Volleyball coach Coleman Lee achieved a remarkable feat last season at Central Methodist University, leading his women’s team to win the conference regular season championship for the first time in two decades.
Lee, known for his modesty, attributes the success to his players, giving them full credit for their hard work and dedication. "Winning the regular season and earning another ring has been a testament to the immense effort these girls put in throughout the season," Lee remarked.
Central Methodist, an NAIA Division I institution in Missouri, finished the season with an impressive 26-8 record, claiming the Heart of America regular season title for the first time since 2004. Although the Eagles narrowly missed the tournament title in a five-set match, they earned a spot in the national tournament, where they competed valiantly in the first round.
An Inclusive Coaching Environment
In 2019, Lee publicly came out as gay alongside Garret Case, his then-husband and fellow volleyball coach. Although the couple has since divorced, Lee cherishes their enduring friendship. "We remain best friends and are still very much involved in each other's lives," he shared.
Lee attributes part of his success to the inclusive and supportive environment at Central Methodist University. He commends the staff, administration, and team for their unwavering support. "I've never been treated any differently for who I am," Lee stated. As a man of faith, Lee has seamlessly integrated his faith with his sexuality, drawing strength from both. His journey from Raymondville, Missouri, a town of just 475 people, has shaped his humble approach to life and coaching.
Reflecting on his coming out experience, Lee recounted the challenges he faced after losing his father in 2007, which was the "most difficult time" of his life. Yet, he persevered, believing that "God still had a purpose for [him] even... without the man who taught [him] everything about life." Lee's faith remains unshaken, reinforcing his resilience in the face of adversity.
Creating a Legacy of Excellence
Since taking the helm at Central Methodist, Lee has built a legacy of excellence, securing a conference title in 2019 and maintaining an impressive 120-40 overall record. Under his guidance, the university has participated in six consecutive NAIA National Tournaments and reached the Heart Tournament Championship five times.
Lee's players have thrived, with 35 athletes earning Heart All-Conference honors, six being named Heart Players of the Year, and numerous others receiving AVCA All-Region selections and All-American accolades. Last season alone, 14 players achieved NAIA scholar-athlete distinctions for their exceptional performance both on the court and in the classroom.
Beyond his university duties, Lee dedicates his time to coaching a traveling volleyball club, sharing his passion for the sport and fostering a community-first mindset. "Delivering the love of the game and providing kids of all backgrounds with a positive experience is something I hold dear," Lee emphasized.
A Commitment to Community and Growth
Lee's commitment to creating a positive and inclusive environment extends beyond volleyball. He remains dedicated to nurturing a supportive atmosphere where athletes can flourish, regardless of their background. "There was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to coach and teach," Lee explained, "but more importantly, I wanted to be part of providing kids with a positive experience in life."
Colby Grey, a freelance writer covering sports, travel, lifestyle, and politics, shared Lee's inspiring story. Grey, who played college tennis for UC Santa Cruz, also opened up about his own coming out journey in 2019.
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