Bio

Tina Brooks brings nearly 25 years of coaching experience, infectious energy, and a deep love for the game to the Pierce College volleyball program. A passionate mentor and leader, Tina is entering her second year as head coach after serving as an assistant since 2019.

Originally born in Fairfield, California, Tina was raised in the small town of Rainier, Oregon, where her journey in athletics began. A multi-sport athlete, she grew up playing basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer, and track and field. With a strong athletic foundation and support from her parents—especially her father, a former baseball player—Tina’s love for sports took root early.

Her coaching career began almost immediately after high school, when her former coach asked for help with the middle school volleyball program. At just 18 years old, she was running her first team—an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for mentoring athletes. Inspired by the incredible coaches she had growing up, Tina has strived ever since to be the kind of leader who leaves a lasting, positive impact on her players’ lives.

Over the years, Coach Brooks has coached at multiple levels including middle school, high school, club, and college. Her coaching résumé includes time at Rainier Middle/High School (OR), Spanaway Lake HS, Bethel HS, Stadium HS, Spanaway MS, and her current role at Pierce College. On the club side, she’s coached with Emerald Rain (current), Puyallup Juniors, and Dakine Warriors. She’s also honed her skills and knowledge through Gold Medal Squared, the Art of Coaching clinics, AVCA workshops, and by working with Olympic gold medalist Pat Powers at his Pacific Northwest camps.

One of her proudest coaching moments came at Stadium High School, where she led her team to a league championship and was honored as Coach of the Year.

Tina’s coaching philosophy centers on developing work ethic, respect, and resilience in her athletes. She believes in the importance of consistent effort, maintaining respect for oneself and others, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Her approach to motivation is deeply personal—getting to know each athlete’s goals, strengths, and struggles, and walking alongside them every step of their journey.

Outside of volleyball, Tina loves spending time camping with family and friends, supporting her son and husband in their drag racing adventures, playing slow-pitch softball, and catching crime shows (she says if she weren’t a teacher, she’d want to be a detective!). She’s also a proud dog mom and enjoys visiting her family in Oregon whenever possible.

Coach Brooks lives by the motto: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.” It’s a mindset she brings into every practice, game, and player interaction.

What keeps Tina passionate about coaching is simple: the people. She is driven by the relationships built through sport and the opportunity to give back to the next generation. Watching her athletes grow—not just as players but as confident, resilient, and capable individuals—is the ultimate reward.

Above all, Coach Brooks hopes her players walk away with more than just improved volleyball skills. Her mission is to help them discover who they are, strengthen their leadership and communication, and face challenges with courage—on and off the court.