One of the most talented two-sport athletes to come out of Sul Ross State in recent history has now joined the coaching ranks.

Annika Canaba, a former standout for the Lobo volleyball and softball teams, is now an assistant coach for both programs alongside her father and head coach Troy Canaba.

Annika wrapped up her first season on the coaching staff of the Lobo volleyball program after closing out a storied five-year career as she became the all-time leader in kills after earning first team ASC honors for the fourth time in her career.

"I think the hardest thing for me was having to give up playing because I've been playing for so long," she said. "It was still a lot of fun for me and I got to be around a lot of the girls that I played with, so it made it a lot easier."

With softball season starting in 31 days, Annika has been preparing for the upcoming year.

A former catcher, Annika earned ASC honors four times during her career. She led the Lobos with 40 hits and a .396 average during her final season.

Softball can be a long and grueling season. Learning from experience on the diamond, she hopes to pass her knowledge on to the current Lobos.

"This season, honestly, I'm looking forward to see how it is coaching the girls," she said. "We have a lot of talent this year and I think we're going to be really good, so I'm excited to see how they do."

From her days at Alpine High School to her career at Sul Ross State, Annika has always been held to higher standards playing for her father.

Now, the relationship continues but from a different aspect.

"Of course, he held me to a high standard as a player. It was hard at times, but I know it made me better," she said. "I feel the same with coaching. He still holds me to that high standard and expects a lot from me. I think it's going to help me in the long run."

Most recently earning her masters in sports administration, Annika plans to keep coaching at the college level, but she eventually hopes to move to the administrative side just like her father who also holds the title of being an assistant athletic director of operations at Sul Ross State.

"There's a lot that goes on in the background that a lot of people don't see. I'd like to be a part of that and help out with that, too," she added.

Annika's transition to becoming a coach was seamless as she gets to remain around her family and support her two brothers.

Her oldest brother Jayden is a sophomore on the Lobo men's basketball team while her younger brother Jayce is a senior and multisport standout at Alpine High School.

"I love Alpine. That's one thing that makes this job so special is that I do get to be around my family and get to see my brothers and support them, especially with Jayden being here," she said.

As the transition to NCAA Division II draws closer, Annika is excited about the new challenge that lies ahead.

"I feel like it will be a good challenge. For me, I think it's kind of cool that I'll get to see the differences and get to have that experience so early in my career," she said.