New Carmel Head Volleyball Coach Talks Goals, Excitement For First Season
Photographer / Ron Wise
Volleyball has always been an important part of Kristine Deem’s life. And now, she is the new Head Coach for Carmel’s girls’ volleyball team.
Deem was officially named as the head coach on May 1.
“I was extremely excited to become part of the program, as well as the community,” Deem says.
Deem is a Roncalli High School alum and was part of the 1998 Volleyball State Championship team. She also played the sport in college while attending the University of Southern Indiana. In college, Deem was a team captain and three-year starter. She helped lead USI to a GLVC Championship and two GLVC Tournament championships.
Currently, she resides in Speedway with her husband, Jay, and two dogs.
According to Deem, volleyball is a significant part of her life. Over the last 20 years, she has coached volleyball at various levels and has loved them all.
Prior to Carmel, she served as a volleyball strength and conditioning coach and focused on defense and setter training at Saint Joseph’s College. She has also coached for Circle City Volleyball for 10 years, leading teams to qualify for the USAV Nationals along the way.
“I was fortunate to be part of successful programs as a player (Roncalli & USI) and transitioned to coaching once my playing years were done,” Deem says. “I’ve coached at numerous levels along the way between middle school, high school (Evansville Reitz, Zionsville), club, and college (IUPUI & Saint Joseph’s College).”
Deem, or “Wheels” as she is known by family, friends and players from a long-time nickname taken from her maiden name Wheeler, says she is very excited to coach the CHS girls in the upcoming season.
“I think we have a lot of talent in the gym,” she says. “We just started summer workouts and they are already showing great work ethic to prepare for the regular season.”
As the new Head Coach for the CHS girl’s volleyball team, Deem has set several goals for herself that she hopes to achieve in the upcoming season.
“It’s my goal to unify the program and have all of our girls understand how much of an honor it is to wear that jersey and represent their school and their community,” Deem says. “We will be one of the hardest working programs out there, building character and skill while seeking success on the court.”
Deem adds she would like to thank Athletic Director Jim Inskeep and Principal Thomas Harmas for giving her the opportunity to lead these young ladies that are part of the volleyball program.
