Mays Named New Volleyball Head Coach At James Clemens- “My Calling In Life”
MADISON- Traveling the world is one of Shelby-Grace Mays’ fondest times of her life hitting Europe and other locales across the globe with many of those stops part of mission trips for her role in being extremely spiritual through church. The 25-year old is set for a quality landing at James Clemens as she will take on the challenge of being the head coach of the Jets’ volleyball program.
“I’m looking forward to joining the family that’s part of James Clemens athletics as I feel coaching young student-athletes is my calling in life,” said Mays.
Mays makes a stop at James Clemens to fill the coaching slot left open after Amanda Wood chose to leave the Jets’ program after 10 seasons and 254 victories for a similar position at Hoover.
Since 2019 Mays has been the head coach at Jackson Preparatory School located in Flowood, Miss. She taught Psychology, was a FCA school leader and was the strength and conditioning coach for girl’s athletics. She earned her degree in Physical Education at Mississippi College where she was a team captain for the school’s volleyball program and is ranked among the career top 10 in kills.
Born and raised in nearby Arab, Mays has always been in athletics as she played basketball, golf and volleyball and was known as one of the best athletes in her neighborhood. Once deciding on volleyball for her sport of focus, she was a club volleyball player year round and was team captain in her sophomore, junior and season seasons in high school. She earned Most Valuable Player honor as a senior in the County Tournament where she played outside hitter. Once completing her high school play she entertained several college scholarship offers before deciding to play in the prestigious Gulf South Conference for Mississippi College.
“I decided early in college while in sports ministry my passion for high school girls athletics is what I wanted to do,” Mays. “I want to see their passion come out for sports and I want them to be competitive much like I am. I hate to lose more than I like to win.”
Mays believes in teaching the fundamentals of the game and if those are instilled in the players she believes the players will gain the passion to succeed.
Mays will be the first to say her athletics prowess on the court has not always been a bed of roses. She suffered a knee surgery at the end of her junior season and she tore both labrums of her hips where she underwent surgeries for repair.
A spiritual way of life is an important aspect of Mays’ life. She has been a part of a very close-knit family, which she indicates will attend as many of her matches as possible this fall. She continues to live in her hometown with her five-year dog, Charlie, a golden retriever, but will make the permanent move to Madison at the conclusion of the current school year.
“I’ll be with my players as a coach that cares about her players,” said Mays. “They need the support and love just as much as anyone else.”
