He’s a Valley native who found his sport a little later than some, but has made up for lost time in a hurry. Chandler native James Tsai begins his 4th year with Lopes’ Women’s Club Volleyball as an assistant coach, with nearly a full decade of coaching experience in his back pocket — and a physical therapy background that gives him a unique edge in player development.
Tsai’s volleyball story began at 16 years of age, when he picked up the sport during his junior year at Phoenix’s Horizon Honors High School, where he also spent four years on the hardwood as a member of the boys’ basketball team. From there, the late bloomer blossomed quickly. He went on to play a combined six years of collegiate volleyball at Northern Arizona University — in men’s club volleyball and club beach volleyball — and sharpened his skills along the way with club experience at Aspire Volleyball.
The coaching career that followed has been both broad and impressive. Tsai has spent time with three different club programs across Arizona and beyond, including stints as head coach of the 12-1s and the 16-1s at Northern Arizona Juniors Volleyball Club, a head coaching role with the 15-3s at Ascent Volleyball Club, and most recently as 13-4s head coach and high school skills clinic coach at Club One Volleyball Club. He’s also gained high school experience as an assistant JV coach at Coconino High School in Flagstaff.
Off the court, Tsai holds credentials that set him apart from the typical club coach. A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), he brings a clinical understanding of athletic performance and injury prevention that will benefit the Lopes’ program - both in-season and beyond.
