BOX ELDER — The Douglas High School volleyball team will be under new leadership during the 2026 season. Keeley Anderson was named head coach of the Patriots. Anderson is transitioning from Newcastle, Wyo., this summer.
“Keeley is going to bring a strong vision for the program and help establish a clear identity of what it means to be a member of the volleyball program,” DHS Athletic Director Josh Haaland said. “I look forward to her leading our student-athletes and her coaching staff toward continued success here at Douglas.”
Born and raised in Newcastle, Wyo., Anderson worked in the Weston County School District for the past 10 years in a variety of roles, but primarily as an at-risk and recovery coach. She earned her bachelor’s degree in middle school mathematics in May and will be receiving a middle school science endorsement to teach seventh-grade life science at Douglas Middle School this fall. Anderson has been married for seven years and has two daughters.
Anderson has played volleyball since her elementary years with an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team. By middle school, she was playing in both fall and spring leagues.
“I was pretty small until my sophomore year, but I worked hard to overcome and improve defensively so I could still be an asset to my team,” Anderson said. “I really enjoyed seeing my dedication and efforts shine through each year, which has always reinforced my mentality that hard work and commitment beat natural talent when talent fails to work hard.”
That dedication and effort, experienced firsthand, will be part of what she brings to the Patriot program.
Anderson began coaching in Newcastle in 2017. High participation numbers in the volleyball program led to a fourth team, so Anderson worked with a group of girls focused on building skills and keeping students involved in the program. The next year, she coached the Doggies ninth-grade team and followed those athletes through their junior varsity and varsity seasons. She was named head coach in Newcastle in 2020. Additionally, Anderson has coached AAU volleyball in the spring for a number of years.
Aside from extensive coaching experience, Anderson brings a desire to build a team that is kind, hard-working and resilient.
Anderson said great programs consist of upperclassmen who set positive examples for their teammates.
“They lead by example just as much as the coaches,” she said. “I want one big team that shows up and supports each other in every aspect rather than four groups of girls who play a sport for the same school.”
“How we choose to face challenges and support others in whatever role we may find ourselves in is important,” Anderson added. “Yes, I want to win games, but more importantly I want to help my players grow into good people with skills that will take them farther than high school volleyball.”
Those qualities, she hopes, will extend beyond the court. Anderson said she would like the team to give back to the Box Elder community by volunteering or organizing fundraisers for community programs.
“I’d like them to understand that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference,” she said.
She also wants the community to come out and show their Patriot pride.
“Be loud and enthusiastic. The energy within the gym can absolutely help win games,” Anderson said.
Like any coach, Anderson hopes to win games, but defines a successful season as one in which players and coaches feel fulfilled with how the season went, regardless of record.
Anderson is gearing up for open gyms and Patriot Power in June and July. The team will also host a Little Patriot Camp, a fundraiser, June 6. The team will attend additional volleyball camps throughout the summer.
“I’ve already heard great things about this group of girls, and I’m excited to see it for myself,” Anderson said. “I hope the community will see a positive impact from the influence they have on those around them through their attitudes, work ethic and perseverance both on and off the court.”
