A Historic First Year: Coach Tiger Shelton Leads ACU Volleyball to New Heights
In his first season leading Arizona Christian University women’s volleyball, Head Coach Tiger Shelton delivered one of the most successful years in program history. Named Coach of the Year in his debut campaign, Shelton’s impact extended beyond wins. He strengthened a culture built on unity, trust, and conviction.
Shelton brought more than three decades of coaching experience at the high school, club, and collegiate levels, both nationally and internationally. After previously serving as an assistant under former Head Coach Micah Briscoe, he stepped into leadership ready to build on an established foundation.
Assistant Coach Lauren Hess and Assistant Coach Trinity Rade played vital roles in the program’s growth. Hess, an Arizona native, competed at Wheaton College and later completed her degree at Grand Canyon University. She works closely with ACU’s setters and invests in players off court through leadership development. Rade, a former ACU libero who finished her collegiate career in 2024, now coaches defense and serve receive, continuing to pour into the program she once represented as a player.
The season began with a defining moment as five players were baptized in the FRC pool. Though each had accepted Christ at a young age, they chose to publicly rededicate their lives as adults. That decision shaped the team’s identity from the start.
On the court, the Firestorm achieved new milestones. ACU defeated four ranked opponents, secured more conference wins than ever before, and finished second in the GSAC, the highest finish in school history. The team also made its first GSAC playoff appearance.
Individual honors followed. Zuri Reeser and Haley Tedrow earned All-Conference recognition, with Tedrow also receiving All-Region honors. Reeser, a junior college transfer, quickly became one of the conference’s top offensive threats. Tedrow anchored the team with steady leadership throughout the season.
Emmi Jacobus delivered one of the year’s most inspiring performances. After suffering an ACL injury late the previous season, she returned in just eight months, well ahead of the typical recovery timeline. She led the GSAC in blocks, ranked 11th nationally, and earned the Firestorm of Excellence award, recognizing the player who best represents the program and University.
Leadership extended across the roster. Setters Becca Thomson and Shelby Emich guided the offense. Haley Tedrow and Madison Van Wie helped power a conference-leading blocking unit. Freshman Kiah Lerma made an immediate defensive impact, signaling a strong future for the program.
Coach Shelton reflected on the season with gratitude, noting that the team consistently leaned on God in adversity and gave Him glory in success.
This summer, nine players will compete internationally in the Global Challenge, gaining valuable experience in Italy and Croatia. While ACU graduates several key seniors, the program has recruited talented, high-character athletes ready to continue building the culture.
The 2025 season set a new standard for ACU volleyball. The foundation is strong, the culture is clear, and the momentum is real.
