Texas Tech University Athletics
Staff Directory
- Title:
- Assistant Coach
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Head Coach Tony Graystone announced the hiring of Mikayla Ell as an Assistant Coach on his staff on April 7, 2025. Ell previously served as the Director of Volleyball Operations where she was first hired on April 18, 2023.
Ell is entering her third full season with Texas Tech volleyball, and second as a coach. Working primarily with middles and pins, Ell helped Reagan Engler and Addie Kanouff to break out seasons in the 2025 year.
Ell spent the last two season as Director of Volleyball Operations in the fall of 2025. In addition to her operations role, Ell spent the Big 12 portion of the 2024 season as an assistant coach where she worked with hitters and blockers.
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 and its first AMC playoff win in school history. Ell’s team led the AMC in digs per set and finished 3rd in both kills and aces per set. In addition, the Stars collected an impressive team GPA of 3.45. Prior to becoming the head coach, Ell worked with the Stars as their volunteer assistant coach.
Furthermore, Ell has spent a combined eight years as a high school and club coach, as well as a club director. In addition to two podium finishes at USAV GJNC with Missouri Juniors, she has coached for Northern Lights and Next Level volleyball clubs.
A native of Northfield, Minn., Ell graduated summa cum laude in 2019 from St. Olaf College where the MB/OPP was a two-year captain. She earned her master's degree in psychology from the University of Missouri in 2023.
