USM hires Tristyn Sells as an assistant volleyball coach

Story from USM Athletics:
HATTIESBURG, Miss.–Head coach Jenny Hazelwood announced the addition of Tristyn Sells as an assistant coach for the Southern Miss Volleyball program.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have Tristyn Sells joining the Southern Miss Volleyball program. Her experience as a player and coach will add so much to the continued growth of this program,” Hazelwood said. “Tristyn is a great teacher of the game and has already made a positive impact in our gym.”

Sells, a Littleton, Colo. native, joins Southern Miss from Mississippi College, where she had served as the Choctaws’ assistant coach since 2021. In 2022, Sells helped lead Mississippi College to a 23-7 standing, the most wins in a single season in program history and highest winning percentage for the program since 1994. The Choctaws also earned its first regional ranking in program history.

Prior to coaching, Sells enjoyed a decorated volleyball career, starting at Palm Beach State College from 2014-2015. Sells earned First Team All-Conference honors and was recognized as Second Team All-State and a First Team All-State Tournament honoree in 2015, along with being named to the NJCAA All-Academic Team.

Sells finished her collegiate playing career as a two-year starter at Valdosta State University and then played overseas from 2019-2020 for As Valle de la Sauer in Walbourg, France as a starting outside hitter.

Sells began her coaching career at her alma mater, Valdosta State, as a student assistant coach. After serving as a strength and conditioning intern at Barry University in 2019, Sells continued coaching as an assistant for the Seminaire de Jeunes High School volleyball team in Walbourg. Sells has also gained three years of experience coaching club volleyball teams, including ASVS in Woerth, France.

Outside of coaching, Sells served as a part-time assistant for athletic compliance during her time at Mississippi College, where she graduated with a master of science in athletic administration.