University of the Incarnate Word Women's Volleyball

Gabryel “Gabby” Ording was named the Head Women’s Volleyball Coach at the University of the Incarnate Word in January 2023, becoming the eighth head coach in program history. She joined UIW after spending three seasons as Associate Head Coach at Southland Conference foe Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU). In her first season leading the Cardinals, Ording guided the team to a 15-16 overall record—the most wins in a single season since the program transitioned to Division I in 2013. She built on that success in her second year, setting new program records across the board. In 2024, UIW finished with a 17-11 overall record and a 9-7 mark in Southland Conference play, both single-season highs. Under her leadership, the Cardinals advanced to the semifinals of the Southland Conference Tournament for the first time since 2021. Ording also played a pivotal role in the development of freshman setter and team co-captain, Calissa Allison. Allison appeared in 27 matches, playing the fourth-most sets on the team (103). She led UIW in kills (276) and service aces (24), ranked second in assists (494) and digs (299), and added 33 blocks. Highlights of her standout freshman campaign included: A season-high 20 kills vs. UTRGV in the SLC Tournament quarterfinals 31 assists vs. Abilene Christian (Sept. 6) 18 digs vs. UTSA (Sept. 7) Allison was named MVP of the UTSA Invitational, earned SLC Setter of the Week honors, and set both the UIW and Southland Conference single-season records for triple-doubles (11). She recorded the second-most triple-doubles by a freshman in NCAA history and capped the year as a First Team All-Southland Conference selection. Before arriving at UIW, Ording was instrumental in SLU’s rise to prominence. She helped lead the Lions to two of their winningest seasons since 2002 and guided them to their first Southland Conference Championship and NCAA Tournament berth. She also recruited and developed several standout student-athletes, including 2021 Freshman All-Southland selection and AVCA South Region Player of the Year, Cicily Hidalgo. Prior to her time at SLU, Ording served as an assistant coach at her alma mater, Louisiana Tech University, where she spent seven years overseeing strength and conditioning programs, nutrition plans, and practice itineraries. As a student-athlete at Louisiana Tech (2008–2012), Ording excelled as a middle and right-side hitter. She helped the Bulldogs achieve their most conference wins since 2002 and compete in four consecutive Western Athletic Conference Tournaments.

Rachel Williams will enter her first season with University of the Incarnate Word in 2024-2025. Rachel was born in Parker, Arizona, but having grown up in Southern California, considers herself a California native. Growing up she played softball, soccer, ran track and was active in music, but in high school, finally found her passion for volleyball. She played club at Rancho Valley Volleyball Club and was recruited to the University of Arizona as a four-year starting defensive player, from 1999-2002. Rachel was a part of Arizona’s dominant run, winning the Pac-10 Championship and advancing to the NCAA Final Four in 2001. During her time on the team, the Wildcats rose from a top 40 team to being the 3rd best team in the nation. Additionally, Rachel competed for Arizona during their best finishes in school history: 1999 - Sweet 16 2000 - Elite 8 2001 - Final Four Participant, Pac-10 Champion 2002 - Elite 8 Rachel has been coaching for nearly two decades at the youth, junior and collegiate levels. She has Coached and Directed at various Clubs in California, Oregon, Kansas and Arizona. She’s even Coached Internationally in Holland (‘08) and Austria (‘09). In 2015 she joined the Division I College Coaching ranks as an Assistant Coach at Northern Arizona University and over the next 5 years would make large impacts at Louisiana Tech and Portland State as well. Rachel earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication / Marketing from the University of Arizona in May 2003 and earned her Master’s Degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University-Irvine in June 2010. She is married with two children.

Shelby Welch joined UIW in 2023 for her first year as an assistant coach after spending time in the club volleyball circuit. Before UIW, Cox was the associate head coach for Brandon Academy Boys Volleyball in Tampa, Florida. As well as they day to day activities, she planned practices and assisted in set up of game days. While spending some time at the Brandon Elite Volleyball Club in 2022, Coach Cox planned events and tournaments while coach a U13 team. Though working with the youth most recently, Coach Cox is not unfamiliar to the collegiate circuit. At Frank Phillips College she helped as an assistant coach (2019), but became head coach in 2020. During her first year with the program, she led the team to first place in the Costal Bend College volleyball. Coach Cox spent a total of three years with the Lady Plainsmen. Shelby Cox played collegiate volleyball at Oral Roberts. During her time with the Golden Eagles, she earned her bachelors degree in sports management. In wanting to further continue her education, Coach Cox earned her masters degree in Sports and Exercise Science at West Texas University in Canyon, Texas.