Kiara Perkins begins her second chapter with Alfred State volleyball in 2026, returning to the program as an Assistant Coach after building a career as a student-athlete and collegiate coach.
Perkins’ connection to Alfred State began as a student-athlete, where she developed into one of the most accomplished players in program history. A four-year starting outside hitter and two-time team captain and MVP, Perkins started all 96 matches of her career. She recorded 1,055 career points and 862 kills, while finishing her career ranked among the program’s all-time leaders in points per set, aces, and digs.
Her success earned her multiple honors, including ACAA All-Conference recognition in 2017 and 2018, an ECAC All-Tournament Team selection in 2021, and Second Team All-AMCC honors. In 2022, she was selected as Alfred State’s nominee for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award.
After completing her playing career, Perkins remained with the Pioneers as an assistant coach. The 2022 season proved to be a historic one, as Alfred State won its conference championship, finished 21-7, went undefeated at home, won 16 straight matches, and earned its first NCAA Division III Tournament appearance.
That experience led Perkins to Glenville State University, where she served as head volleyball coach from 2023-25. During her three seasons, Glenville State went 28-60 overall, with the 2023 and 2025 teams producing the program’s best conference records during its 13-year run in the Mountain East Conference. Perkins also coached multiple All-MEC honorees and finished fifth in program history in career wins.
Beyond volleyball, Perkins has a background in human services and a passion for mentorship and helping others reach goals they may not have believed were possible. Her experiences as a player, captain, coach, and student have shaped a coaching philosophy centered on growth, accountability, confidence, and preparing student-athletes for life beyond the game.
A native of Coudersport, Pennsylvania, Perkins earned her associate degree in Social Sciences and bachelor’s degree in Human Services Management from Alfred State. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Program Evaluation and Data Analytics.
For Perkins, returning to Alfred State is more than a coaching opportunity—it is a chance to give back to the program that helped shape the person and coach she has become.
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