Written Features
VUCommodores.com — On-the-Job Training
VUCommodores.com — Beginning in the Middle
Coach Tealer’s Highlights
1 All-South Region selection
1 All-SEC selection
Bringing years of experience playing at the highest level, former national champion and Kentucky middle Azhani Tealer will be joining Vanderbilt volleyball as an assistant coach.
Achievements at Vanderbilt — Assistant Coach (2024–present)
During her inaugural season with the Commodores, Tealer helped senior middle Jackie Moore achieve All-SEC and All-South Region honors as she led Vanderbilt in kills, blocks, points and hitting percentage. Her coaching efforts aided Vandy in reaching the quarterfinals at the 2025 Allstate SEC Volleyball Tournament where the Dores averaged 2.9 blocks and 15.2 digs per set. In Vandy’s sweep over Mississippi State, the Commodores held the Bulldogs to a .010 hitting efficiency, Vanderbilt’s lowest opponent hitting percentage of the season. During the regular season, freshman Kayla Dunlap recorded nine blocks in the Vandy’s win over Mizzou, the most by a Commodore in a match this season. In both of the Dores’ matches vs. Goergia and at Auburn, Vanderbilt outblocked its opponents, who were ranked top 10 in the NCAA in blocking.
Personal
Upon graduation from Kentucky in December, Tealer was drafted by the Orlando Valkyries for the inaugural season of the Pro Volleyball Federation. In the summer of 2024, she was signed by Indy Ignite.
As a student-athlete, Tealer was a two-time AVCA All-America second team selection (2020, ‘22), three-time AVCA all-region honoree (2020, ’22-23) and was named to the All-SEC team on four occasions (2020-23). And, on four occasions she was named the league’s defensive player of the week.
A member of Kentucky’s national championship team in 2021, she helped the Wildcats win at least a share of five SEC titles.
Tealer holds Kentucky’s season and career attack percentage records (minimum 500 attempts). In 2021, she boasted an attack percentage of .430. Her career attack percentage with the Wildcats was .377.
While prepping at Grand Prairie High School, Tealer was a three-time volleyball district champion and was named her district’s most valuable player twice. Additionally, she earned a bronze medal at the USA Volleyball 17 Open and was named the 2018 Dallas News district offensive player of the year.
Beyond her volleyball career, Tealer was an All-American track and field athlete who won a national championship and received all-state recognition. In the classroom, she was an AP Scholar and Principals Award Recipient.
Coaching History
Vanderbilt – Assistant Coach (2024-present)
Professional Playing History
Indy Ignite (2024-25)
Orlando Valkries (2023-24)