MIKAYA ELL | ASSISTANT COACH

"I'm very happy to introduce Mikayla Ell as our newest Director of Operations," Graystone said. "While getting to know Mikayla, it's clear that her values, drive and goals match with Red Raider Volleyball, and she's going to be a tremendous addition to our program."

Ell comes from Stephens College in Columbia, Mo., where she was named the head volleyball coach for the 2022 season. During this time, Ell led the Stars to a record-setting year as the team posted its highest winning percentage (.548), its first conference playoff win and its first-ever winning season in school history.  

In addition, the Stars collected an impressive team GPA of 3.45 while having a graduation rate of 100 percent. As the head coach, Ell was responsible for recruiting, scheduling practices and matches, budgeting, travel and much more. 

Prior to becoming the head coach, Ell worked with the Stars as their volunteer assistant coach beginning in August 2021. She was also a former two-time volleyball captain for St. Olaf College before transitioning to a student coach in 2018 after suffering a season-ending injury at the beginning of the year. 

In July 2020, Ell began coaching club volleyball for the Missouri Juniors. Ell has helped the team to three nationals appearances, a third-place 16 Liberty finish at the 2022 USAV Nationals and a Bronze Championship 15 American at the 2021 USAV Nationals. Furthermore, Ell has coaching experience in Minnesota for the club team, Northern Lights, and Bethlehem Academy High School as well as for Hallsville High School in Missouri. 

A native of Northfield, Minn., Ell received her bachelor's degree in psychology in 2019 from St. Olaf College before graduating with her master's degree in developmental psychology from the University of Missouri in May 2023.