GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of North Dakota volleyball coach David Nguyen announced the hiring of Kayla Zelonka as Director of Operations for the Fighting Hawks on Friday afternoon.
"We can't wait to have Kayla in our gym," said Nguyen. "Kayla brings great energy and knowledge for the game. I am looking forward to working with her. She is going to fit right in with the dynamic of our staff."
Zelonka joins UND after spending two seasons as the head volleyball coach at Albright College. In her first season, Zelonka led the Lions to a 17-7 record, good for the most wins by the program since the 2003 season.
"I am very excited to join this program and I appreciate Coach Nguyen and his staff for the opportunity," said Zelonka. "From the beginning, I was drawn to the culture and the direction of this team. I am looking forward to contributing in a meaningful way, from supporting operations, working with the staff and helping provide a great experience for our student-athletes."
A native of Vandergrift, Pa., Zelonka played three years of collegiate volleyball, beginning her career at Penn State Fayette, where she recorded 114 kills and 26 digs across 31 matches and 97 sets in 2019. She then played two seasons at Penn State Berks, where she logged 289 kills, 91 digs and 11 service aces throughout 36 matches and 135 sets. She earned United East Second Team All-Conference honors in 2021 as an opposite hitter.
Along with volleyball, Zelonka played basketball and tennis at Penn State Berks, while participating in basketball, cross country, softball and track & field at Penn State Fayette. Since 2022, Zelonka has also been an athletic performance coach at Berks Elite Training in Wyomissing, Pa., where she has helped youth athletes grow.
Zelonka earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Penn State Berks in 2023, before getting her Master of Arts in Sports Management from Southern New Hampshire University in 2024.
For more information on North Dakota volleyball, follow on social media @UNDvolleyball or visit FightingHawks.com.
