Pearl River head volleyball coach Haley Chatham is adding experience to her coaching staff with the hiring of former college player Gabe Rivera.  

“I am very excited to come to PRCC with it being the first program in Mississippi,” Rivera said. “A lot of new programs have opened up which makes it more competitive and exciting.”  

“Gabe's experience in multiple leagues is going to play an important in transitioning our players from high school and club play to competing at the JUCO level,” PRCC head coach Haley Chatham said. “He will also be able to bring a fresh take in adding to our defensive schemes and in training our setters.  

In the past, we've had players come to our program from his club and those players came with skill level that was unmatched. Adding him to our staff was a no brainer in the fact that he will be an asset in training our players in the same way.” 

COACHING CAREER 
Rivera comes to The River from the high school ranks, where he coached Simpson Academy to two state championship appearances. Prior to Simpson Academy, he served in the Brandon School District from 2019-2021 as the high school assistant coach and the middle school head coach.  

Rivera founded the Coqui Volleyball Club in 2018 and currently serves as the club director. In 2017-2018, he was an assistant coach for Mississippi College and was head coach for the Mississippi Volleyball club.  

PLAYING CAREER 
Rivera fell in love with volleyball growing up in Puerto Rico. Following high school graduation, he spent five years in the United States Coast Guard before enrolling in Lees McRae College. Rivera appeared in 32 matches for the Bobcat volleyball team, finishing his career with 192 assists.