Talladega College Director of Athletics Andre Payne has announced the addition of Shavonna Rhodes as the Assistant Women's Volleyball Coach for the Tornadoes. Rhodes officially joined the Talladega College Athletics staff on July 1, 2026, bringing nearly a decade of collegiate coaching experience and a strong background in leadership, player development, and human resources.
Originally from Ohio, Rhodes enters her ninth year of coaching after most recently serving at Southeastern Community College, where she began as an assistant coach before being promoted to head coach. During her tenure, she helped guide the program to the regional playoffs while the team earned a top-five finish in conference play.
Prior to Southeastern Community College, Rhodes gained valuable coaching experience at Andrew College while also serving as a lead coach for Nike Volleyball Camps and coaching competitive travel volleyball teams. Her diverse coaching background has allowed her to mentor student-athletes at multiple levels while emphasizing both athletic and personal growth.
Away from the court, Rhodes has built an impressive 10-year career as a Human Resources professional, bringing leadership, communication, and organizational skills that complement her coaching philosophy.
Rhodes earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from John Carroll University and is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Training and Development from Cleveland State University. She also holds multiple Human Resources certifications in addition to a Volleyball Coaching certification.
As a player, Rhodes competed as a libero for travel club volleyball teams and continued playing through intramural competition while completing her undergraduate studies.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Rhodes is excited to help elevate the Talladega volleyball program through player development, a competitive culture, and memorable experiences for the student-athletes.
Rhodes' coaching philosophy is rooted in the biblical principle found in Proverbs 27:17: "Iron sharpens iron." Outside of volleyball, Rhodes enjoys traveling and is an avid bowler.
"We're excited to welcome Coach Rhodes to the Talladega College family," Payne said. "She brings a tremendous amount of coaching experience, leadership, and passion for developing student-athletes. Her commitment to excellence and growth aligns perfectly with the vision we have for our volleyball program, and we're looking forward to the impact she'll make on and off the court."
Rhodes joins a Talladega volleyball program that continues to build on a tradition of excellence and is poised to compete for conference championships while pursuing national success.
