Episode Details

United 16 Black coach Aija Abele shares the story behind how she found her way into coaching - and it wasn’t something she originally planned.

Aija grew up in a Latvian-American household, spending her early years moving between countries before eventually landing in North Alabama. She reflects on how those experiences shaped her identity, her perspective on learning, and the way she now approaches leadership.

We also dive into her volleyball journey - from playing at Bob Jones High School to competing in college club volleyball at the University of Alabama. What began as a leadership role on her college team eventually turned into her first real experience navigating the responsibilities of coaching.

Aija also shares the moment that nudged her toward the sideline - a simple question during an adult open gym that forced her to reconsider what her next chapter in volleyball might look like.

In this episode we talk about:

• Growing up between cultures as a Latvian-American

• Moving internationally before settling in North Alabama

• Her playing career and college club volleyball experience

• The unexpected leadership lessons from running a college club team

• Finding community through volleyball after college

• The conversation that ultimately led her to coaching

In Part 2, we shift the conversation toward the realities of coaching - from managing pressure and team dynamics to building culture and helping athletes grow both on and off the court.