NEW ORLEANS – Assistant beach volleyball coach Jade Hayes was named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Thirty Under 30 Beach list on Wednesday. The award was created in 2021 to honor up-and-coming beach coaching talent at all levels of the sport. These rising stars are hard-working and passionate about teaching, and they demonstrate dedication to the fast-growing sport of beach volleyball.

“Very excited for Jade on this fantastic recognition of her hard work, dedication, creativity, and the positive impact she has had on our young team,” head coach Eyal Zimet said. “She has a bright future as a leader and a coach. Very well earned!”

Haye’s has made an immediate impact in her first season with the team. When asked what made her decide to be a college coach, she said it is due to the wonderful impact the great coaches had on her and to help narrow down the number of coaches out there that only see athletes for what they do/ how they do. “I want young women to know their worth, that they are valued, and cherished, as people, and not just as athletes,” Hayes said. “Most importantly for their character–in which she holds dear– on and off the court.”

Hayes loves serving with a club on campus called Athletes in Action, this club is a space where student-athletes get to grow spiritually, her goal is to help the WHOLE athlete, not just help the athlete be more physical or mentally tough, but she wants her athletes to be the best versions of themselves spiritually as well, by the time they leave her office in four years. She wants to help shape leaders and mentors of the next generation.

“I am so very grateful to coach Eyal Zimet & Tulane for helping me grow this season as a person and a coach,” Hayes said. “I wouldn’t have gotten this award without Coach EZ’s mentorship and guidance.”