Lee brings versatile background to Farragut volleyball
The Florida native and Limestone University alumnus has discovered plenty of each in her lifetime, having moved from the United States to Myanmar — formerly Burma — in Asia at just 23 years old.
The lessons she learned as a coach there and in Korea will aid her now, as she has accepted just her second stateside coaching role as the new Farragut High School volleyball coach.
Lee, who began coaching the Farragut Middle School girls basketball team last year, will continue in that role while taking over the helm Andres Alves left vacant in January.
“We’re very excited to have Coach Lee,” FHS athletic director Donald Dodgen said. “She brings a lot of knowledge, and we are looking forward to working with her and seeing how the team comes out. We’re excited to have her as a teacher and a volleyball coach here.”
Now 36, Lee brings eight years of volleyball coaching experience from her time overseas. She has led national teams and middle and high school squads, having established a well-rounded perspective on player development.
“I wanted to get connected more at the high school since I teach here,” she said. “It’s nice to see the players throughout the day and build those relationships. I’ve coached off-campus at other schools, and I feel like I knew those players less.”
She will be adjusting to relatively new rules as FHS plays under TSSAA guidelines as opposed to international rules.
“There are a few different rules there, like landing on the line and the ball could never hit the roof,” Lee said. “There are a few discrepancies but nothing too major.”
Her overseas career began on a short-term mission trip in college, then Lee became a teacher at an international school in Myanmar. After meeting her husband, she followed him to Korea before moving to Knoxville — where much of her family from Florida has since moved — a little more than a year ago.
“There’s definitely a learning curve,” Lee said, “just figuring out what schools are around us.”
As far as the team, she takes over a unit that saw a 59-31 record under Alves with a state tournament run in 2024.
Tryouts will be held at 6 a.m. Monday through Wednesday, June 1-3, in the Farragut gym.
That day and every day going forward, Lee wants to be clear on what her players can expect.
“I don’t know who played last year, and I may do things differently than they’re used to,” she said. “There are things that will be physically difficult or even just early-morning practices. Maybe if it’s not as tough as they think, they will be pleasantly surprised.”
In a way, the transition to a new coach is similar to Lee’s own transition to other cultures throughout her lifetime.
It will take time to learn from one another — but in the end, things will work out.
“I told them I’m going to hold them accountable and that it will be a big learning curve for all of us,” Lee said. “I don’t know what they’re used to in the past or anything about club volleyball here. So it will take time and be uncomfortable for them and me. But we will navigate those waters and, eventually, it will be really fun.”
