Amber Fouts Named New Leader of Treasure Valley Volleyball

That early jump into coaching set the foundation for a career built on grit, growth, and a genuine love for the game. Now at Treasure Valley Community College, Fouts carries with her the lessons learned from small-town gyms to big-time venues, shaping athletes and teams with the same competitive spirit that once fueled her as a player.

 

 

Fouts' coaching journey began in Sprague, Washington, a tiny town that combined with neighboring Harrington for athletics. There, she met head coach Tammy Conrath, a mentor who would leave a lasting impression. "Tammy Conrath was the head coach there and she was no stranger to state championships," Fouts said. "She gave me the JV coaching job, and we had a remarkable season—29-1. What a way to start."

 

The experience taught Fouts what it takes to build a winning program and the importance of learning from those around her. "I learned so much from her that season. She was just someone you wanted to learn from," she said. Looking back, Fouts wishes she had told Conrath how much that year meant to her. The lessons stuck, guiding her through every stop since.

 

 

One of Fouts' favorite coaching memories came at Vallivue High School in Caldwell, Idaho, where her team entered the district tournament as the sixth seed. "We had to dog fight our way through the bracket," she said. After losing their first game, they clawed back, knocking off the fourth, third, and second seeds to punch their ticket to state. "At the start of every game in districts that we won, the host school would play the introduction to Thunderstruck," Fouts said with a laugh. "Call that our good luck charm."

 

Her teams have also competed on big stages, including a club tournament at the Arizona Cardinals' stadium. "Being right on the floor where the pros play was pretty amazing," she said. But for Fouts, the magic isn't just in the venues—it's in watching athletes believe in themselves and each other.

 

 

Now leading the Chukars, Fouts is focused on carrying forward the program's momentum. "I am really excited to carry on the culture and success that Rylie built here," she said. "I think she turned volleyball around for the school and built teams worth coming and watching."

 

Fouts feels fortunate to have learned from her predecessor and wants to honor that legacy while putting her own stamp on the program. "When I leave, I want people to talk about what we did here in a good way," she said. "I want it to be a place players want to keep coming to because they know they can be successful."

 

 

Away from the court, life is full for Fouts. Her 10-year-old daughter plays club volleyball and basketball, and her 4-year-old son is about to start sports of his own. "Free time is usually spent chasing her around to all her activities," Fouts said. The family enjoys camping, fishing, visiting relatives—and this year, her daughter will try hunting for the first time.

 

Fouts also coaches with Idaho Crush Volleyball out of Nampa, where her daughter plays, and serves on her school district's booster club board. Through it all, she brings a sense of humor that her players and colleagues appreciate. "Oh boy, something about me," she said. "I am actually really funny and humorous."

 

That lightheartedness, paired with grit and purpose, defines Fouts' approach to coaching. She's building a program where athletes work hard, grow together, and enjoy the journey—a place where, win or lose, the experience leaves a lasting mark."