Ashlyn Roberts

St. Michael is pleased to announce that Ashlyn Roberts will be its next volleyball coach, following the decision of the program’s founder, Melissa Williams, to return to elementary school teaching next year. She will also teach Weightlifting and Conditioning as a full time Physical Education teacher. 

Roberts comes to St. Michael after a distinguished playing career. She played for four years at the University of South Alabama, where she led the team in assists and digs, finishing with over 1,000 of each, one of only ten to do so in the history of the Jaguar program. Prior to her college career, she was a three time state champion in high school, coached by her mother, a well respected Florida high school coach of many years. She’s also played on Team Florida National Select Team and the Team Florida International Youth Team. She was named a Small School All-American in 2015.

After graduating from South Alabama, Roberts has assistant coached at two high schools, Florida State University School in Tallahassee, FL, and most recently, at Gulf Shores High School. At University School, she was also the team’s strength and conditioning coach. She’s been a head coach in club ball in two leagues for a variety of ages. 

“I am excited about Coach Roberts taking over our volleyball program,” says St. Michael athletic director, Paul Knapstein.  “She is stepping into a great situation here at St. Michael.  Our program has grown leaps and bounds under the guidance of Coach Missy Williams.  Coach Williams led our squad to back to back state tournament appearances.  I am eternally grateful to Coach Williams for the program she has built.” 

“Coach Roberts is already making plans for spring evaluations, summer camps, & starting a club program for our Catholic partner school students,” Knapstein continues.  “Her passion for volleyball is contagious!  Throughout this process I met with several highly qualified candidates.  Coach Roberts' drive & commitment to training, both on the court & in the field house, set her apart from the other candidates.  I cannot wait to see how our team moves forward under Coach Roberts' leadership.”

Roberts is eager to get things rolling: "I am so excited to start this next chapter of my life as a Cardinal! I am eager to cultivate a new legacy at St. Michael and to lead these young women into reaching their fullest potential on and off the court. Thank you to Mr. Weber and Coach Knapstein for entrusting me with this new role."

“We believe Miss Roberts is the right fit for us,” principal Faustin Weber adds. “She’s young, but when I interviewed her and talked through situations, I was deeply impressed by her wisdom, no doubt a result of her playing experience, but also growing up as a daughter of a long time, successful high school coach. We also believe her degree in Exercise Science, Health and Fitness will be a blessing not just for our volleyball team, but all of women’s athletics here, as she will be teaching weights and conditioning to our girls throughout the school day. Finally, she is a young woman who takes her Christian faith very seriously. Both Paul and I believe she will be an excellent example for our students.“