Kyra Hissner enters role as Lehigh Volleyball’s New Graduate Assistant Coach

For Kyra Hissner, new volleyball graduate assistant coach, volleyball has always come with a little pressure.

Hissner started playing travel level volleyball at 10 years old. Her interest stemmed from watching her dad coach at the local high school. Kirk Hissner, a health and physical education teacher at the high school, coached volleyball throughout her life.

When playing in high school, Hissner said she felt she had to perform at a higher level to overcome the stereotype of being the coach’s daughter.

During her high school career, she won one state championship with her team and individual All State Honors.

She said these accolades gave her the confidence to succeed at the next level.

Hissner started her collegiate career at Johnson and Wales University, but transferred to Rowan University to continue playing and pursue her passion for physical education, just like her father.

At Rowan, Hissner was part of the 2025 NJAC Coaching Staff of the Year and helped with daily training, planning practices, and recruitment.

Hissner said learning the art of coaching was fulfilling in ways she’d never imagined.

She also said one of the most valuable takeaways from her time at Rowan was learning how to coach athletes with individual learning styles and personalities.

“It’s not just a blueprint,” Hissner said. “Every single person is different, and you need to adjust your coaching style to different people in different ways.”

When looking for a graduate school, Hissner said Lehigh was an easy choice because of its proximity to her hometown and its academic rigor.

Lehigh Assistant Coach Gabe Woffindin said hiring Hissner was an easy decision after meeting her at the American Volleyball Coaches Association Conference.​

Woffindin said he immediately clicked with Hissner, and after listening to her speak about her passion for coaching and volleyball as a whole, he knew she would be the perfect fit for Lehigh’s volleyball program.

Woffindin said Hissner maintains a stable presence for the team, by coordinating meals and travel she has allowed him to focus on recruiting.

“I don’t think it’s super common, especially for someone who’s 23, to come into an environment and not feel super overwhelmed,” Woffindin said. “She may be feeling that, but she hasn’t given that (energy).”

Woffindin said Hissner completes each job in a very organized, clean manner and is also willing to jump into the coaching role.

​​Senior Setter Abby Felkai said her first impression of Hissner was her sitting at the coaching desk with a big smile.

Felkai said it’s been great  to have a coach who just finished her own career and can share relatable knowledge. With the team’s open-door policy, many of the athletes said they find comfort in confiding in someone close to their age.

“Whenever I talk to her, she seems so happy to be there, and it kind of just radiates and makes other people happy,” Felkai said.

Hissner said she’s been talking to her dad throughout the experience. Although he coaches girls volleyball at the high school level, Hissner said it’s rewarding to share what she’s learned with the man who shaped her into the player and coach she is today.

The Mountain Hawks opened their season last weekend with a 3-0 in the Steel Classic. 

Woffindin said having Hissner on the team will be crucial for their continued success this season.

“Behind the scenes, her ability to have logistics handled, and then in the game with strategy, I think she’s going to continue to hopefully allow us to win a Patriot League Championship,” Woffindin said.