The bond between teammates can often make them feel like family, but for the Liberty Hill High School volleyball team, it was an actual family affair this season. Let’s chat with Coach Kimmie Tuley and her daughters Charisa, Aly and Bry about this special season playing together.

Coach Tuley joined Liberty Hill ISD six years ago and has spent the last four years at Liberty Hill High School coaching volleyball, softball and physical education. During that tenure, she has been able to have her daughters as part of the athletic programs, though never coaching them directly. All three daughters, Charisa (Class of 2026) and twins Bry and Aly (Class of 2028), play volleyball and Aly also plays softball. 

Head volleyball coach Marie Bruce shared, “Coaching all three sisters and working alongside their mom has been one of the highlights of my time with this group. Their family brings so much positivity, teamwork, and commitment to our program. I’m grateful for them and proud of the role they’ve played this season.”

Coach Tuley has also seen many positives being in the volleyball program with her daughters. Her favorite part about coaching them is, “just seeing their confidence grow and their ability to work with teammates. I get to see them grow as people and be there for them. That is what I love.” But, being so close also has struggles. For Coach Tuley, “the hardest part is probably seeing their failures. I can’t be their Mom on the court, I have to let them fail and someone else has to come alongside them to coach them up.”

Charisa, Aly and Bry also see the pros and cons of having their Mom at school and on the court with them. Twins, Bry and Aly, both love that their Mom takes them to school daily (hello special drinks on the way to school!) and provides her office for them to have lunch together. Senior Charisa, has seen the benefits on the court. “She knows the expectations. As a coach, she knows where we should be and helps hold us accountable,” said Charisa. On the flip side, “we definitely have to work harder and prove that we deserve the spot. It is easy for people to say ‘oh well, their Mom is a coach’.”

The sister relationship dynamic has also played out on the court, but these sisters focus on holding each other accountable and encouraging one another rather than competing. Charisa and Aly laughed that sometimes they can hold each other accountable with just a look! That attitude of accountability over competition comes from their Mom. Coach Tuley explained, “There is room at the top for everybody- pull everybody up with you. You can be your best and make room for others to be their best too.”

In addition to playing for Liberty Hill, Charisa, Aly and Bry play club volleyball with Country Fire, located in Liberty Hill. Their owner, Jason Tuggle said, “Family is at the heart of everything we do at Country Fire Volleyball. The Tuley family is a perfect example of that. All three of their daughters have come through our program and Charisa now serves as an assistant coach for our 15-1 team. Families like the Tuleys help create the community feel that makes Country Fire special, where athletes grow not just as players, but as people.” 

With Charisa graduating this year and her volleyball playing days behind her, Coach Tuley will not only miss having her daughter around daily, but will also miss “her leadership among her younger teammates and the friendships she has formed.” As Charisa moves onto college, Aly, who played on varsity this year recognizes she will be an upperclassman next year and has learned how to lead from Charisa. They all agreed there were many role models among the upperclassmen this year who are leaving behind a legacy on and off the court. Coach Bruce recognized that Charisa was one of those leaders. “Charisa will be deeply missed,” she said. “Her leadership and commitment have set the tone for our team, and I’m truly grateful for everything she’s given to us.”

Leaving Liberty Hill behind, Charisa reflected on what it means to be a Panther. She said, “You never get to take a day off. We have to compete. Everyone wants to beat us. They want to play their best against us. You have to hold yourself to a higher standard, on the court and in the classroom.”

Thank you Coach Tuley, Charisa, Aly and Bry for representing Panther Nation so well!