KOKOMO, Ind. – Indiana University Kokomo Director of Athletics and head volleyball coach Heather Hayes was inducted into the Frankfort High School Alumni Hall of Fame this past weekend, earning one of her alma mater's highest honors in recognition of an outstanding career as both a student-athlete and coach.

A graduate of Frankfort High School, Hayes returned to the place where her volleyball journey began, serving as both the head volleyball coach and a teacher within the Frankfort Community Schools system. The Hall of Fame induction recognizes her lasting impact on her alma mater, where she first excelled as a student-athlete before inspiring countless young athletes and helping shape the next generation through her leadership both on and off the court.

"Being inducted into my high school's Hall of Fame was an incredible honor, but it also reminded me that no one reaches milestones like this alone," Hayes said. "I'm grateful for the coaches, teachers, teammates, and family members who believed in me, challenged me, and helped shape my journey. Their influence continues to guide me every day at IU Kokomo. As an Athletic Director and Volleyball Coach, I hope to pay that forward by giving our student-athletes the same encouragement, opportunities, and belief that others gave me. Seeing our volleyball team there to celebrate with me was a reminder that those relationships are what make this profession so rewarding."

Following a standout prep career, Hayes continued her playing career collegiately at the University of Montevallo before finishing at the University of Indianapolis. She later returned to Frankfort High School as head volleyball coach, compiling a 262-109 record over 11 seasons while leading the program to eight conference championships, five sectional titles, and a state finals appearance.

Since arriving at IU Kokomo prior to the 2013 season, Hayes has transformed the Cougars into one of the premier volleyball programs in the NAIA. Entering her 14th season as head coach, she owns a 390-102 overall record, including an impressive 182-16 mark in River States Conference play.

Under Hayes' leadership, IU Kokomo has captured eight River States Conference regular season championships (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025) and six River States Conference Tournament championships (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025), while making 11 consecutive NAIA National Tournament appearances. The Cougars have advanced to multiple NAIA National Championship final sites, earned several "Sweet 16" finishes, and have become a consistent fixture in the NAIA Top 25 rankings.

The program has established itself as one of the NAIA's premier volleyball programs, entering the 2026 season riding a 54-match River States Conference regular season winning streak. Hayes guided the Cougars to another historic season in 2025, posting a 32-6 overall record, a perfect 16-0 mark in conference play, another River States Conference regular season championship, a third consecutive top-16 finish at the NAIA National Championship final site, and a No. 12 final national ranking.

In addition to the program's success on the court, Hayes has built a culture of excellence in the classroom. The Cougars have earned 10 AVCA Team Academic Awards, including each of the past seven seasons, while numerous student-athletes have received NAIA Scholar-Athlete and College Sports Communicators Academic All-District recognition throughout her tenure.

Hayes has been recognized among the nation's top coaches throughout her career, earning multiple River States Conference Coach of the Year honors and AVCA Region Coach of the Year accolades. Beyond coaching, she has served as IU Kokomo's Director of Athletics since 2022, helping lead continued growth and success across the Cougars' entire athletic department.

Hayes was surprised during Saturday's Hall of Fame festivities when the 2026 IU Kokomo volleyball team, along with her coaching staff, traveled to Frankfort to celebrate the special moment alongside their head coach, making the induction an even more memorable occasion for one of the most accomplished figures in Cougar Athletics history.

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