Four. She was a member of Washington's inaugural Beach Volleyball Team in 2014 and played in the No. 1 spot from 2014-15.
Whitaker went on to play professionally in both Sweden (EVS) and Germany (KSC), serving as the team captain and taking home the 2017-18 Swedish League MVP.
"Having Kaleigh join our program is a game changer," said Behnke. "She's a local legend that brings an impressive resume both as a coach and collegiate/international player. She is well connected in the regional and national club scenes. We are thrilled to have her start with us as we build out our program."
Donate Today
Fans interested in making a gift to Seattle University Athletics can do so by clicking here. Your gift directly impacts all Redhawk student athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in the community. Thank you for supporting Seattle University Athletics!
Follow Along With the Action
Stay connected with Seattle U women's basketball and get all the latest team updates by downloading the GoSeattleU mobile app available now for free in the App Store or Google Play.