Coaches Spotlight

How and where did your coaching career start?

How I got into coaching was through the mentorship of the Head Coach at the University of Illinois Springfield, Trey Salinas. I started my coaching career with him in Denver, CO coaching boys high school (2010), and had my college start at the University of Illinois Springfield as a GA in 2015.

How did it feel to learn that you were an AVCA Diversity Award recipient?

It was a tremendous honor to receive the AVCA Diversity Award. Knowing the history of the award and being a part of this organization has been amazing. I didn’t fathom at the time of receiving this award that it would be something that I would be a part of for a lifetime.

How has the award impacted your career?

This award opened many doors in my volleyball coaching career. Months after receiving the award, and networking with coaches, I was approached by the staff at Butler University, where I spent two great seasons as an assistant. This position then opened the next door in my career with becoming a head coach in 2018.

What’s your favorite coaching memory?

I had the honor of starting this program here at Tusculum, and I would say my favorite memory so far, is my first ever win as a head coach. The time leading up to our first match came with a multitude of emotions, preparation, hard work, and most of all patience. That feeling of earning our first program win was a proud moment for this program. This team grinds day in and out, and they have put in a ton of work as a young program to build and find success.

Do you have a fun fact to share about yourself?

I am superstitious about “game day socks.” If there is a pair that I wore when we had a big win I make a note to wear those on other big game days. Same goes for socks that I may have worn when we had a loss or a close game.

Sports Imports would also like to recognize the entire 2016 class of AVCA Diversity Awards Winners:

Ralph Alvarez, Head Coach, 17-1s, Asics Munciana Volleyball Club
Renwick Cefra, Assistant Coach, Temple University
Lindsay Hawkins, Head Coach, St. Charles North High School (IL)
Alonso Ibarra, Club Coach, Texas Performance Volleyball Club
Laura Iwuchukwu, 18-Under Armour Head Coach, Oklahoma Charge VBC
Nikki Naccarato
Alvaro Sanchez, Coach, DME Sports Academy
Tanequa Whitman, Club Coach, NASA VBC
Jonathan Wong, Assistant Coach, Texas Tech University

(800) 556-3198

6950 Worthington Galena Rd, Suite 120
Worthington, OH 43085

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