Experience and Background
I have been playing volleyball since 5th grade and still play to this day! I played four years at Plymouth HS and went on to play at Concordia Wisconsin for four years earning our programs first two berths to the NCAA DIII National Tournament and back to back undefeated conference championships during my junior and senior season, playing as a 6-rotation outside and serving as team captain.
I began coaching club in 2014 and have been doing so ever since at various levels from 14s-18s. I actually started coaching at Wisconsin Premier for the first two seasons they were a club for the 14 White team back in 2014-2016. Since then I have coached at Red Knights, 360 and Milwaukee Sting. I decided it was best to step down from head coaching club to have more flexibility for my current role as the assistant coach at Concordia Wisconsin where I am in my fourth season there. Being back at premier for my second season (technically fourth!) with Coach Alyssa is great and I’m excited I get to share this experience with her as my former teammate and one of my best friends!
Coaching Philosophy
I fell in love with this game because of the lessons that come from it. It teaches teamwork, communication, hard work, and the importance of positivity. Fundamentals and technique are beyond important, but the main thing that is going to separate out one player from the next is the confidence they have in themselves as well as the confidence they can instill in their teammates. Having positive energy and constantly communicating is so important and goes a long way!! You’ll often hear me talk about the U-Rah-Rah during practice which is simply the ability to cheer on your teammates and build each other up, so everyone can play your best. Along with that, I’m a strategy junkie and love that side of the game – it’s like a chess match! Being able to explain reasoning and why a certain shot may work and when to use it as a hitter is so important, and that goes for each position in their own right!
Achievements
Over the years, I remember having a few podium finishes at Badger Region Championships. Most recently, my 17s at Sting finished with a 2nd place medal two seasons ago! Also, two seasons ago at Concordia we secured another conference championship AND took down the reigning DIII National champs from the previous year in a convincing sweep!
Personal Touch
I spend a lot of my day in the volleyball world for work, but I am also the manager and a player (once I’m back from my recent knee injury) on the Milwaukee Mayhem Women’s VLA team, which is a semi pro volleyball team that just finished their first season back in May. We get to play against teams across the nation and usually do a showcase match during Badger Region Champs weekend so stay tuned or find our instagram to check out the high level volleyball!
Outside of volleyball, I’m a big game board and puzzle lover! I’ve also got two adorable kitties: Stella and Mister Squeaks
