Tenette says he will work closely with County school districts and community programs to increase engagement and participation in athletic programs; Lucas to combine new position with head volleyball coaching responsibilities
In a news release issued on September 1, Yavapai Community College announced the appointment of its new Director and Assistant Director of Athletics. Mr. Michael Tenette will take the helm as Director of Athletics, succeeding Hall of Fame Director, Mr. Brad Clifford, who retired on June 15, 2023, after a dedicated 35-year tenure at the College. Meanwhile, Ms. Chelsey Lucas will assume the role of Assistant Director of Athletics, succeeding Mr. Tenette.
Michael Tenette joined Yavapai Community College in August 2021 as the Assistant Athletic Director. Prior to joining the College, he spent 14 years establishing a record of success by leading championship programs throughout the greater Sacramento area in Northern California. Additionally, Mr. Tenette has a history of leadership, serving as the Founder and President of highly effective AAU basketball and sports camp programs. He has also contributed as the Head Coach for various competitive high school basketball and football teams.
Tenette has indicated he intends to work closely with County school districts and community programs to increase engagement and participation in athletics.
In her new role as Assistant Director of Athletics, Ms. Chelsey Lucas will transition into her responsibilities while retaining her position as the head coach of the Volleyball team. In this expanded role, she will also take charge of overseeing Yavapai Community College’s athletic camps and clinics, enhancing our commitment to fostering athletic talent within our community.
Yavapai Community College hired Lucas as the 11th head volleyball in August 2022. She came from Grambling State University where she was the head coach of the Tigers. Prior to coaching the Tigers, Lucas spent three years as the head volleyball coach at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff from 2019-22. From 2016-19, Lucas was the head coach at Alcorn State University. While at Alcorn State, Lucas guided the program to the SWAC Tournament in 2018, its first appearance since the 2015 season. In 2018, Lucas’s squad ranked second in the nation in aces per set with 1.98. While at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Lucas led her team to the SWAC Tournament during all three of her seasons as head coach in 2019, 2020-21 and 2021.