Boyd brings passion, vision to Tigers volleyball

EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District announced Tuesday in a press release that McKaidan Boyd has been selected as the new head coach for the Ephrata High School volleyball program. After a few days to process the announcement, Boyd expressed gratitude for the opportunity.  

“I'm so excited,” Boyd said. “I'm so thankful for the opportunity. I got the call on Friday, actually, and it was a pretty competitive interviewing process, and I'm just so thankful they resonated with me, and vice versa. I'm beyond excited and thankful for the opportunity.” 

A native to Washington, Boyd put together a strong volleyball career at Chiawana High School before receiving an athletic scholarship to play for the University of West Alabama. She emphasizes those experiences as key moments in her life that prepared her for this opportunity.  

“I'm so thankful for my coaches that I had in high school,” she said. “It was Jim Steach and Elena Peterson; they really set the tone for who I was as an individual. They built me up with all the skills that I needed to not only on the floor but on a personal level as well.” 

Boyd said she knew from a young age that she would go to college for volleyball and eventually head into coaching,” she said. “Now she gets her first coaching gig with the Tigers volleyball program, and she is fueled by her love for the game.”  

“My main intention with the girls is just to do what my coaches have done for me in the past. They taught me all the skills that I needed to be a successful adult,” Boyd said.  

She hopes to take the foundation laid by her predecessor Britney MacLeod and build on it, Boyd said. While originally from Chiawana, she is no stranger to the Ephrata community.  

“I've had my mom (and) my sisters, they're alumni from Ephrata High School, and this is the hometown that a lot of my family grew up in,” she said. “It was really near and dear in my heart, and I really just wanted to support this community.” 

In a press release by ESD, Athletic Director Bryan Johnson elaborated on why Boyd was the right choice out of a competitive pool of candidates.  

“McKaidan demonstrated a strong understanding of the game, excellent communication skills and a clear vision for building a positive and competitive program,” said Johnson. “Throughout the interview process, she stood out for her ability to connect with student-athletes and create an environment focused on growth, teamwork and success.” 

Boyd described an opportunity to simulate a practice with the players as part of her interview process. An experience she feels gave her confidence in the potential at EHS.  

“Essentially, I ran six drills with the girls, just to challenge them, see how we communicate, run them through a couple different skill level sets, like serve outside hitter,” Boyd said. “There was about 12 girls there, and we were able to build really good chemistry, really good connection overall. I think I got some good positive feedback from them too.”  

Though still far out, Boyd has high hopes for year one as the head coach. She noted a lot of last seasons roster had many seniors, which likely leaves them with a younger roster this upcoming season. However, she sees an opportunity in that.  

“I'm excited to build with those younger generations, specifically this year and the next year,” she said. “I'm just going to tighten up our footwork, and then really educate on a high level of volleyball IQ. I believe the game is 75% knowledge, and the rest is just able to show up, and I can see all those girls are willing to do that, so I just couldn't see any other road, but success for us next year.” 

Boyd said she is eager to see the community turn out next season and support the team as they embark on this transition period in the program. 

    McKaidan Boyd (2) leaps into the air to spike the ball during a game while she was at the University of West Alabama.
  

    Jumping to spike the ball is McKaidan Boyd (2) while she played for the University of West Alabama. Boyd said her coaches in high school and in college helped shape her as a player and person.
  

    The University of West Alabama volleyball team rallies around McKaidan Boyd (2) during a prior game.