Tusalava Kuaea is the First Assistant Volleyball Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Cal Poly Humboldt, where she plays an integral role in recruiting, player development, and game strategy. With more than a decade of coaching experience, including eight years at the collegiate level, Kuaea has established herself as a proven recruiter and player developer dedicated to building successful programs and developing well-rounded student-athletes.
Kuaea joined the Lumberjacks after serving as Head Women's Volleyball Coach and Outreach and Admissions Specialist at South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) in Olympia, Washington. During her tenure, she transformed the Clippers into a consistent Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) contender while guiding the program through its most successful stretch in school history. In 2023, SPSCC earned its first postseason berth, and the following season advanced to the NWAC Sweet 16 Regional Tournament while recording the winningest season in program history.
Under Kuaea's leadership, more than a dozen student-athletes continued their academic and athletic careers at four-year institutions, including three who transferred to Cal Poly Humboldt. Her student-athletes also earned numerous athletic and academic honors, including NWAC All-Region recognition, Academic Excellence Team awards, President's and Vice President's List honors, and SPSCC Outstanding Student of the Year recognition.
In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Kuaea served as the Co-Advisor for Cal Poly Humboldt's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) during the 2025–2026 academic year. In this role, she mentored student-athlete leaders as they organized signature athletic department events, including the ESPY Awards and Jacks-Giving. She also helped coordinate community service initiatives that increased student-athlete engagement across campus and the local community. Through SAAC, Kuaea supported student-athletes in using their voices to advocate for their needs, strengthen leadership skills, foster camaraderie among teams, and create a positive impact beyond competition.
As a student-athlete, Kuaea began her collegiate career at Tacoma Community College under current Head Coach Angela Spoja. She earned multiple NWAC Player of the Week honors, All-Region recognition, and was named the 2011–12 Female Athlete of the Year. She also helped lead the Titans to an undefeated Western Region Championship in 2010 and a fifth-place finish at the NWAC Championships. Kuaea transferred to the University of Arkansas at Monticello, where she competed as an outside hitter and libero. She helped the Cotton Blossoms reach back-to-back Great American Conference Regional Tournament appearances while earning Academic Excellence honors.Â
Following graduation in 2015, she remained with the program as a Student Assistant Coach before returning to her hometown of Lakewood, Washington, to teach Algebra while serving as the Head Women's Volleyball Coach and Track & Field Coach at her alma mater, Lakes High School. She earned a Master of Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University Irvine in 2021.
Away from competition, Kuaea is passionate about developing student-athletes beyond the court through leadership, academic achievement, and community engagement. She also values her Samoan culture and the importance of family, which continue to shape her leadership, coaching philosophy, and commitment to serving others.
Kuaea continues to help elevate the Cal Poly Humboldt volleyball program as the Lumberjacks compete in NCAA Division II and the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA).
