Katie Chlysta brings a wealth of experience to her roles as Coach for both Girls and Boys Volleyball. A standout athlete during her high school years at WRA, Coach Chlysta was a four-year varsity player, a two-time MVP, and a two-year captain. She continued her volleyball career on Denison University’s club team and remains active in the sport through indoor leagues and sand volleyball.
In addition to coaching at Reserve, Coach Chlysta leads the Juniors Academy for Force Volleyball Club and has coached elite teams at Impact Volleyball. She also directs summer volleyball camps, sharing her expertise with aspiring players.
In her professional life, Coach Chlysta works as a Doctor of Physical Therapy, treating athletes across various levels from little league to NCAA Division I. Her work integrates knowledge of sport psychology, motor control, and injury prevention, helping her build a disciplined and competitive program.
Her coaching philosophy is centered around fostering a lifelong love for volleyball. She believes that the skills learned on the court extend beyond the game, teaching athletes to value small victories, face challenges with resilience, and work collaboratively. Coach Chlysta sees athletics as a platform to embody the values of excellence, integrity, and compassion, which are core to the Western Reserve Academy community.
Outside of coaching, Coach Chlysta enjoys yoga, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking and listening to podcasts. Her commitment to volleyball and her holistic approach to coaching aim to inspire athletes not just for the present, but for a lifetime of involvement with the sport.
