Women’s volleyball head coach Shel DeLisle is one of three coaches to be honored with the 2025 Marines Battles Won Award. This national award from the American Volleyball Coach Association and the U.S. Marine Corps recognizes volleyball athletes and coaches who have overcome significant physical or mental obstacles.
DeLisle Pushing Through the Pain
DeLisle was selected because of her remarkable recovery from a spinal injury sustained after several years of service as a firefighter. A roof collapsed during firefighting efforts, causing severe spinal trauma. The injury itself was compounded by a misdiagnosis and lack of treatment, which allowed a bone fragment to lodge in her spine.
In 2018, her condition worsened after a series of falls. DeLisle eventually underwent multiple surgeries to stabilize her spine. This was followed by months of intensive physical therapy to be able to move.
“I hope that my story speaks to others in a couple of different ways,” she said. “I have always been fortunate to be a part of great teams: Marquette volleyball and track, then the fire service, then the teams who work in humanitarian and disaster causes.”
DeLilse’s journey serves as an inspiration not only to coaches and student-athletes but to anyone who has faced hardships in their life. “I hope others around me feel that and learn to build the same (type of team); it matters who you surround yourself with,” she said.
DeLisle had a friend helping her find the right doctor and says it was a very dark time for her. Her doctor, her husband, daughter, and the assistant coaches and players at MATC were always there for her.
“It would have been easy to just exit the pain, but those who stuck around made me feel like there was still something for me to offer,” Delisle said.
National AVCA Honor
DeLisle was among 15 people honored for their resilience; 10 were student-athletes and five coaches. Each shared compelling, impactful, and heartwarming stories. Coach DeLisle was presented with the award in December.
DeLisle reflected on the recognition, along with the other honorees’ stories. It truly hits home for her because it’s a reminder that no one will ever know what someone is going through. “And to see what all of these other athletes and coaches experienced, yet (they) still kept moving forward to accomplish incredible feats, should inspire everyone,” DeLisle said.
