3A North volleyball sees coaching changes for 2025 season

Posted by Quentin Jodie | Aug 19, 2025 | Volleyball |

WINDOW ROCK

Some new, yet familiar faces, will lead a handful of volleyball programs in the 3A North Region this year.

Two coaches were hired during the offseason with first-year coach Kristen Balcerek (nee Becenti) taking over the Tuba City volleyball team.

In Chinle, Kyron White, who previously coached at New Mexico’s Thoreau High School, takes over the helms.

Special to the Times | Reginald Chee
The Monument Valley Mustangs celebrate after winning a point during last year’s Arizona 3A state playoff game against Queen Creek Benjamin Franklin in this file photo. MV is seeking to win the program’s 10th state crown under longtime coach Rennell Gilmore.

Meanwhile, Ganado, Monument Valley, Page and Window Rock retained their coaches from last season under the tutelage of Jerome Burns, Rennell Gilmore, Misty Smith and Ashley Mitchell.

Balcerek, who was hired in the spring, is an alumnus of Tuba City, having won a state title during her senior season in 2012.

“I’m really excited for the season, but I’m more excited for this team,” Balcerek said. “The kids are working hard, and I see a lot of potential in them. I want to try and help them out and get them to where I know that they can be.

“We just have to work together and put the pieces together,” she continued. “I feel like it’s going to be a good year for us, so I’m excited.”

White is equally excited about being named the head coach at Chinle, but due to his late hire in August the Lady Wildcats did not have a summer volleyball program.

“I’m from this community, and it’s nice to have a full circle moment and come home,” White said. “I’m looking forward to working with these girls. We’re still trying to build a relationship with each other, but I’m seeing a lot of good energy from them.”

Special to the Times | Reginald Chee
Window Rock’s Mia Stefaniak serves the ball during the Arizona 3A state playoff game against Chandler Valley Christian in this file photo last November. The Lady Scouts return a veteran squad under head coach Ashley Mitchell.

At Monument Valley, the Mustangs are seeking the program’s 10th state crown. The last state title came in 2014 in Gilmore’s first year as the head coach.

“The expectations every year is for us to win,” said Gilmore, who starts her 12th season. “Everybody is looking to win a state title and that’s our goal every year and we take pride in that.

“A lot of teams have expressed that desire, but we take it to heart,” she added.

At Window Rock, Mitchell returns a seasoned team that finished second to Monument Valley in the 3A North Region last season. The Lady Scouts, however, did steal a win over the Mustangs during the regional tournament in a four-set win.

“I think that win opened their eyes,” Mitchell said of her squad that made the 16-team 3A state bracket last season. “It showed them what their capable of and just how talented they are.”

For a more in-depth story pick up Thursday’s Navajo Times.

Get instant access to this story by purchasing one of our many e-edition subscriptions HERE at our Navajo Times Store.