Gravette High School and Middle School Head Volleyball Coach Addison Duke has been recognized by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) as a recipient of the 2026 Thirty Under 30 High School Award. This national program highlights up-and-coming coaching leaders who are age 30 or under.
Since joining the Gravette School District, Duke has consistently led her teams to post-season success. During the 2023–2024 season as an Assistant Coach, she helped guide the Senior High team to a 23–3 record, a District Championship, and a 4A State Semi-Final appearance. As Head Coach for the 2024–2025 season, she led the Senior High squad to a 19–6 record, securing both District and Regional Tournament Championships. Most recently in 2025–2026, she mentored the Junior High team to a Conference and Tournament Championship , while leading the Senior High team to a Regional Tournament appearance.
Addison Duke coaching the middle school volleyball team in March 2026.
Originally from Norman, Oklahoma, Duke began her volleyball journey in a church league at age 12. In an interview for her coaches bio on the AVCA website, Duke credits her coaching style to mentors Bill Hamiter and Laura Alford, who taught her the importance of positive team relationships and adaptability.
Duke’s primary goal remains using the sport to build confidence, discipline, and leadership in her athletes, preparing them for the challenges in life after K-12. "The area I enjoy most about coaching is seeing the 'Light Bulb' moment” she said, “the time in a player's career when everything they have been working for makes sense and clicks into place."
Coach Duke working with the high school volleyball team in the fall of 2025
Congratulations to Coach Duke on this national recognition. We are proud to have her leading our students and look forward to seeing her continued positive impact on the Gravette volleyball program in the years to come.