News and Announcements

Blanchet has hired three new coaches to take the helm of the mid-high volleyball program here at Blanchet this fall. 

Vanea Nelson

Vanea Nelson has been around volleyball for nearly her entire life, playing throughout her youth and continuing through high school at Mazama High School (4A) in her hometown of Klamath Falls, Oregon. She also played club volleyball, building the experience and love for the game that she now brings to the next generation of athletes.

Vanea is a certified teacher who has taught at the elementary level in the Salem-Keizer School District since 2022. This school year, she plans to substitute teach, so we’re hopeful we’ll get to see her around Blanchet during the school day, too!

Family is at the heart of Vanea’s life. She and her husband have two children, an 11-year-old son and a 20-month-old daughter. She also comes from an educator and athletics family. Her dad, Terry, is a longtime successful Oregon teacher, coach, athletic director, and school administrator, so Vanea is carrying on a family tradition of education, leadership, and athletics.

We’re thrilled to welcome Vanea to the Blanchet community! She will lead our Grey Team this season and is excited to begin her school coaching career here at Blanchet. We’re looking forward to seeing her passion, energy, and experience make an impact on our student-athletes.

Welcome to Blanchet, Coach Nelson! We’re so glad you’re here!

Doyle Tracy

“There will always be rocks in the road ahead of us. They will be stumbling blocks or stepping stones, it all depends on how you see them.”

For more than 25 years, Coach Tracy has been a familiar and enthusiastic presence in the Salem volleyball community. He has played, coached, directed, and led volleyball programs at nearly every level, bringing a deep, life-long love for the game and a genuine joy for helping athletes grow. For Coach Tracy, volleyball is more than a sport, it’s a passion, and his energy and enthusiasm are contagious.

Since 2001, Coach Tracy has been the Director of the Salem Volleyball Association. His coaching experience includes serving as Head Volleyball Coach at Woodburn High School and, most recently, at Chemeketa Community College. He has also coached at West Salem High School and with Northern Valley Volleyball Club. His extensive experience and knowledge of the game will be a tremendous addition to the Blanchet volleyball program.

Coach Tracy is married, lives in Salem, and is excited to bring his experience and passion to Blanchet as the primary coach of our White Team. We’re thrilled to have him joining our program and look forward to all he will bring to our student-athletes this season.

Welcome to Blanchet, Coach Tracy! We’re excited to have you on the team! 

Cherry Denos

For nearly 15 years, Coach Denos has been sharing her knowledge and love of volleyball with athletes of all ages. Since 2023, she has served as the Volleyball Assistant Director for the Courthouse Athletic Clubs, where she oversees club coaches and helps ensure they are equipped with the latest volleyball fundamentals and techniques.

Her coaching experience also includes working with athletes at West Salem, Sprague, and Central High Schools. Beyond teaching the skills of the game, Coach Denos believes strongly in using volleyball as a way to build character and connect important life lessons both on and off the court. Her commitment to developing the whole athlete will be a wonderful asset to our program.

Coach Denos lives in Salem with her husband and daughter and is excited to become part of the Blanchet volleyball community. She will serve as our Mid-High Lead and the primary coach for the Blue Team, bringing her experience, energy, and passion for developing young athletes to the program.

Welcome to Blanchet, Coach Denos! We’re so excited to have you with us!