Lesli Akeo - Volleyball Coach - Syracuse University Athletics

Lesli Akeo

Title:
Assistant Coach
Email:
laakeo@syr.edu

Lesli Akeo joined the Syracuse University volleyball staff as an assistant coach in July 2022.

Akeo spent the 2021 season as an assistant coach on Ganesharatnam's staff at Temple. She planned and executed group and individual practice sessions, analyzed practice and game film, created scouting reports and assisted with recruiting.

"Thank you to Coach Bakeer and Syracuse University for this tremendous opportunity," Akeo said. "I'm excited to contribute to the success and growth of the student-athletes and volleyball program. Syracuse is execeptional in both academics and athletics, while also being an active partner in the local community. I look forward to being part of the Syracuse 'ohana."

Akeo had a hand in coaching both the 18s and 14s for the Na Keiki Mauloa Volleyball Club, developing practice plans and workouts as well as scouting opponents.

She served as an assistant coach at her alma mater, Kamehameha Schools - Kapalama High School, for six seasons, helping the team to no lower than a runner-up finish at the Hawaii State Championships, including winning titles in 2013, 2015, and 2017. There, she trained two Hawaii Gatorade State Player of the Years in Alohi Robins 2014 and Lexis Akeo 2018.

Prior to coaching at the high school level, Akeo coached at a number of clubs in Hawaii. She coached her 13s team for Piko Volleyball Club to a first place finish at the Hawaii Region Qualifier, as well as a top finish at the 2014 Pacific Northwest Qualifier.

Akeo is one of the most decorated volleyball players in Siena College history. She is the school's all-time leader in digs (2,285) and digs per set (5.12) and was the Siena College Female Student Athlete of the Year in 2013. A three-year captain for the Saints, Akea led her team to a pair of runner-up Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championship finishes and was the 2012 MAAC Libero of the Year. She earned 2011 MAAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors and earned multiple All-MAAC honors. The three-time MAAC All-Academic Team honoree was inducted to the Siena Hall of Fame in 2018.

She has succeeded at every level, beginning in high school when she led her school to a pair of Hawaii Division I State Championships.

"Lesli [Akeo] comes from a volleyball family," Ganesharatnam said. "Both of her sisters have competed or are competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference. She was an excellent student athlete and collected some good experiences at various coaching levels. She is hardworking, loyal, and has a great volleyball mind. She has already worked with me in the past which will be very valuable throughout this transition period. Our student athletes will greatly benefit from her presence in our program."