CJV Coaches
Carolina Juniors Volleyball Club employs hundreds of coaches each year. Many of our directors and coaches have been working with the CJV Club since it began in 1995. Most of our coaches are current local High School and College coaches, former College and club players and other dedicated individuals that have a love for volleyball and teaching young people. Click on the bios below to learn more about our current coaches, or fill out an application to learn more about joining the CJV Coaching Team.
| Name | Leadership Role |
|---|---|
| Sheila Walsh | CJV Director |
| Emily Horn Madison Pogue Zoe Bell Brook Hammers Corey Sarubbi Kelsey Smith Jackie Buchanan |
CJV Local Administration Director CJV Travel Administration Director CJV Training Director CJV Training Director CJV Training Director CJV Hotel Coordinator CJV Recruiting Coordinator |
| Shem Welch | Carolina Beach Director |
| Allan Haseley | Sports Connection Owner |
CJV Is Proud Of All Of Our Current and Past Players And Coaches.
Over 70% of all players and coaches at clubs in the Charlotte area, started or furthered their coaching and playing careers by playing, coaching or through some other contact or relationship with CJV! With CJV’s numerous levels of programs, from Lil Spikers all the way to the Elite Level, we are able to train all ages and skill levels of players. In addition to teaching and training over 3500 players each year, CJV also allows coaches an opportunity to advance their coaching careers at CJV by working with the some of the best volleyball coaches and players in the nation. This includes bringing in college coaches Gold Medal Squared coaches for camps and clinics, and offering coaching tools such as Art Of Coaching and GMS+. We are proud to be able to train and mentor new and less experienced coaches interested in learning to coach volleyball, not just for our club, but also to improve the quality and level of coaching at all the local schools and other volleyball clubs in the area. We understand coaches and players have many opportunities to coach and play volleyball, and are glad CJV is, or has been, part of their volleyball careers and hope they will continue to play, coach and give back to the great sport of volleyball wherever they are.
Club Directors
Sheila Walsh
CJV South Director
Sheila has been playing volleyball since they were 13; most of those years at CJV. They were a starting setter at USC Aiken where they won numerous awards and holds several school assist records. Prior to becoming a director, Sheila coached at Nation Ford High School, where the team won two consecutive 5A State Championships. Sheila has coached all ages and levels at CJV. Sheila is in their eighth year working at CJV, and entering their fourth year as a director. They have coached at the Elite level for four years, from ages 13 to 17.
In 2023, Sheila earned a spot on the AVCA 30 Under 30 List for the 2022-2023 season. Read the article HERE.
Local Program Directors
Emily Horn
Travel Program Directors
Madison Pogue
Madison Pogue enters her first season at CJV with 6 years of collegiate coaching experience as well as 10+ years in travel volleyball.
During her first season as the Head Women’s Volleyball Coach at CVCC, Pogue led the Red Hawks to a 21-5 overall record, including 10-0 mark in Region 10 play. CVCC also won its 13th Region 10 title and clinched a berth at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II National Championship for a third-straight season. At the National tournament, the Red Hawks won their first match of the event for only the second time in school history and finished 8th in the country.
Pogue, who helped CVCC extend its winning streak in Region matches to 195 in a row in Division I, II and III play and 156 in a row in conference matches, was named the Southeast District A Coach of the Year. One of the most prolific setters in Red Hawk volleyball history, Pogue helped lead CVCC to a 73-9 record during her two seasons on the court in 2013 and 2014, including a perfect 34-0 record in conference play and a national tournament appearance in 2013 that finished 12th in the country.
Pogue went on to finish her collegiate career at North Greenville University where she set North Greenville’s single-season record for assists in 2015, and she also broke the school’s single match assist record before going on to earn second team all-conference accolades. Following her athletic career, Pogue continued to give back to the sport she loves, serving as an assistant coach for the Crusaders for two seasons.
Coaching Philosophy
Volleyball is a tool we have the opportunity to use that can grow players both on and off the court. As a player you can always give me your best attitude and your best effort, you’ll understand and grow in the sport just by being around other elite athletes and elite coaches. Be coachable, consistent, competitive, and eager to learn.
Zoe Bell
Travel Teams Director, 16 Elite Head Coach and 13 Regional Co Head Coach
Zoe has been with CJV since the very first day, 26 years ago. She is currently the Director of the Travel teams. Zoe has coached 14 -18’s Elite National teams, as well as been a part of camps, clinics and lessons. In 2011, she coached her CJV 16’s to a Big South National Qualifier Championship. Also, in the same year, the team came in second at the 2011 Northeast Qualifier Championship. In 2018, she was selected AVCA High School Coach of the year.
Zoe is the currently the head coach at Ardrey Kell High School and was formerly the head coach at Charlotte Latin and Providence High Schools where she lead her teams to 5 NC 4A State Championships and has made it to the finals 7 times.
Brook Hammers
CJV Travel Teams & 12 National Head Coach
Brook played 3 years of Varsity at Venice High School – lead her team to the first district and regional championship. She also played two years at Pasco Hernando Community College, where her team was 12 and 8 in the Country. She attend and played volleyball for two years at Campbell University and was 5th in the conference in digs and was named all TAAC Academic Team. Brook has coached at Charlotte Latin and was a graduate assistant at Valdosta State for two years. She also coached four years at Bishop Verot and won 4 conference championships and Coach of the year four times. Brook is in her 14th year at Marvin Ridge High school, where she has won eight conference championships, four Coach of the year honors and her Marvin Ridge Mavericks won the 2018 NCHSAA 3A volleyball title! In 2018 She was named North Carolina Athletic Association Coach of the Year and in 2018 and 2019 she was honored with North Carolina Hugh School Volleyball Coach of the Year!
Brook also has a total of over 14 years coaching club with Club Raleigh, USA South, CUVC, Union Select Academy and now CJV!
Coach Philosophy:
I am a Coach because of my passion for my work. I am able to foster the growth of my players through the numerous opportunities on and off the court. To have an environment that encourages athletes to learn and develop on and off the playing field, to create a positive learning environment in good and bad times. To harness the basic foundations of the game of volleyball.
Corey Surabbi
Corey joins Carolina Juniors with a combined 32 years of volleyball experience. As someone who grew up playing the game starting at a very young age, he played both beach and indoor volleyball before relocating to South Florida in 2009 when he transitioned to coaching. He has coached at the high school, club, and collegiate level and was also part of the USAV High Performance coaching staff. Starting in 2009 Corey began coaching for Wildfire Volleyball academy. In just 2 years he was named a Director for the club. In 2015, club founder, Ore Pablos recognized the common vision and dedication Corey had for growing the sport in South Florida and asked him to become an owner and partner in the club. In his 14 years at Wildfire he has been instrumental in helping the club grow to over 700 athletes. Through his training and influence the club has been consistently recognized as one of the premier volleyball clubs in the highly competitive Florida Region of USA Volleyball. Wildfire has also become a Nationally recognized club, consistently sending teams to National Championships each year while also winning gold at Girl’s Junior Nationals.
As a head coach of the 13’s and 16’s age groups at the club, Corey has successfully qualified 8 teams to contend for a USAV National Championship. Most recently, with his plans to relocate to the Charlotte area, Corey is the current recruiting coordinator for Wildfire Volleyball. Over the past 12 years the organization has a rich history of sending athletes to play at the next level. Most recently, Corey has helped the club commit 17 athletes from the class of 2023 along with 2 already from the class of 2025 to play for collegiate programs. He has always been passionate about this role and believes there is an opportunity out there for every athlete who is looking to continue to play volleyball and compete at the collegiate level. He is dedicated to getting them there.
In 2014 Corey joined Lynn University where he was brought on as an assistant coach by former head coach Lynze Roos (Wofford College). He has been a Fighting Knight ever since! Under current coach Adam Milewski, Corey has continued to help the program succeed at a very high level in the NCAA and specifically Sunshine State Conference. In 2019 the Knights were crowned SSC Conference Champions. In his time at Lynn the program has advanced to the NCAA Division II National Tournament 4 times including the last three consecutive seasons. He has helped the University take home 9 AVCA All American Honors including 3 First Team All-Americans. The program also awarded 18 athletes with All SSC honors and added 10 All region honors as well. Corey was first selected as a coach for the Florida Region of USA Volleyball in 2016. He spent 4 years coaching the USA Volleyball High Performance Teams under the Florida Region and was on the coaching staff for the National Select, National Youth and finally International Youth team. In four trips to the USA High Performance National Championships he was able to help his team reach the podium all 4 times earning 3 Gold Medals along with 1 Bronze.
After stepping away from the program as he and his wife were expecting their second daughter, he hopes to return in the future. While coaching club and collegiate volleyball, he has always felt it was important to be part of the local community by coaching student athletes at the high school level. In Florida he coached at Coral Springs High School from 2009-2012. He then coached at West Broward High School from 2013-2017 winning 5 consecutive District titles before taking the most recent position at NSU University School where he led the program to their first ever District Championship with two more to follow. He is excited to continue coaching in NC and will be joining the Volleyball Program at the Charlotte Latin School this fall. Before his coaching career Corey was introduced to volleyball by his father who played beach volleyball in Rochester, NY. As a volleyball family, he grew up on the beach playing volleyball with his father and sisters. He also spent most of his younger years in Hot Shots Beach Volleyball Facility and had one of his first jobs there as an official for 4 years. Throughout that time he played high school ball for Webster High School and played club at Pace Bootlegger.
“ I am beyond excited to start a new chapter in North Carolina and with Carolina Juniors. I believe volleyball is a life sport and I am so thankful for the opportunity to coach it. The relationships, experiences and memories that this sport has blessed me with are priceless. Coaching is a role that I highly value as it allows me to give athletes the same opportunities that I was given through volleyball. I find it extremely rewarding, and it is absolutely the best way to give back to the sport that has given me so much!
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Caitie Mayo
Caitie Mayo received her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science at Gardner-Webb University. During her time there, she played volleyball and held an internship with their Sports Performance Staff. During the summer of 2019, she began the strength and conditioning program for female athletes at Fitchburg High School in Fitchburg, MA. While pursuing her Master’s Degree in Strength and Conditioning at Gardner-Webb, she was also a Graduate Assistant for the Health, Sports, and Physical Education Department. She now works for both Architech Sports Performance and Physical Therapy as well as Charlotte Football Club’s Academy Team as a Performance Specialist.
Caitie is a very detail-oriented coach who is committed to optimizing movement mechanics to develop the athlete from the ground up. She is passionate about challenging athletes to bring their best every day and helping them develop their confidence. In her spare time, she enjoys lifting, trying new restaurants, playing volleyball, and traveling.
*Caitie will be running private & group lessons on Monday/Wednesday/Friday/Saturday. Please see our lesson page for available times*.
11U-12U Coaches
Cassie Andress
Carrie Christian
Carrie also coached at the high school level for 21 years including two years as assistant at West Charlotte, 7 years at Charlotte Country Day, and 12 years at Nation Ford. During her stint at Nation Ford she led the program to win 3 State Championships and had many players commit to play in college. Carrie was named Region Coach of the Year multiple years and was selected as the South Carolina Coach of the Year.
Alli Fleagle
16 Elite Assistant Coach
Alli has been with CJV since 2014 and going into her 6th season as a National level coach. She began her career as one of the club’s Assistant Directors helping grow our Northlake location. Alli coached the club’s first National Level North team in 2014 and helped create our Lil’ Spikers program for 3-8 year old boys and girls interested in learning the sport.
Before she moved to Charlotte, she lived in Pennsylvania where she played in college for 4 years at Slippery Rock University. During her time at Slippery Rock, she commuted to Pittsburgh to coach for Pitt Elite Volleyball Club. Alli has been coaching volleyball for almost 10 years. Please contact her two beautiful cats Pocket & Phil with any other questions regarding her volleyball career.
Coach Philosophy:
Be on Time
Be Dependable
Be Appreciative
Be courageous and Coachable – Confidence is a an end result of being Courageous
Be Non-Judgmental
Be positive in your attitude and Energy
Erica Scacciaferro
Erica Scacciaferro started coaching at CJV in 2021 and has coached middle and high school, locals programs over the past four years. She was the assistant coach for Mint Hill Middle School for the 2023 fall season. Erica started playing volleyball in middle school and continued throughout high school, mainly as a defensive specialist. She played for clubs in both Georgia and North Carolina before stopping to pursue her degrees at the University of South Carolina and Clemson. This will be her first season coaching a state level team and she is ready for a great season!
Humberto Guevara
14 Semi National South Head Coach and 12 Developmental South Head Coach
Humberto is currently the head volleyball coach at Legion Collegiate Academy in Rock Hill, South Carolina. He works at Legion Collegiate Academy as a coordinator. His school volleyball coaching experience includes varsity coach at Legion, head boys’ varsity coach in Maryland, JV head coach, assistant girls’ varsity coach in Maryland and South Carolina and middle school coach in Rock Hill. His club experience includes one year with Rock Hill Volleyball Club, 2 years with Intense Volleyball and is starting his second year with CJV. Humberto played 3 years in Maryland as a middle hitter, outside hitter and setter for his high school. He was an honorable mention setter his senior year. Humberto was also named boys’ coach of the year in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Coach Philosophy:
Coaching is about being in service to others. My job is to do everything I can to help those I coach grow, develop, and succeed individually and as a team now and in the future. The foundations of sustained success is a mentality of continuous improvement as a team and as individual players. This shifts the focus away from “How am I playing now?” to allowing players to think about growth and learning. It also allows the team to work toward goals and fosters a positive team culture. It also allows for the players to learn to adapt to situations and to inevitably change.
Valentin Bona
13U Coaches
Dan Walsh
Coach Dan started coaching volleyball in 2002 as a way to spend time with his daughter. In 2008 he joined Carolina Juniors, helping out in the practice and play program, and then in the local program in 2010. He joined Nation Ford High school in 2010 as the JV Head coach, and was the 13’s assistant on the CJV National team. 2012-2016 he was the head coach for 13’s or 14’s National teams, until leaving for Arizona. There he was the 15’s National coach from 2017 until 2021 for Arizona Sky and in 2022 was the 16’s assistant at Atomic Volleyball club. While in Arizona, was the Varsity head coach for North Pointe Prep and Apollo high school, and spent 4 years at Thunderbird High school as the Varsity assistant. Dan returned to the Carolina’s in 2022 and re-joined CJV as the 13’s National Head Coach and became the Varsity assistant and JV Head Coach at Ardrey Kell High School. Dan is CAP-1 certified with USAV, and is AIA, CIC, and NFHS level 3 certified through the NFHS.
Coach Philosophy:
-Everything learned provides more questions than answers, which creates more things to learn.
-Mistakes are not failure, they are opportunities to learn. The only failure is refusing to learn from them.
-Get comfortable being uncomfortable. The more a comfort zone grows, the more confidence grows.
-Focus on growing and getting better. Comparisons against others are limiting, comparison against one’s self shows growth and can build confidence.
Carli Pigza
Carli Pigza has been coaching the local programs at CJV since 2017. She also played club for CJV for four years. Carli then went on to play volleyball at Tusculum University where she was a starter for the 5 years she played. She is now teaching art at Weddington Middle School and coaching their volleyball team.
Shaniqua Early
Shaniqua Early is a proud graduate of North Carolina A&T from Fayetteville, NC. As a literacy coach, magnet coordinator, and educator of 10 years, Shaniqua has plenty of experience working with young ladies of all age groups. She is the Head Volleyball Coach at Harding University and has coached with CJV for over 4 years in various capacities. If you can’t find her in a classroom or the gym, try looking for her in the kitchen cooking, outdoors camping, or on the couch catching up on tv shows!
Elaine Medina
Chanise Taylor
Chanise started playing volleyball when she was 11 in middle school and started playing club volleyball in 13s at Midwest Penguins Volleyball Club. Due to her determination and efforts, she made the varsity volleyball team as a freshman at Brown Deer High School. In 2013, her family moved to North Carolina as her mom got a new career opportunity. However, she continued to play volleyball at Ardrey Kell High School and Carolina Juniors Volleyball club under Zoe Bell, furthering her skills as a setter and a leader on the court. During her senior year of high school, she was chosen as 1 of 4 captains and awarded the Leadership Award. She finished her high school career at Ardrey Kell with a 94.1% serve percentage, 42 kills and 586 assists. She continued to play volleyball while at North Carolina A&T State University at the club level for her freshman and sophomore year. Her team won a tournament each of those years. After her sophomore year, her studies began to become a bit more rigorous so she adjusted her priorities. However, volleyball never went away. When she graduated and moved to Portland, OR, she played in a co-ed volleyball leagues in the city. Now that she has moved back to Charlotte, NC, she is excited to help girls further their skills in volleyball. Volleyball teaches many life lessons outside of just the game and she is excited to share those same lessons and her passion with the girls.
Rachel Mackey
Coaching Bio
Rachel Mackey brings a dynamic blend of playing and coaching experience to the volleyball community. With a deep passion for fostering player development and a proven track record as both an athlete and mentor, Rachel is dedicated to helping athletes excel on and off the court.
Playing Career
Rachel’s athletic career is highlighted by her time as a collegiate volleyball player at Anderson University (2016-2017), where she was a six-rotation outside hitter. She contributed to the team’s success, helping secure the 2017 Southern Atlantic Conference Championship and a runner-up finish in the 2017 Division II Southeastern Regional.
Her high school career at Ardrey Kell and Charlotte Latin Schools in Charlotte, NC, was equally remarkable. Rachel earned All-Conference honors, was named 2016 Female Athlete of the Year, and received multiple MVP and Team Leader awards. Rachel also competed at the national level ages 15s – 18s with Carolina Juniors Volleyball Club, where she refined her skills in competitive environments.
Coaching Philosophy
Rachel is passionate about creating a positive and disciplined environment where athletes feel empowered to develop their skills, grow as leaders, and cultivate a love for the game. Her goal is to inspire young players to reach their full potential while fostering a lifelong appreciation for teamwork and perseverance.
Melanie Jones
Melanie Jones aka Coach Mel and I am a recent graduate from Hampton University. I have been playing volleyball for 13 years and have earned a 3A state championship in my hometown Concord, NC at Cox Mill High School. I have a diverse coaching background, coaching both boys and girls ranging in age from 3 to 18 and I also served as the head coach at Stonebridge Volleyball Club in Suffolk, VA during my college years. I strive to bring a wealth of knowledge, strategy and skill as a coach.
Savannah Linduff
Retired CJV Director, 13 Regional Co Head Coach
Savannah Linduff was hired in June 2014 as the new CJV Club Director. She has been with CJV for a number of years as a Gold & Silver coach and an assistant coach on the 13 National team in 2014. In addition to coaching with CJV, Savannah also has been an assistant volleyball coach with local high schools and was previously a school teacher before joining the CJV Club. Savannah grew up in Greensboro, NC where she played USAV Juniors. She and her husband live in Fort Mill.
Kasey Long
Kasey has been coaching with the local program for over two years and was assistant coach for 16 semi-national this past season. She previously played for the travel program at Carolina Juniors and for her varsity high school team as a DS/libero. Kasey is the JV assistant coach at Catawba Ridge High School and a student at Winthrop University.
14U Coaches
Kim Jackson
14 Elite Head Coach
Kim has been coaching at Cannon School since 2013 and Director of Volleyball and Varsity Head Coach since 2017. While being at Cannon her achievements include 4 undefeated conference seasons; a personal record in conference of 58-3; Conference Champions 2 of the 3 years as head of the program and has been to the Semifinals in 2018 and 2019 and the State Finals in 2020. Kim is a Charlotte native, winning the North Carolina 4A State Championship under the coaching of one of the CJV founders, Howard Barnill, at West Charlotte High School. She also played for Carolina Juniors Volleyball. After high school, Kim was a defensive specialist and libero at East Tennessee State University.
In 2021 her 14 Elite team finished top three at nine of their ten tournaments, winning four of those. Notably they took first at MAPL in Raleigh and first at Windy City Qualifier in Indy, they also placed third at USAV Nationals!
Coaching Philosophy:
Our goal as coaches is to build a cohesive team of girls that combines their athletic ability (skill, hustle) with great attitudes (encouragement, teamwork) in order to win volleyball matches. This includes helping individual players reach their fullest potential while at the same time helping build a team that can have fun competing/winning games, matches, and tournaments. This also includes guiding the players to being leaders, making good decisions on and off the court and being a role model for the players.
Taylor Henry
14 Elite Assistant Coach
Taylor is a recent graduate from Queens University Charlotte. She’s coached at the National level for several seasons, as an assistant and a head coach. She comes from Kingsport, Tennessee where she was a two time All-State and two time District MVP at Dobyns Bennett High School.
In 2021 Taylor helped her 14 Elite team finish top three at nine of their ten tournaments, winning four of those. Notably they took first at MAPL in Raleigh and first at Windy City Qualifier in Indy, they also placed third at USAV Nationals!
Saniya Harris
I am originally from Bowie Maryland!
I moved to the Union county area of Charlotte back in 2012. As soon as I moved I was introduced to volleyball. I started playing in 6th grade at Cuthbertson middle school. I played all the way through my sophomore year of high school at Cuthbertson. I relocated and finished my high school career in 2019, on the varsity team as a six rotation outside hitter for Parkwood High school in Monroe Nc. I was named MVP and was caption my senior year for my school!
During my time of middle and high school ball , in the off season I played AAU for Carolina juniors volleyball starting in 2015. Through my years with Carolina juniors I played on the national level. Finishing off my travel year with them in 2019, playing for the 18s nationals 1s. Where I was captain, and still played as a six rotation outside.
I went on to continue my volleyball career at Catawba Valley Community College.
I played for CVCC the 2019-2020 season and 2020-2021 season. There, I was shifted to a right side/opposite hitter.
I am currently the head varsity coach for women’s volleyball team at Olympic High School here in Charlotte Nc.
My coaching philosophy is to always come ready to learn something new! There are many different ways to perfect your craft, on and off the court. Come wanting to put forth the effort and have the mindset and positive attitude to do so!
Many mistakes will happen, but to be willing to learn from them and to accept constructive criticism will help you grow.
Siddeca Harris
I’m originally from Maryland and move to charlotte in 2012! I’ve played volleyball ever since middle school (7th grade) , I absolutely love this sport. I carried my career all throughout high school. While playing travel volleyball for Carolina Peak for 6 years at a semi national level. After my junior year of high school I stopped playing and started my love for coaching!
I coached at Carolina Peak for 3 years for their middle school Gold league program. I now am the head coach for the JV team at Olympic High School. Along side my sister as the assistant for the Olympic high varsity team!
Coach philosophy- I expect all athletes who have a love and passion for this sport to stay committed and coachable! To give your best effort when you step on the court, and maintain an attitude of being dedicated!
Taylor McClinton
Taylor McClinton started playing volleyball when she was 15 years old starting at CJV & CUVC. Taylor graduated from Mountain Island Charter School in 2018 becoming the first female athlete to receive a volleyball scholarship. After high school she went on to further her education and athletic career at Erskine College.
Taylor is a 2022 graduate of Erskine College, with a Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude in Business Administration and Management with a concentration in Accounting while playing collegiate women’s volleyball. Taylor was instrumental to the Erskine volleyball team all four years as a Defensive Specialist with a career high 5 service aces in one match and career high 30 digs in 2021.
After finishing her days of playing, she found a passion to giving back and sharing knowledge, skills, and lessons onto the next generation of young student-athletes. She does so through the foundation of hard work, gratitude, and dedication.
Sebastiana Olave
Sebastiana Olave is originally from Durham, NC. She started playing volleyball in middle school and continued through high school, where she developed a strong passion for the sport. Sebastiana played for the club team named CHAOS in high school. In 2021, she transferred from a community college and moved to
Charlotte to attend UNCC, where she graduated in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Spanish. This will be her
first year as an assistant coach and at the national level. Sebastiana is excited to contribute her skills to the team and support player
development.
Kelly Bossert
From Easley, South Carolina, Kelly has played volleyball since she was 10. In 2016, her club team won the 18-Premier AAU National Championship in Orlando. She graduated from Wofford College where she played primarily as an opposite for the volleyball team. This is her third year coaching club volleyball and first season with CJV.
Maura Yarbrough
This is Maura’s fifth season with CJV. She played volleyball growing up and continued volleyball in college at WSSU before pursuing Education. She then took her talents to coaching! She is the head Varsity coach at Mallard Creek High School.
Claire Meier
From Orlando, Florida, Claire has played volleyball since the age of 10. Her dad was her first coach at the YMCA. In her club years, her team won the 18-Open Junior National Olympics in 2018. She played as a middle at Wofford College in the Southern Conference, and was named captain her Junior year. Claire started coaching at CJV in 2022 as the 18 National Assistant.
Outside of coaching, Claire works at Biltmore Family Office. In her free time she enjoys rock climbing and also volunteers to support the economic empowerment of women. She still plays beach and grass volleyball weekly.
Brandye Cropper
Brandye Cropper
Coach Brandye is originally from Bridgeport, CT but is a native of Concord, NC. With over a decade of player experience she loves giving back to the youth. Brandye has trained as a middle hitter and was primarily a right side hitter in college. Brandye was able to receive a volleyball scholarship at Fayetteville State University to play Division 2 volleyball for four years (2016-2020). During her senior year she was able to be apart of the championship team winning the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Conference Championship 2019 to top off her collegiate volleyball career. Brandye has coached 15 Semi Nationals (2022-23) and is excited to return back to Carolina Juniors Volleyball Club for a second season as the head coach of the North 14 State White team.
15U Coaches
Zoe Bell
Travel Teams Director, 16 Elite Head Coach and 13 Regional Co Head Coach
Zoe has been with CJV since the very first day, 26 years ago. She is currently the Director of the Travel teams. Zoe has coached 14 -18’s Elite National teams, as well as been a part of camps, clinics and lessons. In 2011, she coached her CJV 16’s to a Big South National Qualifier Championship. Also, in the same year, the team came in second at the 2011 Northeast Qualifier Championship. In 2018, she was selected AVCA High School Coach of the year.
Zoe is the currently the head coach at Ardrey Kell High School and was formerly the head coach at Charlotte Latin and Providence High Schools where she lead her teams to 5 NC 4A State Championships and has made it to the finals 7 times.
Katie McLellan
Katie is going into her second season with Carolina Juniors as an assistant coach for 17 Mizuno. Prior to coaching with CJV, Katie grew up in the Charlotte area and played club volleyball for Carolina Juniors. She played Varsity Volleyball at Hough High School as a libero and led the I-Meck Conference in digs. She continued her volleyball career at Towson University as a defensive specialist/libero where they made two appearances in the NCAA DI tournament. She also won two CAA conference championships during her time at Towson. Upon graduating, Katie has returned to the Charlotte area and coaches JV Volleyball at Lake Norman High School during the Fall.
Coaching Philosophy:
My coaching philosophy revolves around developing a solid foundation in fundamental techniques while fostering a love for the sport and a competitive spirit. I believe in the importance of building strong relationships with my athletes, understanding their unique strengths, and tailoring my coaching approach to suit their individual needs. Having experienced the incredible impact of club-level volleyball in my own journey, I’m dedicated to creating a nurturing and challenging atmosphere where players can grow both as athletes and as people. My ultimate joy comes from seeing my players develop their skills, gain confidence, and excel on the court.
Humberto Guevara
14 Semi National South Head Coach and 12 Developmental South Head Coach
Humberto is currently the head volleyball coach at Legion Collegiate Academy in Rock Hill, South Carolina. He works at Legion Collegiate Academy as a coordinator. His school volleyball coaching experience includes varsity coach at Legion, head boys’ varsity coach in Maryland, JV head coach, assistant girls’ varsity coach in Maryland and South Carolina and middle school coach in Rock Hill. His club experience includes one year with Rock Hill Volleyball Club, 2 years with Intense Volleyball and is starting his second year with CJV. Humberto played 3 years in Maryland as a middle hitter, outside hitter and setter for his high school. He was an honorable mention setter his senior year. Humberto was also named boys’ coach of the year in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Coach Philosophy:
Coaching is about being in service to others. My job is to do everything I can to help those I coach grow, develop, and succeed individually and as a team now and in the future. The foundations of sustained success is a mentality of continuous improvement as a team and as individual players. This shifts the focus away from “How am I playing now?” to allowing players to think about growth and learning. It also allows the team to work toward goals and fosters a positive team culture. It also allows for the players to learn to adapt to situations and to inevitably change.
Amanda Scott
15 Semi-National South Head Coach
Amanda is coaching with Carolina Juniors Volleyball and is the 8th grade coach at Fort Mill Middle School. She has coached both regional and semi-national travel teams, as well as gold teams. She has over 10 years of coaching experience.
Coach Philosophy:
To create a safe, positive, competitive environment where players can continue developing their volleyball skills, gain confidence and learn how to be a valuable member of a team.
Stacy Keller
My coaching Philosophy is to obtain the greatest amount of growth as a player and person as I can out of every team member, and still ensure it is fun for the athlete.
Mario Garcia
Volleyball Coach with 25 years of experience in the development, teaching, preparation and management of volleyball teams at different levels in Colombia; educational consultancy in professional training processes, creation and recognition of sports, academic or complementary programs focused on the social development of sport.
Professional Career:
Ph.D. in sport education and sport sciences, Mexico 2022. Master In education, Colombia 2002. Specialization in management sport, Colombia 2011. Professional in physical culture and sport, Colombia 1998. International Volleyball coach FIVB level III, 2005. Specialty in Volleyball in University of Leipzig – Germany, 2002 – 2003. Specialty in Volleyball in high performance modular course in Volleyball. ISCF – Cuba, 1996 – 1997.
Professional Experience:
ITK Colombia´s ambassador (Germany Sport Scholarship program). Technical Staff Colombian senior women’s volleyball national team, Pre Olympic team on the road to Tokyo 2020 and internationals tournament 2020 – 2023. Methodology Bogotá Volleyball League, Developing and structuring of the general sports process in the modalities’ volleyball, 2020. Head Coach and Assistant Coach in different seasons Bogotá Volleyball League (Gold Medal, 2008. – Bronze medal, 2004). Women’s volleyball Superleague (Assistant coaching), 2020 – 2021. National Games, Bogota senior women’s team (Assistant coach), 2008. Head coach Senior men’s volleyball team of the National Army in National championship. (5º place), 2002. Head coach selected male and female representatives in regional and national events (Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas, Universidad Incca de Colombia, Universidad Autónoma de Colombia).
College professor, researcher, advisor and jury of degree projects. Reader and international lecture the about the Volleyball and sport training. Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador and Germany.
Coach Philosophy:
Understand the essence of the game to develop technical and tactical potential in training and competition
Playing Career:
Represented the Army force as libero in qualyfier to National Games 2004, represented his university as a Opposite of the INCCA Men’s Volleyball Squad 1993 – 1998, and represented his department as a Opposite of the Nariño Men’s Volleyball Squad 1992
Geoff Rosser
Geoff Rosser has been coaching at CJV since 2020 and he also coaches at Cox Mill High School. Geoff brings to the program the background of having been a CJV Parent from 2014-2020 and was inspired by the life lessons that volleyball taught his daughter, to the point where he became a coach to try to pass on those lessons/skills to others.
Joelle Minton
My name is Joelle. I currently attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. This will be my first season coaching at CJV as 13u National White Assistant coach. Prior to being a coach, I played club at CJV. I also played high school volleyball at Bradford Prep and Hickory Ridge High School as an outside hitter and setter. I was named All Conference in 2016, 2017, and 2018. I was also ranked in the top 7 in PAC 7 for libero in 2017. As well as being MVP 2016-2018 and team captain for 2016-2018.
My coaching philosophy:
Coaching is about putting others before oneself. My responsibility is to do everything in my power to support the personal and professional growth, development, and success of people I coach. Whether the team succeeds or fails depends on all of us. It is also critical that we provide good, constructive support for one another. Each of us must equally prioritize accepting the same in return. I want the players I coach to end the season feeling that they have become better players for the following seasons they endure.
Aubrie McQuown
Aubrie is entering her first season with CJV, coaching the upcoming 15 State Navy team as the assistant coach.
Aubrie attended and played collegiate volleyball at the University of Valley Forge outside of Philadelphia, where she lead her team as the captain to the Mid-East Region championship her senior season. She graduated in 2015 with a degree in Intercultural Studies. She currently works in Inflight Services with American Airlines and also works in non profits part time. She has been involved in athletics her entire life, and is looking forward to continuing growing her experience and love for volleyball, now through coaching.
Coaching philosophy:
I believe that to be successful in life and athletics, you must master the ability to be flexible and always work hard. Be willing to show up on days you don’t feel like it, and always be teachable. Have a good attitude, always believe in your capabilities and always fight for your team. My goal as a coach is to not only to teach and be a guide in the volleyball world, building confidence and character in each athlete, but to also form relationships with my athletes that can last on and off the court through every season of life.
Jodorrian Taylor
This is Jodorrian’s first year with CJV. She has played volleyball since the age of 9. Jodorian Taylor is a native of Anderson, SC where she attended TL Hanna High School where she holds the record of single blocks in a season. She then went on and attended Virginia State University where she was named player of the week numerous times and led the team in blocking and kills. She then attended Alcorn State University for her Graduate season. Before CJV she coached at Axis Elite Club in Greenville, SC.
- Team MVP
- CIAA ALL Tournament
- CIAA First Team All-conference
- The leading scorer (179.5) returned from the 2019 team while also being the leader in kills (163) and second in blocks (26).
- Season – high 23 kills vs. Fayetteville State (10/20/19)
- Holds record at T.L. Hanna for most blocks in a season (179).
Brealyn Garrison
Hailing from Dover, DE, This is Brealyn’s first year at CJV! Brealyn fell in love with volleyball at the age of 9. Her passion for the sport grew as she played club volleyball from the 8th grade through her time at Dover High School as an L/DS. After high school, she continued to develop her skills on the court at Virginia State University, playing as a DS.
While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Brealyn also took on coaching roles in the local community, head coaching recreational leagues for various ages. She later went on to serve as the assistant coach for her first club team, Coastal Volleyball Club (16U) in Dover, DE.
Since relocating to Charlotte, This past year she served as an assistant coach for not only Northwest Cabarrus Middle School but also Northwest Cabarrus High School (JV & Varsity).
16U Coaches
Alex Viera
15 National 1 South Head Coach
Beginning at the age of 13, Coach Alex has participated at the highest level of travel volleyball competing in four Junior Olympics. Alex attended Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI and participated in the JWU Men’s Volleyball Program. Specializing in all aspects of the game, Coach Alex was originally recruited as an outside hitter but transitioned to libero early on in his career and became the backbone of his team being named captain his sophomore year. He currently holds records for the JWU Men’s Volleyball Program being 2nd in overall career set starts with over 400 sets, 3rd all time in digs per season and 3rd in all time career digs. After college Coach Alex took his leadership and competitive drive immediately to coaching at the high school and travel level.
Coach Philosophy:
My philosophy is to help my players achieve their goals and to push them to try and exceed them. I have been playing volleyball for more then half my life and I want to pass the knowledge I have so that my player can grow both mentally and physically. Lastly I try to teach that sports and the many lesson that it teaches correlates to everything outside the lines of the court whether it be respect, dedication, work ethic,being a great teammate, having fun etc.
Brook Hammers
CJV Travel Teams & 12 National Head Coach
Brook played 3 years of Varsity at Venice High School – lead her team to the first district and regional championship. She also played two years at Pasco Hernando Community College, where her team was 12 and 8 in the Country. She attend and played volleyball for two years at Campbell University and was 5th in the conference in digs and was named all TAAC Academic Team. Brook has coached at Charlotte Latin and was a graduate assistant at Valdosta State for two years. She also coached four years at Bishop Verot and won 4 conference championships and Coach of the year four times. Brook is in her 14th year at Marvin Ridge High school, where she has won eight conference championships, four Coach of the year honors and her Marvin Ridge Mavericks won the 2018 NCHSAA 3A volleyball title! In 2018 She was named North Carolina Athletic Association Coach of the Year and in 2018 and 2019 she was honored with North Carolina Hugh School Volleyball Coach of the Year!
Brook also has a total of over 14 years coaching club with Club Raleigh, USA South, CUVC, Union Select Academy and now CJV!
Coach Philosophy:
I am a Coach because of my passion for my work. I am able to foster the growth of my players through the numerous opportunities on and off the court. To have an environment that encourages athletes to learn and develop on and off the playing field, to create a positive learning environment in good and bad times. To harness the basic foundations of the game of volleyball.
Daniel Poole
Daniel is the varsity head coach at Highland School of Technology. He has led them to 3 straight conference championships (2020-2022), 6 playoff wins and was named the Southern Piedmont Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 2020. His teams at Highland Tech compiled a 53-9 record. Prior to taking over at Highland Tech, he coached JV at East Gaston, achieving an 18-4 overall record. Daniel is also a math teacher at Mount Holly Middle, where he has taught for 10 years.
Jo Meewes
12 Regional South Head Coach
This is Jo’s third year with CJV. She is in her 8th year as the Marvin Ridge Middle School Varsity Coach, and coached with Union Select Academy for 5 years. Before that, Jo was the JV Coach at Oviedo High School in Oviedo, Florida, and spent a year as the JV coach at Detroit Country Day School. Jo is a math teacher at Marvin Ridge High School. Both of her daughters have played at CJV.
Coach Philosophy:
My main goal as a coach is to foster a positive environment that allows athletes to develop their skills in all areas of volleyball. I also feel it is very important for players to learn how to be a part of a team, and how to work together to be successful. I want the players to work towards small goals and be excited about accomplishing even the smallest item. I also want the players to enjoy the sport and have fun.
Rachel Parker
Coach Rachel started playing volleyball at the age of 12. She played school and travel in Roanoke, VA as a setter. She went on to participate in club volleyball at Radford University in Virginia which included 3 years as president of the club team.
After graduating, she moved to Raleigh, NC and took a break from sports. She moved to Charlotte in 2021 and after a year decided to explore some coaching options. She volunteered at Jay M Robinson High School and rediscovered her love for the sport. She then reached out to Carolina Juniors for coaching. She assisted for 16s in 2022-2023 season with Danielle Kiser. She is looking forward to head coaching this year.
Mya Patton
Experience : Coach Mya brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role as a volleyball coach. With a background in playing volleyball at the high school, club, and collegiate levels, she has a deep understanding of the game and what it takes to succeed. Having transitioned from being a player to a coach, Coach Mya has been coaching for 7 years, honing her skills and making a positive impact on her players’ development.
Coaching Philosophy: Coach Mya believes in fostering a supportive and growth-oriented environment for her athletes. She understands the importance of building strong fundamentals while also nurturing a love for the game. Coach Mya emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, instilling in her players the values of hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship.
What I look for in a player is someone that is : Coachable, Competitive, Positive and Communicates well !
Michelle Brachowski
Michelle has been coaching volleyball for the past four years. This will be her first full season with CJV and prior to this Michelle coached multiple levels with multiple clubs in the Carolina Region. She was also Head Coach at Corvian Community Charter school.
In 2017 – Her club team won Palmetto Regional Bronze Tournament and Carolina One Challenge – Gold.
In 2022 – Her club team won several tournaments.
In 2022 – Her High School team made it to States in 2022.
In 2023- Her CJV team went to AAU’s in Orlando and ranked 59th out of 190 teams.
Originally from Arizona, I currently work for a NASCAR team as a Travel Coordinator. I enjoy going on adventures, strategy board games and hanging out with my fur babies – Merlot (Australian Shepherd) and Moscato (Tabby Cat).
Fun fact about me: I use to race racecars for 8+ years.
Coaching Philosophy:
Everyone learns a different way but as a coach it is my job to teach the game as consistently as possible. Repetition is key. I am big on hard work in practice – this way we can build stamina, speed, endurance and consistency. I want my players to leave my team with confidence and love for the game. I want to see them all succeed in life whether that is in Volleyball or outside the sport.
1. “If you are working on something that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you.” — Steve Jobs 2. “Goal setting is the secret to a compelling future.” — Tony Robbins
3. “Be a positive energy trampoline – absorb what you need and rebound more back.” — Dave Carolan
Kyle Furlong
My name is Kyle Furlong this will be my first full season with CJV. I have been playing volleyball since I was 12 years old which consisted of middle school, high school, and club teams. I played with Orlando Gold which is a boys volleyball club down in Orlando Florida, I played with them from age 12 until my 18’s season. I started volunteering at our local volleyball club Orlando Tampa Volleyball Club when I was 14. I would just be helping out with the clinics and summer camps. Then started coaching a few years later. I moved up to North Carolina in 2020. I was the assistant coach of 14 G this past season. I can’t wait to get my first full year started with CJV.
17U Coaches
Corey Surabbi
Corey joins Carolina Juniors with a combined 32 years of volleyball experience. As someone who grew up playing the game starting at a very young age, he played both beach and indoor volleyball before relocating to South Florida in 2009 when he transitioned to coaching. He has coached at the high school, club, and collegiate level and was also part of the USAV High Performance coaching staff. Starting in 2009 Corey began coaching for Wildfire Volleyball academy. In just 2 years he was named a Director for the club. In 2015, club founder, Ore Pablos recognized the common vision and dedication Corey had for growing the sport in South Florida and asked him to become an owner and partner in the club. In his 14 years at Wildfire he has been instrumental in helping the club grow to over 700 athletes. Through his training and influence the club has been consistently recognized as one of the premier volleyball clubs in the highly competitive Florida Region of USA Volleyball. Wildfire has also become a Nationally recognized club, consistently sending teams to National Championships each year while also winning gold at Girl’s Junior Nationals.
As a head coach of the 13’s and 16’s age groups at the club, Corey has successfully qualified 8 teams to contend for a USAV National Championship. Most recently, with his plans to relocate to the Charlotte area, Corey is the current recruiting coordinator for Wildfire Volleyball. Over the past 12 years the organization has a rich history of sending athletes to play at the next level. Most recently, Corey has helped the club commit 17 athletes from the class of 2023 along with 2 already from the class of 2025 to play for collegiate programs. He has always been passionate about this role and believes there is an opportunity out there for every athlete who is looking to continue to play volleyball and compete at the collegiate level. He is dedicated to getting them there.
In 2014 Corey joined Lynn University where he was brought on as an assistant coach by former head coach Lynze Roos (Wofford College). He has been a Fighting Knight ever since! Under current coach Adam Milewski, Corey has continued to help the program succeed at a very high level in the NCAA and specifically Sunshine State Conference. In 2019 the Knights were crowned SSC Conference Champions. In his time at Lynn the program has advanced to the NCAA Division II National Tournament 4 times including the last three consecutive seasons. He has helped the University take home 9 AVCA All American Honors including 3 First Team All-Americans. The program also awarded 18 athletes with All SSC honors and added 10 All region honors as well. Corey was first selected as a coach for the Florida Region of USA Volleyball in 2016. He spent 4 years coaching the USA Volleyball High Performance Teams under the Florida Region and was on the coaching staff for the National Select, National Youth and finally International Youth team. In four trips to the USA High Performance National Championships he was able to help his team reach the podium all 4 times earning 3 Gold Medals along with 1 Bronze.
After stepping away from the program as he and his wife were expecting their second daughter, he hopes to return in the future. While coaching club and collegiate volleyball, he has always felt it was important to be part of the local community by coaching student athletes at the high school level. In Florida he coached at Coral Springs High School from 2009-2012. He then coached at West Broward High School from 2013-2017 winning 5 consecutive District titles before taking the most recent position at NSU University School where he led the program to their first ever District Championship with two more to follow. He is excited to continue coaching in NC and will be joining the Volleyball Program at the Charlotte Latin School this fall. Before his coaching career Corey was introduced to volleyball by his father who played beach volleyball in Rochester, NY. As a volleyball family, he grew up on the beach playing volleyball with his father and sisters. He also spent most of his younger years in Hot Shots Beach Volleyball Facility and had one of his first jobs there as an official for 4 years. Throughout that time he played high school ball for Webster High School and played club at Pace Bootlegger.
“ I am beyond excited to start a new chapter in North Carolina and with Carolina Juniors. I believe volleyball is a life sport and I am so thankful for the opportunity to coach it. The relationships, experiences and memories that this sport has blessed me with are priceless. Coaching is a role that I highly value as it allows me to give athletes the same opportunities that I was given through volleyball. I find it extremely rewarding, and it is absolutely the best way to give back to the sport that has given me so much!
Bridget Atkinson
Bridget has been coaching volleyball for the past nine years at various levels. Currently she is the head coach at South Point High School (Belmont, NC) where she was named conference volleyball coach of the year in 2018 and 2021.
“I believe sports can provide ample opportunities to learn life lessons that will help young athletes in their adult life. Some of these lessons include punctuality, building a competitive nature, not being afraid of making mistakes (and learning from them), effective communication, and most importantly RESPECT.
I will hold my team, individual athletes, and myself to:
- Build a positive team culture and environment.
- Seek continuous improvements by being disciplined and consistent.
- To focus on the PROCESS not immediate end results.
- Most importantly: to love and respect this game! “
“Be humble, Be Hungry, And always be the hardest worker in the room” – Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Heather Pasour
Coaching Philosophy:
Heather’s goal is to build a cohesive team of girls that combines their athletic ability (skill, hustle) with great attitudes (encouragement, teamwork) in order to win volleyball matches. This includes helping individual players reach their fullest potential while at the same time helping build a team that can have fun competing/winning games, matches, and tournaments. This also includes guiding the players to be leaders, making good decisions on and off the court, and being a role model for the players.
Morgan Huor
Morgan has been playing volleyball for 9 years and has been coaching for over 2 years. She previously played travel at CJV as a Libero, and at Nation Ford High School as a DS for 4 years but unfortunately had a season ending injury her senior year. This didn’t stop her from playing and at the University of South Carolina Lancaster as a DS a year later. Morgan has been coaching the locals program and doing lessons here at CJV as well as being a 1st year head coach for the JV girls team at Nation Ford High School, which finished with a record of 19-5 and 11-1 in region. This will be her first time coaching a travel team and is beyond excited!
Raven Mathis
Coach Raven started playing volleyball in 6th grade and hasn’t stopped since! She played school and travel volleyball all the way through her senior year. While she didn’t play for her official school team at Western Carolina University, Raven played club and intramural to stay involved and active. During her time at WCU she also worked in the athletic department with the operations team.
Upon graduating and moving to Charlotte, Raven looked for ways to stay involved in the sport and found a home at Carolina Juniors where she began coaching in the local programs in 2019. After coaching several Gold and Silver teams over the course of about 4 seasons, the desire to coach at a more competitive level grew. The opportunity to join CJV’s travel program came for the 2020-2021 season. Coach Raven has worked with 5 teams at the Semi National and National level and she’s looking forward to continuing to mentor, teach and inspire athletes each and every season!
In addition to being a travel and lesson coach at CJV, Raven works full time as an Operations Manager in the events and tourism industry. She enjoys traveling, trying new foods, reading and hanging out with friends in her free time. While volleyball is of course her favorite sport, she also enjoys watching live sports when she gets the chance!
Jordan Taylor
Jordan was born and raised in Charlotte, NC. She played High School volleyball at Cannon School as a middle and played club volleyball at Lake Norman Volleyball Club. She continued her volleyball career and was a member of the track and field team at Claflin University. She was named the SIAC newcomer of the week twice in 2015. In 2016 Jordan was ranked first in blocks and third in hitting percentage and was named to the first team All-Conference. Jordan joined CJV in 2020. And is the assistant coach for the 17 National White team. Jordan is also the head coach for the JV team at Lake Norman charter and the assistant for Varsity.
Coaching Philosophy
My job as a coach is to help athletes grow, develop and succeed individually and as A team. There’s more to bring a coach than teaching kids to win games. I believe in creating a positive and safe space for athletes to learn and make mistakes. While also pushing them to expand their skills. Discipline, perseverance and respect take you far, on and off the court.
KaLeigh Fleming
“I believe that if a coach commits to each player’s development, the winning will take care of itself.”
I don’t need to teach you how to score points, by this time you have your own logic of understanding the game and though I will be bettering your volleyball knowledge and IQ it is equally as important to me that you walk away feeling confident in yourself as a person, outside of being an athlete.
Da'Nesha Miller
Dee has been coaching volleyball for the past 7 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Fayetteville State University in 2022 and is currently closing out her MBA! During her time at FSU, she was a utility player & helped the Broncos wherever needed! Spending more of her time as a setter and right side hitter, Dee helped lead the Broncos to Two Back to Back CIAA Championships and was also named MVP in both championships! Dee also appeared in 2 NCAA Division II Tournaments in 2019 & 2021. In addition to her club-level coaching Coach Dee is also the Head Volleyball Coach at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte. Outside of coaching, she is a revenue cycle analyst. Coach is excited to be entering her first season with CJV and continuing her passion for volleyball!
Nia Richardson
Nia has been coaching volleyball for the past 6 years. She is excited to be entering her first season with CJV! Nia earned her bachelor’s degree from Fayetteville State University in 2022. During her time at FSU, she was a defensive specialist/libero & helped lead the Broncos to Two Back to Back CIAA Championships. She also appeared in 2 NCAA Division II Tournaments in 2019 & 2021. In addition to her club-level coaching Nia is also the Assistant Volleyball Coach at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte. Outside of coaching, she is a Licensed Esthetician in the Charlotte Area.
18U Coaches
Vanessa James
17 National North Head Coach
Vanessa “Coach V” joined Carolina Juniors Volleyball Club in 2017. She has over 20 years experience in Volleyball as a player and a coach. She played in high school, college, competitive women & sand and also was a member of the US Virgin Islands National team. Coach V Coached for 6 years at JM Robinson High School, South Piedmont 3A Conference as Head Varsity Volleyball Coach, of which she was recognized as “Coach of the Year” 2018 & 2019. She finished the last 4 seasons either 1st or 2nd in conference. She has coached various ages and levels for the past 12 years. One of Coach V’s major accomplishments occurred in 2016, while coaching at Carolina Storm VB, when 7 of her 9 players committed to play Collegiate Level volleyball. She continues to help numerous student-athletes advance to the collegiate level.
Vanessa’s belief is that “The game teaches the game”; Playing the game, getting more touches on the ball and reading plays effectively takes players to the next level!
Coach Philosophy:
Our goal as coaches is to empower the girls by fostering growth of character, confidence, athleticism, communication and mental strength to win volleyball matches. This includes a positive culture based on maintaining a goal mindset on and off the court to help guide them to reach their optimal potential and succeed.
Alex Kirk
17 National North Assistant Coach
Alex Kirk has been coaching club volleyball for 6 years at various levels. She was also the JV coach for JM Robinson for 5 years. Prior to coaching Alex played at Virginia Wesleyan University for 2 years.
Coach Philosophy:
I believe it is important to create an environment that encourages athletes to learn and grow as a player not only on the court but off as well. I strive to have a positive environment where athletes feel they can be themselves and I can help build their confidence.
Veronica Elfe
18 National Head Coach
Coach E has been a varsity and travel coach for over a decade. Recently Coach E has transitioned to Harrisburg, NC where she is teaching math and is the Head Varsity Volleyball Coach for Hickory Ridge High School and Middle School. In her first year of coaching at HRHS she was award the Southwestern 4A Conference Coach of the Year while her team went undefeated for the regular conference season and won the Southwestern 4A Conference Tournament 3-0 without dropping a single set. Having played and coached volleyball for more than half her lifetime Coach E brings a depth of knowledge and competitive personality to every team she coaches.
Coach Philosophy:
I love a good quote. I truly believe “teamwork makes the dream work.” If we put the team before the individual then all works out for the best. I believe that sport can transform a person and readies a child for life as an adult. I say to all of my teams – “get focused, play hard and stay strong.” If we can focus on our goals, play hard trying to reach them and stay strong to push through adversity then anything is possible to obtain.
Chemaiya Jordan
Danielle Kiser
Kelsey Smith
Originally from Cascade VA. Joined CJV in 2018 working with all programs/levels. Played at the D2 collegiate level for 4 years. I also coached D3 women’s volleyball at Averett University for 2 years.