Window Lock
Kirsten Barkelek, previously known as Beckenti, has never wavered in her passion for volleyball.
After finishing high school at Tuba City in 2013, Barkelek played two seasons at Glendale Community College. Once she earned her degree in physiotherapy, she stepped into coaching at various club levels and even took on a role at Tuba City Middle School last year.
“It feels like I’m always drawn back to the sport,” Barkelek shared. “I’m constantly seeking ways to be involved and dream of starting my own volleyball club where I can really coach. We’ve had players in our program from 10U all the way to 14U.”
Alongside her husband Michael, she co-founded the Tuba City Volleyball Club a few years back.
“My daughter plays volleyball too,” Barkelek mentioned.
This offseason, she was brought on board and started working with the team during the summer.
“I had a chance to meet the girls and see what they were working on,” she explained. “We spent time in the weight room and attended a scrimmage at Kayenta.”
Barkelek played for Tuba Hai from 2009 to 2012 and coached players like Evelyn Kiyaani and Harlan Barlow throughout their high school careers.
In her senior year, the Warriors clinched the Arizona Division III state title, overcoming Safford in three sets.
“That was the only state championship Tuba won in volleyball,” she recalled. “Thirteen years have flown by. As a player, I’ve always aspired to win another state championship.”
Now, as a first-year coach, she aims to re-establish Tuba City as a strong contender in 3A volleyball, a category lately claimed by teams like Snowflake and Chandler Valley Christians.
“I think it really boils down to hard work and a commitment to the game,” Barkelek said. “I expect players to value effort, honesty, and that warrior spirit, similar to what I sought when I was on the court.”
Last week, Barkelek aimed to finalize her varsity team, planning for 15 full-time players, with three others participating in both junior varsity and varsity teams.
“Selecting the varsity team was a tough process,” Barkelek said. “It’s a different ballgame compared to playing—deciding who stays and who doesn’t is challenging.”
This year’s squad will be predominantly seniors and sophomores. Notable upperclassmen include Aubrey Begay, Cadence Bjohé, Talia Kritoso, Taimani Tuso, and Skylin Whitelock, while the sophomores consist of players like Vanisha Bitsinnie and Arianna Saganitso.
On Saturday, the Warriors will participate in scrimmages with Ganado, Pignon, and Window Rock. Barkelek sees this as a key opportunity to observe the team’s potential.
“I’m still figuring out the lineup,” she noted. “I’m excited for the scrimmage because it’ll help me experiment with different lineups and positions for the girls.”
Her practice approach is informed by her experiences as a player and coach.
“I incorporate drills from my time at Glendale Community College and those I’ve learned over the years,” she stated. “It’s crucial that they learn to communicate and quicken their game. I also emphasize discipline because it’s key to winning.”
The Warriors are set to face Snowflake on Tuesday, September 2nd, a match Barkelek is looking forward to.
“They’ve been a formidable force in the last few years,” Barkelek acknowledged. “While they didn’t reach the state championship last year, they won it two years ago, so it’ll be a significant challenge.”
“From reviewing their roster, it seems they have many experienced seniors,” she added. “Despite some coaching changes, I’m eager to see their performance and how we stack up against them.”
Regarding the 3A Northern Region, Barkelek is optimistic about improving last year’s fourth-place finish.
“I genuinely believe this team has a strong chance to rise to the top and become 3A North Champions,” she said. “They’re putting in hard work, and there are quite a few new talents joining us this season.”
