Meet Zshanelle Jones | Head Volleyball Coach & Mentor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zshanelle Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zshanelle, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I endured quite a bit in my childhood and upbringing, but those challenges shaped me into who I am today. I’ve always been a hard worker, prioritizing the long-term goal of creating a family and a home. Along the way, I’ve taken many gambles on myself—often stepping into rooms I wasn’t technically “qualified” to be in. Yet every time, God has shown me that He had a purpose for me in those spaces.

I’ve been coaching for over 10 years, but my journey started after my own playing career ended due to multiple fractures in both shins. I fell in love with volleyball in high school, and while I couldn’t continue playing in college, I found myself stepping into coaching at Sam Houston State, where I became president of the NCVF club volleyball team. At the time, I wasn’t fully prepared or even mentally ready for all that role required, but I walked away knowing that coaching was a passion—and that I needed growth to become truly successful.

From there, I sought out environments and mentors who could help shape not just the coach, but also the person I wanted to be. I joined the Upward Stars program (now Houston Stars Volleyball), and eventually helped expand the Katy Stars Volleyball Club. Over the years, I’ve coached for Gold Medal Squared, traveling over all over the US to lead camps, and I’ve been a part of college camps at Baylor, Rice, and more. I currently serve as the 8th Grade All-State Head Coach, Junior Director of the Private School Division for the Greater Houston Volleyball Coaches Association, and Program Director for Katy Stars—where I’ve been part of the administrative team for more than six years.

I’ve coached both boys and girls, taken programs from winless seasons to second in state, and led teams to Nationals for two years. Beyond the wins, what I treasure most is the chance to mentor athletes and young coaches. That passion was born out of risk—risking stepping into a new role after injury, risking growth when I didn’t feel ready, and risking walking into spaces where I had to rely on faith more than credentials.

Looking back, every risk has brought me to where I am now. Coaching, leading, and mentoring isn’t just my career—it’s my calling, and I feel blessed to have said “yes” to the risks that opened those doors.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Head Coach High School, All State, Club. I am on the board of the Greater Houston volleyball Coach Association. I am Program director of Katy Stars

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a gym rat so the gym. The Herman Park. And all things food

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Freya Trimmer my mother
Leon Blazer Executive director & Preston Smith Director Katy Stars
Norman Meadors JR My fiance
Lauren Peltier My best friend

Instagram: @coachzshanelle

Image Credits
no credit