Lasallian Founder's Alumni Award: Outstanding Young Alumni, Caitlyn Benedict Gonya

May 26, 2023

From the Bishop Kelley Class of 2011.

Working extensively throughout the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma, Caitlyn Gonya is an exemplary young alumnus who has used her short time since graduating from Bishop Kelley to do big things. During her four years at Bishop Kelley, Caitlyn filled her schedule with Speech and Debate, among other things, and attended daily Mass.


After graduating from Bishop Kelley in 2011, Caitlyn attended Benedictine College in Kansas, where she got her Bachelor’s degree in Theology and English, graduating in 2015. While at Benedictine, Caitlyn served as a Totus Tuus missionary for the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma. After graduating, she worked as the Youth and Young Adult Minister of Parish of Christ the King and then spent three years in the Youth Office of the Chancery. Caitlyn graduated in 2018 with a Master’s in Theology from the University of Notre Dame.


Caitlyn is the current Director of Mission and Faith Formation at Christ the King. Beyond her role in the Diocese, Caitlyn has worked to implement an event called Song Praise in the Diocese, which includes food, Adoration, praise and worship, and talk. Sing Praise has been held at 11 locations, including a prison. Furthermore, Caitlyn created a five-year strategic plan for the parish and aided with the faith-based elements of the school’s strategic plan.


Simply put, Caitlyn exhibits what it means to be a servant-leader. Her hard work, faith, and service have led to opportunities across the Diocese for others to invest in their faith journeys. She’s used her education at Bishop Kelley and beyond to instill knowledge in others, especially her children. 


Lasallian Founder’s Alumni Award

Recognizing the accomplishments of Outstanding Bishop Kelley Alumni who exemplify the five core principles of the Lasallian Mission; Faith in the Presence of God, Quality Education, Concern for the Poor & Social Justice, Respect for All Persons & Inclusive Community.


If you know a deserving BK Alumni, please nominate them here: https://www.bishopkelley.org/alumni#LasallianFoundersAlumniAwardsNominationForm

March 13, 2026
For Immediate Release Tulsa, OK — Bishop Kelley High School has announced the hiring of Holly Beers as the next Head Volleyball Coach, beginning with the 2026–2027 season. Beers brings a strong background in both high school and club volleyball, along with a commitment to student development that aligns with Bishop Kelley’s mission of forming young people in excellence, character, and leadership. Most recently Beers coached with Oklahoma Peak Volleyball Club in Oklahoma City, where she led multiple competitive teams and was selected by the Oklahoma Region Volleyball Association to coach Oklahoma’s U13 team at the USA Volleyball All-Star Championship in Madison, Wisconsin. She previously served as Head Varsity Volleyball Coach at Norman High School after two seasons as a varsity assistant coach. Beers has also contributed to athlete development through skill clinics with Oklahoma Peak and summer volleyball programming connected to the University of Oklahoma. Originally from Owasso, Beers attended Rejoice Christian School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in advertising with a minor in Spanish from the University of Oklahoma. “We are thrilled to welcome Holly to Bishop Kelley,” said Athletic Director Lance Parks. “She has been uniquely prepared for this opportunity through her experiences in high-level club and high school volleyball, and through the work ethic and tenacity she has demonstrated in all levels of coaching in Oklahoma. When the right person and the right moment come together, it inevitably turns into a blessing for us and the students in our programs. Holly’s passion for developing young women as competitors, leaders, and people of character makes her a perfect fit for Bishop Kelley.” Beers said she is honored to join the Bishop Kelley community and lead a program with such a proud tradition. “Bishop Kelley Volleyball has long been respected for its competitive spirit and strong culture,” Beers said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to build relationships with the student-athletes and help them grow both on the court and in life.” As head coach, Beers will oversee all levels of the Bishop Kelley volleyball program and work to continue the tradition of excellence established by previous generations of Comet athletes and coaches. In addition to leading the Comets volleyball program, Beers will teach in the Business Department at Bishop Kelley. About Bishop Kelley Volleyball The Bishop Kelley Volleyball program has a proud tradition of competitive excellence and leadership development within the OSSAA. For decades, Comet volleyball has been known for disciplined play, strong team culture, and student-athletes who compete with integrity while representing Bishop Kelley’s mission on and off the court. The program has produced numerous postseason appearances and continues to develop young women who pursue success in athletics, academics, and service. Through a commitment to teamwork, work ethic, and faith-centered leadership, Bishop Kelley Volleyball strives to prepare student-athletes for success long after their playing days are over. About Bishop Kelley High School Bishop Kelley High School is Oklahoma’s largest private high school and is considered a life-preparatory institution. It offers a faith-based education that fosters academic excellence, spiritual growth, and personal development. The school features a rigorous curriculum, including more than 40 honors and AP courses across a wide range of disciplines. With an average ACT score of 28 and an average SAT score of 1260, Bishop Kelley graduates are well prepared for college, with 90% attending four-year institutions. More than 65% of Bishop Kelley students participate in athletics, and the Blessed Stanley Rother Academic Support Program provides individualized assistance to students with diverse learning needs.
March 11, 2026
For Immediate Release Tulsa, OK — Bishop Kelley High School is pleased to announce the hiring of Zach Stephens as Offensive Coordinator for the Comets football program beginning with the 2026–2027 school year. Stephens joins Bishop Kelley after serving on the coaching staff at Bixby High School, one of the nation’s premier high school football programs. During his time with the Spartans, Stephens worked primarily as the varsity wide receivers coach while also serving as an offensive coordinator at the junior high level. He’s played a key role in developing players within a championship-caliber program that has captured multiple Class 6A state titles throughout his tenure. “Zach brings outstanding experience from one of the most successful football programs in the state,” said Bishop Kelley Athletic Director Lance Parks. “He understands what it takes to develop players, build strong relationships with student-athletes, and contribute to a winning culture. We’re excited to welcome him to the Bishop Kelley football family.” At Bishop Kelley, Stephens will oversee the Comets’ offensive system and contribute to the development of the program across multiple levels. In addition to coordinating the varsity offense, he will assist with freshman football, track and field, and will serve as a member of the Math Department. Stephens is widely recognized for his emphasis on offensive strategy, skill development, and fostering accountability and teamwork among student-athletes. He has strong previous experience coaching and developing wide receivers while collaborating with the offensive staff to implement structured practice plans designed to maximize player performance and execution. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management from Oklahoma Christian University. Stephens will join the Bishop Kelley community this summer as preparations begin for the 2026 football season. Bishop Kelley Mission Bishop Kelley is a Catholic diocesan high school, inspired by St. John Baptist De La Salle, that carries on the teaching ministry of Jesus Christ by preparing students’ hearts and minds for a purposeful life. About Bishop Kelley Football Bishop Kelley Football competes in OSSAA Class 5A and forms young men of character through the discipline, brotherhood, and accountability that the game demands. Rooted in our mission, the program challenges student-athletes to pursue excellence while growing in faith, integrity, leadership, and respect for others. Comet players are called to compete with honor, support their teammates, and carry the values of Bishop Kelley long after their final game. About Bishop Kelley High School Bishop Kelley High School is Oklahoma’s largest private high school and a life-preparatory institution rooted in the Catholic tradition. The school offers a faith-based education that fosters academic excellence, spiritual growth, and personal development. Bishop Kelley features a rigorous curriculum with more than 40 honors and Advanced Placement courses across a wide range of disciplines. With an average ACT score of 28 and an average SAT score of 1260, graduates are well prepared for college, with 90 percent attending four-year institutions. More than 65 percent of Bishop Kelley students participate in athletics, reflecting the school’s commitment to developing the whole person through competition, teamwork, and leadership. The Blessed Stanley Rother Academic Support Program provides individualized assistance for students with diverse learning needs.