Chambana Sun

The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) has announced its Thirty Under 30 coaches for 2024, recognizing Illinois volleyball assistant coach Krista Hendrickson as one of the recipients. Hendrickson joined the Illinois volleyball program in 2022 after a four-year tenure at Indiana. Her impact on the Fighting Illini program has been notable, with outside hitter Raina Terry earning AVCA All-Region honors and All-Big Ten First Team recognition in both 2022 and 2023.

Under Hendrickson's guidance, setter Brooke Mosher was named to the All-Freshman Team while playing out of position as a pin hitter in 2022. Mosher achieved two matches with over 20 kills during league play that season. This year, freshman Laynie Smith has also thrived under Hendrickson's mentorship, achieving 11 kills in her collegiate debut against Cincinnati on August 30. This feat made her the first true freshman to post double-digit kills in their collegiate debut since Jacqueline Quade in 2016. Additionally, Raina Terry continues to excel, having received her first Big Ten Player of the Week award this season.

Hendrickson's coaching experience extends beyond college volleyball. She was an assistant coach for the USA Volleyball Collegiate National Team Japan Tour in 2019 and served on the U.S. Women's Junior National Team coaching staff in 2020. In 2023, she returned as an assistant with USA Volleyball for the Girls U19 NORCECA Pan American Cup.

As a player, Hendrickson—formerly known as Vansant—left a significant mark at Washington University. She became the first Husky to win the AVCA National Player of the Year award in 2013 and earned ESPNW National Player of the Year recognition as a senior in 2014. Her jersey is retired by Washington, and she was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2023.

The AVCA Thirty Under 30 honor was established in 2009 to highlight promising coaches across all levels of volleyball including college, high school, and club settings.