Coach Blades is in his first season as interim head men's volleyball coach.
Blades recently completed his first season as an assistant coach with the Braves, helping guide the team to one of its most successful campaigns in program history. The 2024 season featured 17 victories—second most all-time—and a signature upset over No. 3 in the NAIA, Missouri Valley College, in the Heart of America Athletic Conference Tournament.
Prior to joining the Braves, Blades was a standout student-athlete at Siena Heights University, where he played on the men’s volleyball team. After his playing career, he served as a volunteer graduate assistant for the program during the 2023 season.
In addition to his coaching experience, Blades has demonstrated a strong commitment to service, volunteering with organizations such as Share the Warmth, participating in active shooter training initiatives, and contributing to the Kiwanis Club Pride of Barbados.
A native of Barbados, Blades brings international experience to the position, having competed for the Barbados Youth, Junior, and U21 National Teams. He was also a member of the 2018 NCAA Division III Championship team at Springfield College.
Blades earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Siena Heights University in 2022, followed by a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling in 2023.
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