DANVERS — St. John’s Prep Athletic Director Jameson Pelkey has announced longtime educator and veteran volleyball coach Pamela Benzan Leete will serve as the next head coach of the Eagles’ varsity volleyball program, effective immediately.
Leete brings more than a decade of high-level coaching experience to St. John’s, including 10 successful years as head coach of both the girls and boys volleyball programs at Essex Technical High School. During Leete’s tenure, the Hawks qualified for the state tournament every season and became a model of competitive excellence and positive program culture. Her girls’ teams captured seven Commonwealth Athletic Conference championships and produced the conference MVP in nine consecutive years — a testament to Leete’s ability to develop athletes, mentor young leaders, and build a winning organization.
Leete also possesses collegiate coaching experience, having served as an assistant coach for the Endicott College women’s volleyball program, a role in which she focused primarily on defensive systems while helping to develop two Commonwealth Coast Conference Libero of the Year honorees. A Danvers resident and native of Malden, she also spent more than a decade as a clinician with Jumbos Volleyball Clinics at Tufts University, supporting player development through skill instruction and competitive drills within high-level training environments.
A member of the St. John’s Prep faculty since 2018 and the current English Department Chair, Leete is deeply familiar with the school’s culture, values, and student experience. Her dual role as an educator and coach uniquely positions her to support holistic student growth and advance the program’s competitive aspirations.
“Pam embodies the kind of educator-coach who strengthens the heart of St. John’s Prep,” Pelkey said. “She understands how athletics can deepen a student’s confidence, character, and sense of purpose, and she has a remarkable track record of helping teams achieve at a high level while building a culture rooted in integrity and individual growth. Her leadership will be transformative for our student-athletes.”
Leete takes the helm with the bar having been set high. The Eagles have qualified for the MIAA state tournament five years in a row, including quarterfinals appearances in two of the past four seasons.
“I am thankful and excited for this incredible opportunity,” Leete said. “I look forward to working with the boys and helping to mold this program’s future.”
As the Eagles enter a new era for the volleyball program, Leete brings the vision, competitive experience, and values-based leadership that St. John’s seeks as she works toward continuing the program’s tradition of excellence.
