Volleyball Announces Addition of Assistant Coach Kailey McKnight

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – North Florida Volleyball Head Coach Abby Gilleland announced the addition of Assistant Coach Kailey McKnight on Thursday.

"When the opportunity arose to keep Kailey a part of our program, it was an easy decision," Gilleland said. "She was an integral part of this program during her playing career, and I have no doubt that impact will continue in this next phase of her journey. Her leadership, work ethic and understanding of what it takes to succeed here make her a natural fit as she transitions into this role as an Assistant Coach. We're excited to have Kailey continue shaping the culture and contributing to the program's future."

"I'm incredibly grateful to remain a part of this family," McKnight said. "I'm now in a role where I can give back, guide and support these girls the same way others did for me. While coaching is a different perspective, my passion for this program hasn't changed."

McKnight was a key player for North Florida's program from 2021-2025. She ranks eighth all-time in program history in total attacks with 3,005. In her six seasons with the Ospreys, McKnight was named a 2023 and 2025 ASUN Conference All-Tournament Team selection.

McKnight collected 2023 Third Team All-ASUN honors. She was named ASUN Player of the week on Nov. 3, 2025.

As a graduate student in 2025, McKnight surpassed 1,000-career kills at North Alabama on Nov. 2. She notched a career-high 24 kills in her final River City Rumble match against Jacksonville on Oct. 30, 2025.

McKnight's decorated career was highlighted by her junior year in 2023. She ranked second in the ASUN in kills and points and ranked top-five in the conference in aces, attacks and kills per set. To cap off her sensational 2023 campaign, McKnight surpassed career highs with 1,068 attacks, 474 points, 400 kills, 46 aces and 3.28 kills/set.

"I've been part of the North Florida family for the past six years, and this program has shaped me in ways I'll carry for the rest of my life," McKnight said. "It's given me a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be a student-athlete on and off the court. Along the way, I've built lifelong friendships and learned from mentors who have poured so much wisdom into me."

Off the court, McKnight excelled in the classroom and was a five-time ASUN Academic Honor Roll recipient. She was named to the 2025-26 Academic All-ASUN team as a graduate student.

After earning her bachelor's degree from North Florida in 2024, McKnight earned her MBA from UNF in 2026.

Volleyball Announces Addition of Assistant Coach Kailey McKnight

Players Mentioned

Kailey McKnight

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