Powers Catholic High School

POWERS CATHOLIC HIRES KRISTI DOHERTY AS HEAD VOLLEYBALL COACH Doherty, a native of Goodrich, joins the Powers coaching staff following more than three seasons as an assistant men’s and women's volleyball coach at Lawrence Technological University (LTU). “As we enter the next chapter of Chargers Volleyball, I am thrilled to have a role model coach of Kristi’s caliber on staff,” said incoming Powers athletic director Mike Watson. “Kristi is an outstanding player in her own right, and is a highly effective coach and a high achiever in the professional world.” Doherty is the co-founder and director of The Volleyball Academy as a part of Shoebox Sports, based in Fenton. Created in 2024, The Volleyball Academy’s focus has been on providing accessible, high-quality training for athletes of various skill levels. The academy not only sponsors teams, but also designs and implements training programs including camps, clinics and private lessons with an emphasis on skill development and growth. From 2021-24, Doherty served the LTU volleyball programs as an assistant coach. She was responsible for team practice design and position-specific training sessions in addition to team travel, logistics and financial operations. Although Doherty is a 2016 Goodrich High School graduate, she is no stranger to Catholic school athletics. She served as volunteer head volleyball coach during the 2024 season at St. John the Evangelist School in Fenton where she oversaw practices and games for two teams that finished as undefeated champions of the GCCS league. As a player, Doherty is arguably the most decorated athlete in the history of LTU volleyball. Not only was she a four-year captain for the Blue Devils, but also was a Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) first team all-conference award winner following the 2017, 2018 and 2019 seasons. Additionally, Doherty was named the WHAC setter of the year twice (2018, 2019) and earned WHAC player of the year honors as a senior. 2019 proved to be the most successful in LTU history, in part to Doherty’s play. The Blue Devils set a school record for wins in a season with 33 and advanced to the NAIA national tournament. For her efforts, Doherty was named to the NAIA All-America team - the only athlete to earn the honor in program history. Doherty currently holds career records at LTU for career assists (4390), single game assists (60), career serving aces (215) and single season aces (75). She is also listed second in school history in career digs (1682). Doherty earned a bachelor of science degree in biomedical engineering with a minor in mathematical sciences from LTU in 2020 and later earned a master of science in artificial intelligence from LTU in 2024. She is employed as a senior biomedical engineer at Toyota Boshuku America working in advanced development. Kristi primarily conducts data analysis in motion sickness studies to extract valuable physiological insights to develop prediction models on motor vehicle occupants. Even through a challenging career and directing a successful volleyball academy, Doherty still finds time to play the sport she loves. She is currently a semi-professional athlete with the Midwest Magic, part of the Volleyball League of America. She actively competes across the country in sand and grass tournaments as well. “I’m looking forward to building connections and relationships at Powers,” Doherty said. “I’m passionate about helping young athletes thrive in the classroom and on the court.” Doherty will begin the process of building a staff and organizing summer activities immediately, including coordinating the annual Camp of Champions at Powers Catholic. The official start of the Powers 2026 volleyball campaign starts on Aug. 10 with tryouts across the state. To keep track of schedules, results, contact information, new stories, social media and more, visit the Powers Athletics website at powersathletics.org. #### Located in Flint, Michigan, and part of the diocese of Lansing, Powers Catholic High School is dedicated to excellence in education while making disciples of Jesus Christ in a safe and welcoming environment.