Tusalava Kuaea is entering her first season as the First Assistant Volleyball Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at California Polytechnic University at Humboldt. With a wealth of experience in player development, leadership, and game strategy, Tusalava has been instrumental in developing competitive collegiate teams and fostering a culture of excellence both on and off the court.
With over ten years of coaching experience, including seven years at the collegiate level, Tusalava has transformed the South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) Clippers into a consistent contender in the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC). Before joining the Lumberjack family, Tusalava served as the Head Women’s Volleyball Coach and Outreach and Admissions Specialist at SPSCC in Olympia, WA. She played a key role in building the program and made school history during the 2023 season by leading the Clippers to their first postseason appearance. The following year, the Clippers advanced to the Northwest Athletic Conference Sweet 16 Regional Tournament and recorded their most successful season in 2024. Focusing on skill development, player growth, and team culture, Tusalava has helped place over a dozen student-athletes at the next level, including three who will attend California Polytechnic University at Humboldt in the 2024 and 2025 season. Under her leadership, multiple student-athletes have earned SPSCC’s Outstanding Student of the Year Award, appearances on the SPSCC President’s and Vice President’s lists, First and Second Team Regional Honors, and numerous Academic Excellence Team Awards.
A former collegiate student-athlete at Tacoma Community College (TCC), Tusalava competed under the guidance of current Head Coach Angela Spoja. She earned multiple NWAC Player of the Week honors, NWAC All-Region honors, and was named the 2011-2012 Female Athlete of the Year. Tusalava also contributed to the Titans' second undefeated record in 2010, earning the title of NWAC Western Region Champions and placing 5th at the NWAC Championships. She then transferred to the University of Arkansas at Monticello on a full athletic scholarship, where she competed as an outside hitter/libero and helped the Cotton Blossoms achieve back-to-back Great American Conference Regional Tournament appearances while earning Academic Excellence honors. After graduating in 2015, Tusalava transitioned into coaching. She served one year as a Student-Assistant Coach for the Cotton Blossoms before returning to her hometown of Lakewood, WA, where she taught Algebra and served as the Head Women’s Volleyball Coach and Track and Field Coach at Lakes High School. Tusalava earned her Master of Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University Irvine, in 2021.
In addition to her work on the court, Tusalava is dedicated to the holistic development of student-athletes, emphasizing academic success, leadership, and community engagement. She and her former team actively participate in various activities throughout Thurston County, working with the local school district on volunteer reading programs, the West Thurston Regional Fire Authority, the Thurston County Food Pantry, the Thurston County Special Olympics, and hosting the Annual Clipper Youth and Elite Volleyball Camps for the past six years—reinforcing SPSCC’s commitment to developing well-rounded individuals.
With a passion for the game, Tusalava is determined to continue elevating the California Polytechnic University at Humboldt volleyball program and striving for excellence at the Division II level of NCAA competition.
