Kaleigh Whitaker joined the Seattle U Volleyball staff as an assistant coach during the summer of 2024.
Prior to arriving at Seattle U, Whitaker served as a volunteer assistant coach with Washington's Beach Volleyball program during 2021 season, 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."
Prior to arriving at Seattle U, Whitaker served as a volunteer assistant coach with Washington's Beach Volleyball program during 2021 season, 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."