Tara Ackmann is in her 15th season as Head Volleyball Coach at McKinney Christian Academy and her 24th year coaching overall. Since joining MCA, she has led the Lady Mustangs to the playoffs every season, reaching a milestone 400 career wins last season. In addition to her coaching at MCA, Coach Ackmann has been a dedicated part of Arete Volleyball Club since the club started.
Over the years, she has developed and mentored numerous athletes who have continued playing at the collegiate level, including Emma Lowes (University of Iowa), Mackenzie Shaw (Centenary College), Ava Grace Haggard (Baylor University), Kaylin Starling (Colorado Christian), and Kadence Ackmann (Pace University) and many more.
A native of Elkhorn, Nebraska, Tara played both middle and outside hitter in high school before competing at the collegiate level. She began her collegiate career at the University of South Dakota and later transferred to Texas Woman’s University, where she still holds multiple records. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Communications with a minor in English from TWU.
Coach Ackmann continues to play both indoor and sand volleyball and brings that same passion and energy to her coaching. Her philosophy is grounded in the belief that character matters more than talent. She is committed to building well-rounded athletes in a positive, growth-oriented environment—focusing on fundamentals, leadership, self-discipline, and work ethic.
Tara has been married to her husband, Kent, for 21 years. Kent is also a teacher and a soccer coach. They have two children: Kadence, who plays collegiate volleyball at Pace University, and Trase, an eighth grader who plays football and club soccer.
Her favorite verse and guiding principle as a coach and parent is Proverbs 22:6 —
"Train a child in the way they should go, and when they are old, they will not depart from it."
