The University of Alabama volleyball program has announced the addition of Ray Lewis as its new assistant coach, rounding out head coach Rashinda Reed’s coaching staff. Lewis joins the Crimson Tide after a distinguished tenure at Merrimack College, where he served as the Director of Volleyball for the men’s team. His appointment marks a significant step in Alabama’s commitment to enhancing its volleyball program.
Lewis’s coaching career is marked by a series of accomplishments that demonstrate his ability to build and lead successful volleyball programs. At Merrimack College, he was tasked with establishing a men’s volleyball program from the ground up. Under his leadership, the Warriors achieved a 16-6 record in the spring of 2025, culminating in a six-match win streak to end the season. Prior to his time at Merrimack, Lewis served as the head coach for both the men’s and women’s volleyball teams at Central State University. There, he led the men’s team to a regular-season and tournament title in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) and was named the 2021 SIAC Coach of the Year for the women’s team.
One of Lewis’s most notable achievements came during his tenure at Benedictine University in Mesa, Arizona. In 2019, he guided the men’s volleyball team to an NAIA National Championship, finishing the season with a 26-4 record. His leadership earned him NAIA Coach of the Year honors that year. Over his three seasons at Benedictine, his teams compiled a 62-20 record, produced six NAIA All-Americans, and secured multiple conference and individual accolades.
Before transitioning to collegiate coaching, Lewis made significant impacts at the high school and club levels. As the head coach at Legacy High School in Las Vegas, he led the program to back-to-back state titles in 2014 and 2015. Additionally, he served as the club director for Vegas Xtreme Volleyball Club from 2011 to 2015. These experiences provided him with a comprehensive understanding of player development across various levels of competition.
Lewis’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to bolster the Alabama volleyball program’s competitiveness in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). His extensive coaching experience and proven track record of success are expected to contribute to the development of the team’s athletes both on and off the court. Head coach Rashinda Reed expressed enthusiasm about the addition, noting that Lewis’s background aligns with the program’s goals of excellence and growth.
With the addition of Ray Lewis, Alabama volleyball aims to continue its upward trajectory in the SEC, leveraging his expertise to foster a culture of success and achievement within the program.
