Diamond Elite Volleyball Academy-Coach Bio's

Coach Bio's

Note from Ryan: To help improve the quality of our coaches, every year we ask for feedback from our players and parents. These comments and ratings are used
to help the coaches identify their perceived weaknesses and strengths. In addition, it helps us to identify weak coaches and ask them to coach elsewhere. Only
the strongest coaches return year after year. To help communicate this to prospective parents and players, we decided to post these results. These are all on a 1-5 scale
with 5 being a perfect score. Every coach who has 5 or more completed evaluations will be posted. Every evaluation is included in the averages.

Number of Evaluations	Is Knowledgable	Is Professional	Explained Well	Appropriate Intensity	Cared	Appropriately Positive	Was Demainding
#	Kno	Pro	Exp	Int	Car	Pos	Dem

Ran Good Practices	Attendance	Taught Me Something	Was Active In Games	Critiqued	Set Goals for Me	Set Goals For Team	Playing Time Was Fair
GP	Att	Tau	Act	Cri	PG	TG	PT

Ryan Summers

Ryan	#	Kno	Pro	Exp	Int	Car	Pos	Dem
	36	4.97	4.94	4.78	4.78	4.80	4.83	4.62

	4.80	4.80	4.85	4.91	4.90	4.77	4.72	4.94
	GP	Att	Tau	Act	Cri	PG	TG	PT

Coach Ryan

Philosophy
Volleyball should be coached the same way it is meant to be played: intensely and with a nearly obsessive focus on improving fundamentals and increasing athleticism. These are the essential keys to improvement and success on the court. Overall success, on the other hand, is much more complicated. Volleyball is one aspect in a student’s life. Overall success is measured by the success of the individual as an athlete, but also the success of the athlete as an individual.

Club Coaching Experience

*Diamond Elite Volleyball Academy:

- Director
-
I have coached travel teams at 18U, 16U, 15U, 14U, and 13U age divisions. Winning records with every team

*Top Spin volleyball club:

- 18’s coach, 16’s coach, 15’s coach. Winning records with all three teams
-
Master Coach 4yrs;
- Top Spin VBC specialty ‘Hitter’ coach. Specialty ‘Setter’ coach

*Illinois Great Lakes Region High-Performance Head coach. The high-performance team is a statewide club all-star team, which competes at the national level and was originated as an Olympic support program.

- Camp Coach 2 years
- Head coach 1 year; Division 2 Champion, best overall performance of a Great Lakes Region team in the history of the High-performance program

High School Coaching Experience

*Highland HS head varsity volleyball coach 3 years

-LAC Conference Champion
-
3 year sectional final appearance
-
73-27overall record
-2 year JV conference tournament champion

*Bloom Trail HS assistant varsity coach: 23-7; SICA conference champion
*Gavit HS head varsity coach
*
Bloom Trail freshman coach.: Both A and B teams finished with winning
records

Professional & Collegiate programs that I have been involved with either as a player, a coach, or a volunteer assistant.

* Chicago Thunder Women’s Professional team
* Rose-Hulman University
* Calumet College
* Indiana State
*
South Suburban College
*
EVP semi-professional beach volleyball

Tracy Summers

Tracy	#	Kno	Pro	Exp	Int	Car	Pos	Dem
	12	4.92	4.92	4.92	5.00	4.92	5.00	4.83

	4.64	4.91	5.00	5.00	4.83	4.82	4.82	4.78
	GP	Att	Tau	Act	Cri	PG	TG	PT

I am the Assistant Director and have coached 14U, 15U, and16U travel teams for Diamond Elite. My coaching experience in volleyball includes five seasons at Wilbur Wright Middle School in Munster, IN with an overall record of 57-14. This year, I coached the Munster varsity volleyball team. We had a record of 27-11 and were both conference and sectional champions. The girls hard work also helped me to be recognized at Times coach of the year for 2009. I have also helped out with several volleyball camps and volleyball programs including, but not limited to, Munster HS, Orland Park JH, and Timothy Christian. Additionally, I have coached the Munster Builder Group for Diamond Elite as well as coached a few camps for DEVA. Besides coaching volleyball, I have coached 5 years of basketball at the junior high and junior varsity levels as well as 3 years of track.

Before teaching and coaching in Munster, my playing experience includes 4 years as a libero and defensive specialist for Trinity Christian College and served as co-captain on the team for 2 years. A highlight from my personal volleyball experience was playing against the Costa Rican National Team in 2003. Currently, I have expanded my game to the beach and grass and played in several EVP and grass tournaments. I also play in 2 coed indoor leagues and on a women’s USAV club team.

My philosophy of coaching is to provide my players with a positive, challenging, intense, and fun experience through playing volleyball. My intent is that they learn the concrete fundamentals of volleyball and achieve optimal improvement through discipline, intense practice, and maximum touches (ball contact). I feel that there is so much untouched potential that can come out with good coaching and my goal is to be that coach to the girls that play for me.

Bill Gray

Coaching
2009 – Present: Lake Central Assistant Varsity Volleyball Coach
2008 – 2009: All Area “Coach of the Year”
2003 – 2009: Munster Head Varsity Volleyball Coach
125 – 25 Overall Record 4 Conference Championships 3 Sectional Championships
2002 – 2003: Munster Assistant Varsity Volleyball Coach
21 – 8 Overall Record 1 Sectional Championship
1995 – 2002: Lake Central Assistant Varsity Volleyball Coach
2 Sectional Championships 1 Regional Runner Up
1994 – 1995: Griffith Assistant Varsity Volleyball Coach
1990 – 1994: Kahler Middle School 8th Grade Volleyball Coach
1987 – 1990: Student Volunteer Coach - Indiana State University

Playing
1987 – 1990: Middle Hitter/Setter Indiana State University Boys Team
1990 – 2010: Middle Hitter/Setter Various Coed Teams

Other
1990 – 2010: PE/Health Teacher Kahler Middle School
1991 – 2010: Volunteer Firefighter/EMT Town of Schererville/Dyer
1995 – 2010: Certified Sports Performance/Strength & Conditioning Coach USA Weightlifting

Emilio Torres

Emilio	#	Kno	Pro	Exp	Int	Car	Pos	Dem
	11	4.73	4.64	4.45	4.82	4.64	4.73	5.00

	4.55	4.73	4.55	4.50	4.50	4.09	4.45	4.33
	GP	Att	Tau	Act	Cri	PG	TG	PT

Volleyball Experience as a Player
1982 to 1986 Varsity team for Colegio San Jose, Rio Piedras, PR
1985 to 1986 Jr. National Team for Puerto Rico
1986 to 1990 AA Club Volleyball for Diamond Black, Radnor, PA

Volleyball Experience as a Coach
1986 to 1990 Assistant Coach for Women’s Volleyball at Cabrini College, Radnor PA.
1996 to 1998 Helped develop the Women’s National Volleyball Team in Guine-Bissau, West Africa, while working as Peace Corps Volunteer.
2000 to 2005 Helped develop the Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Athletics in the Province of Sofala, Mozambique while working with the Provincial Directorate of Education and Sports Development.

2006 Assistant Coach for TF South Varsity Girls Volleyball
2006 to 2007 Head Coach for Women’s 17 travel team for Club Top Spin
2009 to present Head Varsity volleyball coach Bishop Noll
2009 to present Diamond Elite 18 Jade coach

Scott Sheets

Scott	#	Kno	Pro	Exp	Int	Car	Pos	Dem
	6	4.67	4.67	4.83	4.33	4.67	4.67	4.33

	4.83	4.33	4.83	4.40	4.50	4.33	4.00	4.80
	GP	Att	Tau	Act	Cri	PG	TG	PT

I have been coaching volleyball for the past 10 years at high school, club, and college level with 4 years as Head Coach at Prairie State College. I am a CAP level I accredited coach with USA Volleyball as well as having been a certified personal fitness trainer for the past 10 years. Outside volleyball, I have been a police officer for the past 22 years with the Park Forest Police Department and have received my Bachelor’s Degree from Governors State University. My time away from work is spent with my family, wife Karyn and daughters Roscee and Madeline as well as training for and competing in triathlons. My coaching philosophy is to provide athletes with a positive competitive environment in which they can improve their physical and mental capabilities. I am eagerly anticipating this new season of club volleyball and the opportunity to work with these outstanding athletes.

Jill Wilczynski

I have been coaching Diamond Elite’s 12U Travel teams since their second year. I have also coached the 5th/6th grade team at Sandridge school. I have been playing volleyball since grade school. I played throughout high school, both for my high school team and for a club team. I started competitive play as a setter, and then became a middle hitter. I have coached high school summer leagues and assisted in summer camps for all ages. Currently, I play volleyball on co-ed teams.

I have a strong passion for coaching which compliments my career passion for teaching. I believe they are very similar fields. I want my players to become the best they can be – on and off the court. They need to develop skills in all areas and learn how to use their strengths. I think sports are a great way for an athlete to gain talents they can take away from the court. Determination, team work, confidence, persistence, hard work, and respect can all be achieved through playing a sport. Volleyball has been and still is a huge part of my life. Volleyball is a great sport and I hope that I can instill and encourage the same passion I have into the players I coach.

Alex Cervantes

Alex Cervantes is no stranger to the volleyball world. In fact, he has been playing the game for 18 years and still continues to strive to become a better player and coach every year. From the hard court to the beach sand, Alex has acquired a vast amount of knowledge of the game and is always eager to pass it along to his players. His philosophy, to be the best player you can be, is to practice the fundamentals constantly until the mind and body are in unison. "I know I succeed as a coach when a player stops thinking too much and instead relies on his or her volleyball instinct." Alex, to this day, still competes in competitive volleyball leagues and tournaments around Northwest Indiana and Chicago. Alex is IMPACT certified and a member of the EVP Tour. This is his second year coaching with DEVA.

Tara Breshock

My coaching philosophy:

I want the girls to have a good fundamental base so they can take the needed skills with them wherever their volleyball careers lead. I am big on fundamentals because I was not taught correctly in high school and it really challenged me when I pursued volleyball at a collegiate level.
To me volleyball is a total team sport. Every player is needed to do his or her specific role, whether it be hitting, setting, serving, digging, or cheering. Each girl will get their chance and when the time comes everyone should be supporting each other. Volleyball is also a fun and exciting sport to play and watch, which is why I could never give it up.
Volleyball, like other sports, is important to teach teamwork, discipline, commitment, time management, and it’s a fun why to meet new people and have fun. The girls will need all of these for future endeavors.

My coaching experience:

Basketball: For the past 5 years I have coached at the Saint Xavier University women’s basketball camp. The camp is 3 weeks long and about 2 and a half hours long. The age levels are 1st-8 th grade.

Volleyball: I have just recently been helping with the Elite Volleyball Players program which is conducted every Sunday from 9-11. The age levels are 1st-8 th grade.

*This will be my first time coaching for any type of club team.

My playing experience:

I played at T.F. South High School and was on varsity for 2 years. My position was middle blocker. I was All-Conference, All-Area, and Team MVP both years. The team was Conference and Regional Champs both years.

I played club volleyball for Chicago Finest for half a year because I was extremely dedicated to basketball as well as volleyball. I was moved up to the 18’s.

I also played at Saint Xavier University for 4 years, where I continued playing as a middle blocker. I was All-Conference 1 st team, All-Region 1st, and team MVP both my junior and senior years.

I am currently playing in a co-ed league in Alsip where I am STILL a middle blocker. During the summer, I played in a co-ed sand volleyball league in Mokena.

Casey Rhodes

Casey coached two years ago with TopSpin, but was not able to do so last year becuase it conflicted with school. She is currently attending Purdue Calumet full time and majoring in Accouting. Casey is also working there in the Graduate Department. Her playing experience includes high school at Crown Point and also club ball for many years. Casey has grown up with volleyball all around her whether it was going to her older sister's games or watching her mom play. She is looking foward to coaching for Diamond Elite and hoping to share her love and knowledge of the game with her players. Casey is very eager for the season to begin and start working with her new players!

Julie Wilber Frey

Coaching Philosophy:

I believe the purpose of organized sports is to create successful responsible citizens who become life-long lovers of athletics, specifically the game of volleyball.

I believe that players who learn the fundamentals of the game will continue to play into adulthood.

I believe that when players learn to be successful on the court they learn to be successful in life.

I believe all members of a team are equally valuable and will contribute to the success of the team given the opportunity.

I believe that volleyball invokes commitment, a strong work ethic, and dedication from its players.

I believe all players will learn and grow if given the opportunity.

I believe volleyball is an intoxicating drug for which I am hopelessly addicted.

Coaching Experience:

Thornton Fractional North High School – Calumet City, IL

Freshmen coach – 2002 - 2004

St. Michaels School – Schererville, IN

Coached 5th grade through 8th grade – 2004 - 2008

Thornton Fractional North High School, Calumet City, IL

Varsity Boys – 2006 – present

Altitude Volleyball Club – Crown Point, IN
12’s team – 2007-2008
16’s team – 2008-2009

Boris Djulabic

Boris	#	Kno	Pro	Exp	Int	Car	Pos	Dem
	10	4.80	5.00	4.80	4.60	4.90	4.90	4.29

	4.60	4.90	4.60	4.71	4.43	4.10	4.44	4.80
	GP	Att	Tau	Act	Cri	PG	TG	PT

My volleyball philosophy is to teach my players the fundamentals of the game through hard work and enthusiasm. I have been in the volleyball world for the last 17 years as a player (setter, outside hitter) and, as a coach. My playing experience includes 4 of years varsity high school, club collegiate play at the University of Illinois, as well as competitive adult league play.

Outside of volleyball, I am involved in keeping our community safe by prosecuting criminal cases as an Assistant State's Attorney. I continue to play in numerous competitive leagues and tournaments, including both indoor and sand-volleyball. I strive to improve as a player and a coach every time I step onto the court. My goal as a coach is to pass on my love for the game to my players and to improve the skills of every player I coach. I have enjoyed my experiences with the game of volleyball immensely, and look forward to sharing that joy and knowledge with today's younger players.

Sheri Mitchell

Sherri started coaching 8th grade volleyball in 2000 while Keith was coaching his fourth season of freshman football. In 2001 Keith joined Sherri as an assistant for the eighth grade team. He took the 7th grade team over in 2003 when the position opened up. Together we were able to work on a strategy of development for the Middle School Volleyball program.

Our involvement with Diamond started after several conversations with Coach Tracy Summers (who was the 8th grade coach at Wilbur Wright at the time) and Coach Ryan Summers in 2008, both of whom had successful programs in their respective schools. We were particularly impressed with the consistent play and top caliber players at Munster. Club ball training and play had definitely paid off. We chose to coach at Diamond Elite because of the excellent developmental program that was put together, stressing strong fundamentals and combining individualized position techniques with technical team strategies. We have enjoyed both teaching and learning Diamond's approach to volleyball.

Our philosophy entails striving to get the most out of every player, presenting challenges in a safe and fun environment. We always look for the next step each player can take and then work hard with them to get there. Together, we often discuss those steps, the players' individual abilities and their team contributions in an effort to best help each player and the team. We enjoy seeing the athletes reach that next level, becoming more confident in their abilities.

Coach Emilio Torres

Keith Mitchell

Angela Wayne

Coaching Experience:

*I just finished my third season as the head coach at Wilbur Wright Middle School, Munster, IN, with an overall record of 43-8 thus far.
*I am looking forward to my third year with Diamond Elite and a very successful season as head coach of the 13 Onyx team.
*I have also coached various volleyball camps, small groups and builder groups with both Munster and Diamond Elite. In addition, I have coached beach volleyball for the past two summers.

Playing Experience:

*Before teaching and coaching in Munster, my playing experience includes playing for my middle school team and as setter on my high school team. I also played intramural volleyball during college at Indiana University Bloomington and still play today whenever I can.

Philosophy:

*My goal is to provide players with a challenging, yet fun, environment in which they can reach their full potential. Focusing on fundamentals, I seek to foster individual abilities and strengths, while building confidence in those abilities, for the betterment of the player and the team. I hope to provide a positive experience for the girls in which they learn discipline, hard work, and team building skills that they can use not only in their life as a volleyball player, but also in their personal lives as well.

Linda Wilson

Volleyball is a game dear to my heart. I've spent many years coaching, playing and now officiating at the middle school and high school levels. I have also coached for 6 years at Morton H.S., 1 year at Andrean, and 4 years at Merrillville. I've also been affiliated with several club programs including Dunes, Second City, and Altitude where I have coached ages 13 through 15.

I continue to play coed and women's volleyball leagues locally. At least once a year, I travel to the adult USAV nationals or Masters tournaments to compete with a group of players primarily from southern California. I've attended the World Masters Games twice, winning a gold medal in Australia in 2009. Hopefully, I can continue to play till 2013 when the World Masters will be in Torino, Italy!!

My coaching philosophy is simple. Dedication + Hard Work + Fundamentals = Success. Fun is definitely in the mix. If it's not fun.....don't play. It is my goal to see that every player enjoys her club experience and finishes the season a better player . We'll have lots of laughs....but we'll also push ourselves beyond our comfort level to reach the potential within us.

Kimberly Dranger

Kim	#	Kno	Pro	Exp	Int	Car	Pos	Dem
	7	4.57	4.29	4.00	3.57	4.57	4.29	4.00

	4.14	4.43	4.14	3.86	3.86	3.86	3.86	4.57
	GP	Att	Tau	Act	Cri	PG	TG	PT

While playing high school and club volleyball I came to love the game because it is FUN! I like seeing my teammates succeed, the sense of personal accomplishment, and fierce competition. The high level of club competition culminated with my 18’s club team at Fusion winning the Asics Junior National Volleyball Tournament. I believe my participation in club volleyball helped me earn a Division I full scholarship.

As a four year starting middle hitter on the Oral Roberts Division I volleyball team & Mid-Continent All Conference selection I came to value accountability, commitment to teamwork, effective coaching, & disciplined training on and off the court. These shared values led to ORU’s bid during my senior year to the 2006 NCAA tournament and the opportunity to play and compete with the nation’s best volleyball players.

During my sophomore year at ORU I realized I wanted to help young athletes and volleyball players improve athletically and excel as people and teammates. My coaching experience includes the following:

· Volunteer Assistant Varsity Coach Munster High School, IN

· Head Coach, 3 years Squadron Volleyball Club, DeKalb, IL

· Freshman Coach DeKalb High School, DeKalb, IL

· JV Coach Booker T Washington High School, Tulsa, OK

· Coach 3 years Club One, Tulsa, OK

Professional experience as a personal trainer and Athletic Republic Level II Trainer has allowed me to work with hundreds of youth and college athletes to improve their physical capabilities and increase confidence which directly correlates to a competitive edge against their peer group.

My philosophy remains the same since high school: “What would I do if I knew I could not fail?” Continue to value people, work harder than I thought possible, eliminate the idea of limitations, and compete intensely. Coaching is about inspiring and equipping people to do the same.

Sarah Gawczynksi

Sarah	#	Kno	Pro	Exp	Int	Car	Pos	Dem
	6	4.67	4.67	4.33	4.67	4.83	4.67	4.60

	4.33	4.50	4.67	4.75	4.50	4.00	4.25	4.25
	GP	Att	Tau	Act	Cri	PG	TG	PT

I played volleyball and softball competitively through high school and continue to play in leagues and tournaments whenever I can. In high school I started as an outside hitter and was moved to the middle my junior year. I played one year of club before deciding to pursue flying. In softball I pitched and played outfield. I played 1 and a half years of collegiate softball for Lewis University.

I currently work as a pilot for SkyWest Airlines. I have been with my company for 3 and a half years. I have always wanted to coach and now my schedule allows me the time to do so. Last season was my first year coaching and this season is my first year at Diamond Elite. I coached club 15’s previously and have coached the 14 Onyx team for the past two years.

My coaching philosophy is to create a learning environment that is enjoyable and productive for my players. Every athlete should learn from every game and practice they watch or participate in. My goal as a coach is to help my players to achieve their goals and play to their full potential. Every player and coach that I have worked with has taught me something about the coach that I want to become and will continue to learn from those around me this year and those to come.

Jessica Graham

I began coaching while my Junior and Senior years of high school as an assistant coach to a 7th and 8th grade team. Throughout my years at Indiana University I played in quite a few leagues as a defensive specialist and outside hitter. I then coached a Varsity team at Lighthouse Christian Academy in Bloomington, IN. Once I graduated college in 2008 I moved back to Lafayette, IN and coached an 8th grade at East Tipp Middle School. My first club coaching experience was for Lafayette Area Volleyball which consisted of coaching players from 2nd grade through 5th grade in hopes to get them ready for their first middle school experience.

I moved to Northwest Indiana at the beginning of August after taking a second grade teaching position in Hammond and wanted to get involved in volleyball in some way. I then found DEVA and have enjoyed getting to know the girls and being able to make an impact in their lives on and off the court as I coached the 15 Onyx team.

Jen Allison

Jen	#	Kno	Pro	Exp	Int	Car	Pos	Dem
	6	4.83	5.00	4.83	4.67	5.00	5.00	4.33

	3.83	5.00	4.50	5.00	4.67	3.67	4.50	5.00
	GP	Att	Tau	Act	Cri	PG	TG	PT

From the time I was in 6th grade, I’ve lived the mantra of “eat, sleep, play volleyball..life is great”. I played competitive volleyball throughout high school and on various Chicagoland USAV power league club teams, taking 2nd place at Junior Olympics-16U as a 15 year old. I started off as a setter, but moved to both outside and right side, and even substituted in as a libero as the match dictated. I’ve received various awards and commendations including: Times Newspaper’s first team selection Junior and Senior year, Indiana North/South All-Star Team nomination, and MVP athlete for Lake Central Volleyball senior year. I also participated in the athletic development program at Omni 41, under the guidance of Frank Eksten and Grant Gardis, for three years. I decided to pursue my major, speech pathology in college, but the next best alternative, was to participate in Indiana University’s (Bloomington) strong intramural program. My teams for four years female (4 on 4 and 6 on 6) and coed (4 on 4 and 6 on 6) teams were undefeated.

In high school, I was a volleyball instructor for Lake Central Summer Camps 2001-2005 for ages 8-13. Additionally, I was a volunteer support team member for the National Weightlifting Competitions 2005-2006. I provided assistant coaching duties during practices with Hoosierland Volleyball club (17 & 18U) in Bloomington, IN from 2008-2009. I am looking forward to this new opportunity and share my love and passion for the game.

Brian Zofkie

Philosophy
My philosophy of coaching requires the student athlete to buy into three concepts in their pursuit of excellence; commitment, determination, and effort. Throughout the season I will consistently define and use examples of what these concepts mean and how they translate into success. My major goals for any team I coach are for the players to learn, work hard, and have fun. These goals usually translate into winning.

Club Coaching Experience

Fox Cities Elite Volleyball Club – Appleton WI - 2002-2004
-Coached 16 U and 17 U teams to 5th and 7th place finishes at Mid East Qualifier

Chicago Jrs. VBC- Evergreen Park IL – 2004-2006
    - Coached at the 17 U and 18 U levels
    - Winning record with every team

Trinity Volleyball Club – Evergreen Park IL – 2007-2010
    - Coached at the 16 U, 17 U, and 18 U levels
    - Winning Record with every team
    - Diamond Elite league 16 U Champs 2007

High School Coaching Experience

Mt Assisi Academy – Lemont IL – 2004
    - Head JV Coach
    - Asst. varsity Coach for Regional and Sectional Champs, lost in Super
    Sectional to eventual State Champion

Evergreen Park High School – Evergreen Park IL- 2005-2010
    - Head Freshman Coach 2005
    - Assistant Varsity Coach 2005-2010- Six Consecutive Conference Titles, 3
    Regional Championships, 2 Sectional Finals. Coached 4 Conference Players of
     the Year at both the HS and Club level.
   - Interim Head Coach for 2009 season which resulted in both Conference and
     Regional Championship

Portage High School – Portage IN -2011
- Current Head Coach Portage High School

Ashley Plumley

Coaching Philosophy :
An athlete’s character is more important than their talent! My goal is to create well-rounded players on the court, as well as in the community and classroom. I strive to enhance the volleyball talents of my players, while developing their leadership skills, self-discipline, and work ethic.

Playing Experience:
Crown Point High School Varsity, Crown Point, IN. (1999-2001), Setter, Captain 2001
Synergy Volleyball Club, Northwest, IN.
Dunes Volleyball Club, Northwest, IN.
Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL (2002-2004), Defensive Specialist, Co-Captain 2004

Coaching Experience:
Port St. Lucie High School, Port St. Lucie, FL. (2006-2008), Head Varsity Coach
Treasure Coast Volleyball Club, Stuart, FL. (2006-2008), 16U
Somerset Academy Charter High, Pembroke Pines, FL. (2009), Head Varsity Coach
University of Miami, Miami, FL. (2010), Volunteer
Portage High School, Portage, IN. (2011-Present), Freshman Coach

Officiating Experience:
USAV Florida Region Official (2002-2003), Club Official 12U-18 Open

Melanie Lawrence

Coaching Experience
I have been a volleyball coach for about four years now. I have coached summer camps and summer league teams at Lincoln-Way East High School for four years. I have also coached 13’s and 14’s teams at Celtic Force Volleyball Club for two years, and I also coached summer camps for my college coach for three years.

Playing Experience
I have been playing volleyball for a long time. I started playing in seventh grade, and I just recently ended my collegiate career as a senior. I played for Chicago’s Finest Volleyball Club for three years, and I also played for Ultimate Volleyball Club for three years. I played all four years at Lincoln-Way East High School, and then attended Trinity Christian College where I also played as a setter all four years. I am continuing to play competitively in adult tournaments.

Coaching Philosophy
My goal is to create a positive environment that encourages players to learn and develop on and off the court. As a coach, I want to help my players improve, and I believe that each player has the ability to reach their full potential if they are provided with the opportunity to do so. I think that it is very important that the girls learn dedication, hard work, and team work skills. It is also extremely important that the girls have fun and enjoy the wonderful game of volleyball!

Matt Clark - Bio Coming Soon

Matt	#	Kno	Pro	Exp	Int	Car	Pos	Dem
	20	4.90	4.80	4.80	4.74	4.89	4.65	4.58

	4.58	4.94	4.83	4.33	4.54	4.59	4.69	4.80
	GP	Att	Tau	Act	Cri	PG	TG	PT

Coach Matt Clark

Kay Massey - Bio Coming Soon

Kay	#	Kno	Pro	Exp	Int	Car	Pos	Dem
	13	4.00	4.38	3.92	3.54	4.08	4.15	3.88

	3.77	5.00	4.33	4.00	4.38	3.58	3.54	4.54
	GP	Att	Tau	Act	Cri	PG	TG	PT

Coach Matt Clark

Kendal Moyer

Bio Coming Soon

Mark Hubbard

Volleyball Coaching Experience
Diamond Elite Volleyball Academy Head Coach - 4yrs
Diamond Elite Volleyball Academy Assistant Coach - 1yr

I have been a volleyball coach for about five years now with Diamond Elite. My previous coaching experience had been in basketball and football so this has been a rewarding and smooth transition to coaching girls club volleyball.

Playing Experience
I have been playing both beach and indoor volleyball since growing up in Hawaii. I played all four years in high school varsity with Hawaii Prep Academy and recently just retired from playing club for Chicago's Hitlist Men's Volleyball. However, you will still see me play beach volleyball at North Avenue Beach in Chicago.

Coaching Philosophy
My approach to coaching has been similar to my approach in life. I try to create a fun and invigorating atmosphere that allows you to learn both volleyball and life lessons. I like to challenge each player and try to prepare them for the next level of play whether it be collegiate, higher club level etc. Developing a player who has their self interest in mind will only strengthen the team's cohesiveness. More importantly a player who believes that they have the ability to reach their potential will encourage others to do as well and allow each other to push their limits. It is important for the players to communicate with each other and always strive to perform the best of their abilities at all times. This builds respect for each other, for the coaches in the academy and more importantly the community.

Erin Delaney

Erin	#	Kno	Pro	Exp	Int	Car	Pos	Dem
	5	4.20	4.00	4.00	3.40	4.50	4.20	3.00

	2.75	5.00	3.80	3.75	3.80	3.40	3.25	3.25
	GP	Att	Tau	Act	Cri	PG	TG	PT

My philosophy on the game of volleyball is simple: Work hard, play hard, and have fun doing it. Volleyball is both physical and mental, so if you don't enjoy doing the work and playing the game, then there is no point.

Playing Experience:

Freshman and JV at Marian Catholic HS (setter)
2 years South Suburban Junior College (outside hitter)
2 years Calumet College of Saint Joseph (right side hitter)
Divers Volleyball Club (right side hitter, defensive specialist)
2nd City Volleyball Club (setter)

Coaching Experience:

Head Coach JV team at Marian Catholic HS (current)
Assistant Coach at Calumet College of Saint Joseph (4 seasons)
7th Grade Coach at Griffith Middle School (1 season)
Indiana Director Ultimate Volleyball Club (2 seasons)
Head Coach 16 Black Ultimate Volleyball Club (1 season)
Head Coach 16 Emerald Diamond Elite Volleyball Club (2 seasons)

About Me:

I graduated from Calumet College of Saint Joseph in 2005, with a Bachelor's in Psychology. I went back to school and graduated in 2007, with a degree in Elementary Education. I currently teach for Griffith Public Schools. This is my fifth year in the district, having taught 5th grade for three years, Kindergarten for one year, and finally settling into 1st grade this year. I love my 1st graders because each day brings a new adventure and lots of laughter. I love to coach and I continue to play in volleyball leagues whenever possible. I have coached many different age levels, but my favorite group to work with is the high school kids. Coaching has helped me gain a new appreciation for the game and makes me work harder when I play. I have had coaches both good and bad, and they have helped me to develop my philosophy. All of my experiences have made me who I am today and I always strive to be a better coach, player, and teacher.

HOT LINKS

Coach Bio's