After one season of being an assistant volleyball coach, Annika Canaba is now getting the opportunity of a lifetime to follow her dream of becoming a head coach.

Canaba was elevated to the title of head volleyball coach as she follows in her father's footsteps who held the position since 2017.

The Alpine, Texas native wrapped up a historic five-year career as a two-sport standout at Sul Ross State in 2022.

"I'm very excited. This is something I've always wanted to do," she said. "The opportunity to do it at home, and not only that but at the collegiate level, is a great opportunity and a huge blessing."

She left her mark on the Lobo volleyball program recording 1,315 career kills, the all-time best mark in the program's history.

Canaba was named first team all-conference in the American Southwest Conference four times while she also earned American Volleyball Coaches Association Division III All-Region honorable mention honors in 2022.

Being just two years removed from being a player, Canaba understands the dynamic of what it takes to play and succeed at Sul Ross State.

"I do think that is one thing that's an advantage for me because I'm able to connect with them on a different level because I've been exactly where they are before," she added. "I think that we built a good relationship and trust, so I think that's a huge thing going into this is for them being able to trust me and trust that I'm capable of taking on this job."

Canaba also played for the last Lobo squad that made it to the postseason in 2021. That season Sul Ross State finished 15-10 overall and 10-7 in conference play.

The Lobos were able to advance to the semifinals for the first time since 2004.

The dynamic will be a lot more challenging this coming fall as the Lobos are taking on a competitive slate of teams in the Lone Star Conference at the Division II level.

Canaba plans on making some noise this season.

"I think that they're going to underestimate us and what we do because we're not necessarily the tallest team," she said. "I think we're going to surprise some people and I'm hoping that we make our presence known in the LSC this year.

"It's going to be a challenge for everybody across the board, but it's one that I'm definitely excited for. I think we're going to get better because of it as well."

Annika was able to learn a lot from her father, Troy, who had coached her throughout most of her life.

Troy demonstrated a great deal of passion while demanding the best when coaching and he always treated his players as if they were his own by creating strong, unbreakable bonds.

Now, Annika hopes to carry on that same mentality to create a solid team chemistry.

"I think that's one thing that I will carry over and hopefully teach the girls that having that bond and support for each other is extremely beneficial on top of the skill," she said.

Family is everything for Annika.

Not only will she continue to work in the same office as her father, but she'll also be able to see her two brothers grow and do great things as both of them are involved with the Lobo men's basketball program.

On top of that, her mother, Gloria, who has been her greatest supporter and fan, will continue to watch another Canaba carry on the coaching legacy.

"My family are my best friends. To be able to be around them all the time and be able to support each other in everything we do is going to be amazing," said Annika. "I've always felt great support from the community and people around here.

"To be able to feel support through and through is a huge blessing."