"I believe that sports can change lives. With these young people, we have the opportunity to positively impact their bodies, minds, and most importantly their outlook on life. I do not take that opportunity for granted."

As a lifelong athlete, Ayanna has excelled at several sports throughout her life. In her hometown of Lansing, NY, Ayanna fell in love with volleyball immediately after playing her first year in middle school. She continued to play volleyball throughout high school as a middle hitter. In 2005, Ayanna walked on to George Mason University's volleyball team as a red-shirt freshman. As an adult, she has played on various leagues (women and coed) and USAV teams throughout the region.

This Ayanna’s 2nd year coaching for Metro Volleyball. Last season, Ayanna assisted coaching 13N.

Ayanna holds a BS in Health Sciences, MS in Health Promotion Management, and is certified as a Health Education Specialist. She currently works as a Health Education Consultant for Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States.

When Ayanna is not coaching or playing volleyball, she is teaching yoga.