Ms. Shelby Grace Mays is the new JV and varsity volleyball coach at Jackson Prep. Ms. Mays grew up in Arab, Alabama, which is thirty minutes south of Huntsville. She later attended Mississippi College, graduating last May. Majoring in PE and Health, Mays was looking for a full time job that included coaching volleyball.

She interviewed at Prep after looking at a few other places for the position of head volleyball coach. After the interview, Mays was asked to accept, and she did. She said it “felt right” and that she “had peace” about the opportunity. Her job includes supervising three different study halls during the week. She also works in the office during the school day. 

One of her favorite things about working at Jackson Prep has been the care she has received from so many of the other coaches, teachers, and workers. Coach Mays says that she truly feels at home and loves the atmosphere of the Prep family. Since she’s a new teacher, Mays’ mentor at Jackson Prep is Ms. Mary Claire Nix, who she loves and adores already. Even on her first day, Mays said she felt very accepted and welcomed, and that the Lord had led her to Prep. 

Coach Mays main hobby is volleyball; she played in highschool and college as an outside hitter and defensive specialist. Another hobby of Mays is doing anything outdoors. Coach Mays attends First Baptist Jackson and works with a college group there.