Herbert Hoover's King honored by AVCA
AVCA Names 2025 Thirty Under 30 Recipients (Press Release)
April 22, 2025 (Lexington, KY) — The American Volleyball Coaches Association is pleased to announce three groups of recipients—College, High School, and Club—of its 2025 Thirty Under 30 Awards.
The Thirty Under 30 program recognizes up-and-coming coaches in different sectors of the sport who serve in a range of roles, from head coach to volunteer assistant to club director. Each of this year’s recipients had to be age 30 or under as of Dec. 31, 2024, to qualify for the award.
College Awards
This year’s list of Thirty Under 30 College Award recipients includes women’s and men’s indoor and beach coaches. These honorees work hard and are passionate about teaching, helping players reach their full potential, and growing the game at the collegiate level.
High School Awards
The AVCA Thirty Under 30 High School Awards shine a light on rising leaders in the sport at the interscholastic level. The AVCA added a separate high school category in 2016, and this year’s group includes coaches from 22 different states.
Club Awards
The Club awards are the latest addition to the AVCA’s Thirty Under 30 honors program, as they made their debut two years ago. The 2024 recipients include rising club volleyball leaders that are passionate about ensuring that the club space continues to fuel growth in youth volleyball and help increase participation numbers.
Career Accomplishments to Date for Ashton King:
• Led team to 2024 AAA State Runner-up finish
• Set school record for wins in a season twice: 49 wins (2024), 42 wins (2022)
• Reached the Final Four in four consecutive seasons: 2021–2024
• Qualified for the state tournament 5 times in the last 7 seasons
• Won 3 Cardinal Conference Championships: 2021, 2023, 2024
• Played a key role in transforming a losing program into a perennial state
tournament contender within 2 seasons
• Accumulated 235 career high school wins
• Coached 5 Herbert Hoover players who went on to compete at the collegiate
level
Coaching Roles:
• Herbert Hoover High School - Assistant Coach (2018-present)
• Putnam Volleyball Club - 12R Head Coach (2021-2024)
• Putnam Volleyball Club - 13R Asst. Coach (2022-2024)
• Elkview Middle School- Head Coach (2021)
• Appalachian Volleyball Academy- 12R Head Coach (2019-2020)
• Appalachian Volleyball Academy 13R Asst. Coach (2018-2020)
• Appalachian Volleyball Academy 14R Head Coach (2020-2021)
What made you decide to get into coaching volleyball?
Growing up as a coach’s kid, I was immersed in the volleyball world from a young age.
In high school, after helping run youth camps with Marshall University and West Virginia
State University, I realized that coaching was my passion. After losing my home in the
2016 WV floods, I felt a deep connection to the Herbert Hoover community that
supported me during one of the hardest times in my life. Returning to coach here
became my way of giving back — to invest my knowledge in the same community that
once lifted me up.
What are your career goals in the sport?
I want to continue to grow the game of volleyball and spread my love for the sport. My
long-term goal is to build a career in coaching at the collegiate level. I have a strong
interest in volleyball analytics and statistics, and I’m passionate about using data-driven
insights to elevate team performance. I’m also a firm believer in continuous learning and
coaching education, and I’m committed to consistently developing and refining my craft
to be the best coach I can be.
Which coaches have influenced you the most?
My mom, Anita King, has been my greatest coaching influence—her ability to lead and
rebuild programs taught me the importance of culture, leadership, and relationships.
Shannon Gerencir, head coach at (West Virginia State University), has always been a mentor whose support
and example have guided my coaching path. Former Marshall coaches, Mitch Jacobs
and Taylor Strickland Chambers, deeply shaped my volleyball knowledge and passion
during my playing years. Todd Higginbottam and Paul Claridades, club directors, who
gave me my first coaching opportunities in club volleyball, helping me find my voice a
grow as a young coach early in my career.
What do you enjoy most about your coaching job?
What I love most about coaching is the opportunity to share my passion and knowledge
of volleyball with the next generation. I especially enjoy working with beginners and
celebrating small victories—like getting a serve over the net or learning a new skill. I find
fulfillment in helping high school players refine their technique and volleyball IQ,
watching their growth translate to confidence on the court. I embrace the ever-evolving
nature of the game, which challenges me to grow alongside my athletes. Most
importantly, I cherish the relationships I’ve built—with players, families, coaches, and
officials. Those connections are why I coach.
Ashton King posted the following statement on her Facebook page.
"Thank you American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) for this incredible honor. I’m truly humbled to receive this award, and I want to begin by thanking the athletes—past and present—who’ve inspired me every single day. Your dedication, heart, and resilience are the reasons I do what I do, and I’m proud to be part of your journey."
"To the families who trust me to coach and guide their kids—thank you for your support, your sacrifices, and allowing your daughter to be a part of this program."
"To my fellow coaches and mentors, thank you for the profound impact you’ve had on my coaching journey. I’ve learned so much from your passion, wisdom, and camaraderie."
"And to my own family—thank you for your unwavering love and patience. Coaching can be demanding, but your support has been my rock."
"This award is not just a reflection of my work—it’s a reflection of the Herbert Hoover Volleyball program. I’m a proud product of Herbert Hoover Volleyball and the Elk River. I’m grateful that this award brings recognition to our community and the incredible volleyball program that shaped me. Thank you all."
