Kansas State Athletics
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Former Stanford volleyball standout Gabi Dunson has been named an assistant coach for the 2024 season, second-year head coach Jason Mansfield announced Monday.
"I had the privilege of coaching Gabi for four years at Stanford, and I haven't coached many athletes that were as focused, competitive and selfless as she was," said Mansfield. "Gabi was an elite passer, defender, server, and setter in the libero position, and I have no doubt she will help us be better in those areas. She was also an incredible leader and found ways to help her teammates be better."
"We are excited to welcome Gabi, her husband Devin and her two beautiful children Jocelyn and Winston to our K-State Volleyball family."
Dunson arrives in Manhattan after working with the Momentum Volleyball Club in Colorado, where her primary responsibilities included mentoring coaches and developing consistent teaching methods for serve receive and defense throughout the organization.
Dunson, formally Gabi Ailes, had a standout career as a libero at Stanford where she was part of the Cardinal squad that made four trips to the NCAA Sweet 16, including two appearances in the National Championship in 2007 and 2008. During her four-year career with the Cardinals, she became a two-time AVCA All-American and earned All-American recognition by Volleyball Magazine twice.
"I am elated to have the opportunity to work with Jason Mansfield, Steve Astor, and Fiona Fonoti in a coaching role at Kansas State," said Dunson. "Jason spent countless hours in the gym with me at Stanford during my collegiate career, helping me succeed at a high level."
"I hope I can do the same for our Wildcats, while also finding meaningful ways to show these young ladies how valued they are as individuals outside of the gym."
The four-time Pac-10 Champion is second all-time in school history in career digs (2,147) and digs per set (4.57), while her 617 digs in 2009 is the second-most in a single season. In 2009, Dunson recorded 33 digs against UCLA (October 31) to set a then- single-match record.
A native of Bellevue, Nebraska, Dunson earned her second bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Missouri. Gabi and her husband Devin have two kids, Jocelyn and Winston.
Dunson replaces former assistant coach John Dunn, who accepted an assistant position at San Diego in May.
The 2024 season officially begins Friday, August 30 in West Layfette, Ind., as the Wildcats take part in the Purdue Volleyball's Stacey Clark Classic. The three-day tournament will include matchups against tournament host Purdue (Aug. 30), UC Davis (Aug. 31), and UMBC (Sept. 1).
The 2024 new K-State Volleyball season tickets are now sold out. Only renewals remain for fans who had season tickets last year (2023). To renew season tickets, visit kstatesports.com/tickets or call 1-800-221-CATS. Single game tickets will go on sale this August.