GICC Announces New Volleyball Coaches

Pictured: Trey Salinas and wife Tina Dimmitt-Salinas

GRAND ISLAND - Grand Island Central Catholic has named Trey Salinas (Pronounced Suh-Lee-Nuss) as its new head volleyball coach. Salinas brings with him an associate head coach, Tina Salinas. The Salinas duo will assume their roles at GICC immediately, replacing Sharon Zavala, who announced her retirement in December 2023, after serving as head coach of the Crusaders for 49 seasons. 

"Trey brings an awesome amount of experience to our volleyball program;' Dr Jordan Engle said. "With the retirement of esteemed coach Sharon Zavala, we're pleased to have a great new head coach coming in to take the reins at GICC. We look forward to watching the success of our volleyball program under Trey's leadership!"

After serving as lead women"s volleyball coach at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) since 2015, Trey and his wife Tina relocated to Grand Island in January 2024.

"I find Grand Island Central Catholic to be a unique opportunity to not only invent and develop athletes to be champions but also cultivate and foster an athlete"s relationship with Christ "Trey Salinas explained.

"As I embark on this journey" Salinas continued, "l ain reminded of the illustrious legacy left behind by my predecessor, a legacy that I can only hope to emulate, if only in a fraction," Trey noted that at the heart of the Salinas coaching philosophy lies a commitment to fostering a culture that is both fun and competitive, where every player is empowered to reach their fullest potential. "We believe in running a program that not only competes for championships but also prioritizes the holistic development of each student-athlete under our charge," he said. "Coach Zavala's successes are irreplicable, but I am committed to channeling her spirit of excellence and striving to uplift the standards she has set;" Salinas added.

Salinas"s resume includes more than 10 years of co11egiate DI and Dll experience, as well as four years of professional play. Prior to UIS, Salinas held associate and assistant coaching positions at Belmont Abbey College, Metro State University of Denver, and Bishop Machebeuf High School. Also noteworthy is his experience coaching the USA Volleyball Youth National A2 Team. Trey"s wife, Tina, who will be the associate head coach, has seen her fair share of volleyball courts, as well. The former Ord Chanticleer and All-American Hastings College Bronco field coaching positions at UIS, South Point High School, Bishop Machebeuf High School, and at the club level for Lake Norman Volleyball Club, ColoradoVolleyball Association, and JuggernautVolleyball Club. "I am ecstatic to share this journey with my wife, Tina, whose extensive coaching and playing career is a testament to her passion and dedication to the sport;' Trey stated. "Her wealth of experience, coupled with her commitment to player development, will undoubtedly enrich our coaching staff and benefit our student--
athletes at GICC."

Speaking for both of them, Trey said, "Our background, spanning over a decade of coaching high school, club, and collegiate volleyball including several parochial institutions, has equipped us with a unique perspective and skill set that I believe aligns seamlessly with the values and ethos of Grand Island Central Catholic." GICC Activities Director Bill Gavers is excited to welcome this new coaching staff, not only because of their track record of producing high-level volleyball players across multiple age groups but also because of their belief in the development of the whole person. "Trey and Tina will build relationships to enhance the competitive experience," Gavers commented.