Ashley Petak is entering her eighth season as the assistant volleyball coach at Regis University for the 2024-25 season, continuing her impactful role in helping the Rangers achieve remarkable success on the court. Since joining Regis, Petak has been integral to the team’s accomplishments, which include securing three RMAC regular season and tournament championships (2017, 2019, and 2023) and qualifying for five NCAA Tournaments (2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023). In her role, Petak is responsible for training the setters and developing the team’s offensive strategies.
Under Petak’s guidance, Regis volleyball has posted a remarkable record of 168-61, with 14 players earning All-American honors, 13 being named to All-Region teams, and 44 earning All-RMAC accolades. Additionally, the team has seen two players named RMAC Player of the Year, two named RMAC Defensive Player of the Year, and one earning RMAC Freshman of the Year honors. Petak’s contributions have also led to significant academic success, with 63 Academic All-RMAC players and one Academic All-American. Notably, Regis volleyball has been recognized as the best blocking team in the NCAA Division II in both 2023 and 2024. Petak's combination of skill development, strategic insight, and leadership continues to be a cornerstone of Regis University’s volleyball program, setting the foundation for future successes.
One of Petak’s key accomplishments is her recognition as part of the 2019 30 Under 30 award, which highlights up-and-coming young leaders in coaching. Her guidance has been pivotal in developing a strong group of setters, including standouts like Silvia Basso, Mara LeGrand and Reagan Hickey, all of whom have become crucial contributors to the team's success. These athletes represent just a few examples of the talented setters Petak has helped develop during her tenure at Regis.
Before arriving at Regis, Petak gained valuable coaching experience at Missouri Western State University for one season and at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, S.D., for three seasons. At Augustana, Petak helped the team achieve an impressive 58-30 record, including a 36-24 mark in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Her coaching expertise led to six players earning All-NSIC honors and two being named AVCA All-Americans.
As a former standout setter at Truman State University, Petak had a highly successful collegiate career. She played all four years as a starter, contributing to the team's victories in the MIAA regular-season and tournament championships in 2007, and helping Truman State reach the NCAA Division II Sweet 16 that same year. Petak’s stellar performances also helped her team make it to the NCAA Division II Final Four in 2008 and qualify for the NCAA tournament in 2009 and 2010. She ranks fourth in career assists at Truman State and remains among the top 10 in several other statistical categories.
Petak earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Truman State in 2011 before completing two years as a graduate assistant at Minnesota State-Mankato. She went on to earn her master’s degree in sport and exercise psychology in 2013, followed by an MBA from Regis University in 2022.
