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Brian began coaching club volleyball in 1992. He was a part of starting the Crossroads of America Volleyball Club in 1999 and has continued to be a dedicated leader of its development over the many years since its beginning. He has coached in many age groups over the years, but in recent years has coached the 12-1s team, taking his girls to several top 20 finishes at AAU Nationals--with one finish in GOLD. This year, he will continue serving as Club Director and dedicate his time as a 'Tier' lead and positional coach, guiding and training COA girls from different age groups and abilities. Brian is the current head coach at Terre Haute South Vigo High School. As the head coach for nine years, he has led the team to over 230 wins with three sectional titles, one MIC conference title, one Conference Indiana title --and was one win away from the IHSAA 4A Final Four two years in a row. He began playing volleyball in 1987 at the White River Park State Games, then coached by the legendary Cathedral Coach Rhonda Low. His local club team finished state runner up three years in a row. He was later picked up by a club team out of Toledo, OH and competed in the Boys' USVBA Nationals in 1989. He then went on to be a part of the IPFW Men's team for two years, before transferring to ISU where he earned a degree in English Education. Brian has participated in many collegiate camps around the midwest. He has been exposed to some of the best minds in the game from camps, club, and participating in numerous AVCA National Conventions. Always passionate when on the court, Brian continues to strive to be a 'student of the game' and always trying to learn something new.
This will be Ali’s 10th year coaching for COA. Ali is back coaching the 18-1s team after coaching in 16s for several years. Always coaching with passion and fire, she has led her teams to multiple GOLD finished at AAU Nationals, with one 2nd place finish in 18 Club Division.
Ali began playing volleyball at the age of 12 for COA volleyball club, when it was known as Pacesetter Volleyball Club. Ali played four years of varsity volleyball at Terre Haute South Vigo High School under Coach Brian Payne. Ali went on to play her collegiate career at DePauw University. Ali was a four-year starter for the DePauw Tigers and earned several all-tournament and all conference awards. Ali was awarded the prestigious Tiger Pride award in her senior season. Ali obtained her degree in Communications from DePauw and has a master’s in communication and media studies from Indiana State University. Ali currently works at Old National Bank as a Private Banker. Ali has two daughters: Emma and Anaston. Derek, Ali’s husband, serves on the COA Board of Directors.
Morgan is from Brazil, Indiana and began playing at COA when she was eight years old. She lettered all four years at Northview High School. During her time at Northview, the Knights won 3 Sectionals, 3 Regionals, and 1 Semi-State Championship. Morgan made All-Conference her junior and senior year and was selected to be a member of the Indiana South All-Star team her senior year. Morgan then went on to play for DePauw University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. While at DePauw, Morgan was a four year starter and letter winner for the Tigers. Her sophomore year at DePauw, Morgan was recognized as All-NCAC First-Team, All-Region First-Team, and an Honorable Mention All-American. Her junior year, Morgan was named All-NCAC First-Team, as well as Sports Imports/AVCA Division III National Player of the Week. Her senior year, she was named All_NCAC First-Team and NCAC Player of the Year, as well as AVCA Division III Third-Team All-American. Throughout her career as a Tiger, Morgan was named NCAC player of the week multiple times, and she was a captain her junior and senior year. Morgan currently attends Indiana State University for graduate school and will earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in May 2023.
This will be Mary’s 6th year coaching for COA, and her second year coaching the 18 Pink Panthers team. Mary Alvanos is originally from Charleston, South Carolina, and began playing volleyball at age 11. Mary played for three different volleyball club organizations – Mount Pleasant Volleyball Club (MVP), Carolina Islanders, and Charleston Juniors. Mary played basketball, softball, volleyball, and club volleyball in high school, and was All-State in all three of her school sports. Mary went on to play her collegiate career at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College as part of the inaugural scholarship volleyball program there. Mary was a setter and lead her team to 4 national championships. She was part of the USCAA All-Tournament team in 2016, and holds the record for single-season assists and career assists. Mary was recognized as player of the week in 2017. Mary Alvanos received her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Indiana State University and graduated in 2021. Mary currently works as a behavioral health therapist at Valley Professionals Community Health Center in Clinton, IN. Mary lives with her dog, Cash, and her fiancé, Matt, in Terre Haute.
Morgan is originally from Santa Maria, CA and is currently living in Terre haute, IND to play college volleyball for St. Mary of the woods as a middle hitter/ right side. Morgan has played junior college volleyball back in California for Cuesta College where she was recognized as being the team’s leading blocker for the past two years. She has been playing volleyball since the 6th grade. This is her first year as a coach for the COA 18-Pink Panthers. Growing up she has enjoyed playing many different sports aside from volleyball— such as basketball, swim, and even powderpuff football.
Aaron has been coaching for COA for several years. In the past, he has assisted with multiple age groups at clinics and during club season. Primarily, Aaron had been the assistant coach for the 18-1’s team along the side of Ali Fell and assisted the team to multiple top three finishes at tournaments around the Midwest in the 18 Premier division and two top 5 finishes and one 2nd place finish at the AAU National Tournament in the 18 Club Division in Orlando, Florida. In previous years, Aaron has assisted at Terre Haute North Vigo High School. Aaron has previously been a volunteer assistant coach at Indiana State University. In 2017, he aided ISU in reaching the MVC tournament where they made program history with their first ever tournament win. Aaron is always striving to find ways to better not only himself but COA and everyone associated with the club. Outside of COA, he is working for Aramark inside Pendleton Correctional Facility. This year at COA, Aaron will be the head coach for the 16-1’s team and is super excited to bring the knowledge and skill that he has obtained from many great coaches around the area. Aaron recently got married to his wife Bailee and they have two cats, loafy and biscuit. They currently reside in Indianapolis, Indiana.
This is year 2 for Sara at COA. She is currently the assistant volleyball coach at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology while getting her master’s degree at ISU for physical education Exercise Science. Sara is from Colorado and began playing in middle school, eventually playing 4 years of club in northern Colorado in high school. After graduating high school, she went on to play college volleyball at Presentation College in Aberdeen, South Dakota. She played 5 seasons for Presentation College as a DS/Libero. After graduating from PC in 2018 with a B.S. in Exercise Science, she went on to be the assistant volleyball coach at Alma College in Alma, Michigan. Sara coached there for a year in a half, the 2019 and 2020 season. Also, while in Michigan, she was the Head 18s coach for FarOut North VBC. Lastly, before landing in Terre Haute, she was the head C-Team coach and assistant varsity coach at Thompson Valley High School in Loveland, Colorado for the 2020 season.
Tia is from Knoxville, TN. She is currently the Graduate Assistant at SMWC for both Men's and Women's volleyball. Prior to moving to Indiana, She coached high school volleyball for 2 years and club for 6 years. She played collegiately at Tennessee Wesleyan University. During her time there, she was a three year captain and was apart of a record breaking team at the university. Tia was a setter for most of my college experience before transitioning back to a libero for her senior season. She looks forward to her time coaching the 16-Rhinos and assisting with all setters in the club.
I am from Houston, Texas. This is my first year coaching at COA Volleyball. I joined my first club team at the age of 9 and joined my first competitive team with Houston Juniors Volleyball at the age of 13. My primary position is Right-side and my secondary is a setter. I am currently a freshman at Saint Mary of the Woods College, apart of the women’s volleyball team. I’m majoring in digital media with a minor in marketing. In my years of playing at HJV I have attended nationals every year with my team, and during my 17’s season I had 2 articles written about me by prep dig volleyball after the Skyline 10 tournament. I even had the honor being team MVP and tournament MVP at the Showdown in the Woods tournament back in September.
This is my first-year coaching at COA. I am a current student at Saint Mary of the Woods College, majoring in Kinesiology. Once I finish my bachelor’s degree, I will continue my education by pursuing a doctorate in Physical Therapy. I was born and raised in Carolina, Puerto Rico. I began playing volleyball at the age of six and I continue playing the sport in college. I graduated from Colegio Santa Gema in 2019, where I was playing as a six-rotation right side. I helped my high school team won our school tournament and I was chosen as the MVP of the tournament. Before transferring to SMWC, I attended Ohio Valley University, an NCAA division II university in West Virginia. I was playing as a six-rotation outside during my time in OVU. I am now playing as a defense specialist in SMWC. During my first volleyball season in SMWC, I was able to set a new single season aces record. I ended my volleyball season with a total of 53 aces.
I am from Litchfield Park, Arizona and I began playing club volleyball in 7th grade. I played for AZONE VBC for 6 years and was part of the Millennium High School indoor and sand volleyball teams for all 4 years of high school. I was on the varsity volleyball team at MHS for 2 years where we were the 2020 5A State Champions in Arizona and the 2021 5A State-Runner Up. I have played as an outside hitter, setter, right side hitter, and libero/DS. I am currently a freshman at Saint Mary of the Woods College and am part of the women’s volleyball team. I am studying exercise science and after graduation I plan on attending grad school and becoming an occupational therapist.
Matt was born into the game of volleyball in Muncie, Indiana. He was mentored from a young age, the game of volleyball, by his dad and many other coaches through the Munciana program. Matt was a big factor in starting the boys’ volleyball team at Muncie Central High School, where he played 3 years as a setter, and was voted to the All-State team in the first year and made it to the Boys State Finals the second year. Matt played numerous years in the men’s AAU program with Munciana. Matt has coached at numerous college camps and has also taken teams to participate. Matt was an assistant coach for the 12's and also a head coach in the 12's-girl’s division for Munciana. This will be Matt’s 10th year as a head coach at COA. Matt has coached 16 Blue, 14 White, 14 Red for 3 seasons, 18-White, 16 Rhinos for 2 seasons, and currently is in his 2nd season coaching the 15 Gophers. Matt was also the head coach at Terre Haute North High School for the 2015-2018 seasons. Matt and his wife Amy have two kids, Tanner 13, and Wrin 10, and currently reside in Terre Haute. Matt is Vice President of Benchmark Fabricated Steel in Terre Haute.
My name is Asia Povlin. I started playing volleyball when I was 8 years old, and joined my first travel team when I was 9. I played for COA for 9 years. I was an all around outside hitter growing up in school and in club, and was named captain for many of those years. I attended Sullivan High School where I played varsity volleyball, softball, and basketball all 4 years. I also played travel softball for 12 years. I made the all district team and second team all state my senior year. I made the IHSVCA 3A south team my senior year of high school. I broke the record for most kills in a tournament and most kills in a season at Sullivan High School. I finished with 1000+ digs and 1500+ kills in my high school career. I am currently playing college volleyball at Indiana State University as a Defensive Specialist. I am majoring in Nursing, and plan on double minoring in nutrition and public health. This will be my second year of coaching.
I am from Brazil, Indiana and I began my volleyball career around 8 years old. I started playing club volleyball for Circle City in Plainfield, IN, and I played there for three years until I came to play for COA where I finished out my club career and finished 2nd at the AAU Nationals in Orlando, Florida in the 18 Club Division. I went to Northview High School where I was a four-year varsity starter as a Middle Hitter. We won 4 Sectionals, 3 Regionals, and 1 Semi-State Championship. I earned Rookie of the Year, Mental Attitude, and All-District during my time at Northview. I started my collegiate career at DePauw University where I played for two seasons as a Middle Hitter and Outside Hitter. I transferred to Indiana State University to study Speech Language Pathology, and I now play for the Women’s Club Team.
I am from Brazil, Indiana and started playing volleyball when I was around 8 years old. I was introduced to COA at age 11 at a summer camp and was invited to play! I continued for 5 more years. I went to Northview High School where I played all 4 years. I now am a senior at Indiana University in Bloomington studying Exercise Science and wanting to go to IU School of Optometry.
Denise joined the COA coaching staff in 2018 at the 14’s level. A native of Muncie, Indiana and a graduate of Muncie Burris High School and Ball State University, Denise Meyer has been around the sport of volleyball consistently since she started playing it in the sixth grade. She was able to play the game through high school and for 3 years of college. Transitioning into coaching the game started when she earned her teaching degree. Denise has amassed over 20 years of volleyball coaching experience at a variety of levels. After moving to Greencastle, Indiana, Denise spent the fall of 1996 as the JV coach and assistant varsity coach at Owen Valley High School before landing a full-time teaching job for Greencastle Community Schools. She spent a number of years coaching at the middle school level before moving up to Greencastle High School in 2014, first as the JV coach & assistant varsity coach. In 2022 she took over the varsity coaching and program responsibilities at Greencastle. While coaching there, the program has won 2 sectional titles in 2017 and 2018 and several county championship titles. Beyond coaching volleyball, Denise teaches English at Greencastle Middle School where she’s been since 2004. She is also the proud mom to three daughters Maggie, Abby, and Lilly and wife to Tony.
Shelby has been playing volleyball since the fourth grade. She competed at COA as well as Terre Haute South where she was a four year varsity letter winner. Her Senior year, she was named captain and libero. At South, Shelby won two Sectional titles and was an All MIC Conference member her Senior year. Shelby then went on to play Division 1 volleyball at Arkansas State University. Starting all four years as a defensive specialist, Shelby played against BYU, Western Kentucky, Mizzou, IU, Kansas, Tulsa, and several other top 20 teams. Shelby graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism in May of 2014. She has been a practice player, assistant and head coach for COA for nine years, along with one year as head coach for the 10's team at Arkansas Jrs. Shelby is also the Varsity coach at Terre Haute North High School.
Hannah Zuege is originally from Bedford, Texas and transferred in as a junior at Saint Mary of the Woods college in the fall of 2021. Hannah began playing club volleyball for Integrity VBC for 11s-15s and then played for Texas Image for her 16s-18s seasons. She also participated in her High School Volleyball program at Euless Trinity High School on the varsity team for all four years and was rewarded multiple district awards throughout her high school career. Immediately after graduating high school, Hannah moved to Springfield, Missouri to play division 2 volleyball at Drury University. After 2 years of competing in the GLVC Conference with the Drury Panthers as an outside hitter/defensive specialist, she entered the transfer portal and eventually signed to play for SMWC as an outside hitter. Throughout her first season at SMWC, she managed to set the new school record for most kills in a match, most points in a match, highest hitting percentage in a match (min. 15 kills), most kills in a season, and became the first player in program history with 400+ kills & 300+ digs in one season. Hannah was awarded with many accolades for her performance such as; River States Conference First Team All-Conference, NAIA AVCA Midcentral Honorable Mention, and USCAA First Team All American. She helped her team greatly to win the 2021 USCAA National Championship in Virginia by setting the new record for most kills in a USCAA tournament match and earning the 2021 USCAA National Tournament MVP. Hannah is now coaching the 13 Jaguars team for her first club season with COA while also studying psychology & criminology.
This is my second-year coaching at COA. I am originally from Phoenix, Arizona and currently a Sophomore studying nursing at the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. I played club volleyball 14s-18s for AZONE Volleyball Club. I also played volleyball at Millennium High School and was on the varsity team for 2 years. I ended my junior season as the 2019 Arizona 5A State Runner-Up and ended my senior year as the 2020 Arizona 5A State Champion and was selected to All-Region 1st Team for the Desert West Region. In my first year at SMWC, I led the team in digs and aces with 375 digs and 48 aces, where I also collected 38 assists. I also helped my team win the 2021 USCAA National Championship and received All-Tournament Team. During my second year at SMWC, I earned River States Conference Defensive Player of the Week 3 times and was awarded with the RSC 1st Team All-Conference. I collected 568 digs, 655 receptions, 32 aces, 101 assists, and led the River States Conference with an average of 5.36 digs per set.
This is David’s first season as a coach for COA, but he is very familiar with the club as his daughter, Kelcie, played briefly and was a coach as well. He has been an instructor of the game for nearly 10 years, training local players at various levels. David is a native of Kentland, IN and is a graduate of Illinois State University and Purdue University. He is currently the head coach at West Vigo High School. David is excited for this opportunity to help young volleyball players in the Wabash Valley grow as players and young ladies. He is also excited to learn and coach alongside some of the best coaches in the area. David resides in Terre Haute and has been married to his wife Missy for seven years. They have three children, Uriah, Mitch, and Kelcie.
Marissa is a first year coach for COA. She started playing volleyball at the age of 9 and continued until her senior year of high school. Marissa played all around as a passer and an outside hitter at West Vigo High School. She also played for COA where she played various positions in the back row and was an outside hitter. Marissa currently works at Little Braves Preschool and lives in Terre Haute. Marissa is very excited to begin her coaching journey this year.
Dillon is a third year coach with COA. He is the current Varsity Coach for Sullivan High School, where he teaches high school business. Dillon is from Bedford, IN, where he began playing volleyball during his Junior year of high school in a recreational league, since there was no boy's volleyball program near him. Once he started at Indiana State University, where he studied Mathematics and Mathematics Education, Dillon helped start the Men's Club Volleyball program. He helped develop the program into a contender in the Midwest Plains Volleyball Conference, a top 20 finish at the NCVF D2 Nationals, and a top 15 National Ranking in his senior year. Dillon played everywhere on the court throughout his four years, but he settled in at Libero as a Junior and Senior. This will be Dillon's 1st working with the 13s age group after previously working with 14s for the past 3 seasons.
My name is Jade Llamas. I am from Albuquerque, New Mexico. This is where I completed most of my Volleyball career. I played varsity all four years of high school and have been playing club since I was 13. My club team wasn’t always the best but we grew so much and got invited to nationals the year that Covid hit, so unfortunately we couldn’t go. I have had small coaching jobs before at recreational centers and things like that but this is my first time coaching club. I have always loved the club scene. I believe that you gain so much experience from playing club, way more than you ever could just playing high school ball. I am very excited to be coaching this year and to learn the game from a new perspective.
Jen is currently in her 11th season at COA, working with multiple age groups. Originally from Covington, IN she is also in her 10th season as the head coach at Covington High school. Jen and her husband Doug have one daughter, Alex, that currently plays at COA as well. Jen graduated from Indiana State University with a degree in Accounting, while also playing on the Sycamore Volleyball team. She is employed by Walgreens where she does accounting work at their corporate office.
Trenton began his volleyball career in seventh grade as a Defensive Specialist for his middle school. He went on to play club volleyball at Club One in Plainfield, Illinois for three years where he was a Libero. In high school, at Plainfield South, he was the starting libero and Team Captain for all four years. Currently he plays on the Men’s Club Team at Indiana State University and is the club President. In the spring of 2019, he began his coaching career at Rams Volleyball Club in Plainfield, Illinois where he coached the top 13/14’s girls’ team. In the fall, he was the Interim Varsity head coach at Terre Haute North. This is his third year with COA.
Kira is a first year coach with COA. She is a current student at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and is majoring in Sports Management. Kira is from Fort Worth, TX where she began playing volleyball at the age of 9 years old. She played at Chisholm Trail High School as an 6 rotation opposite hitter. She now plays at SMWC as a middle and opposite hitter. She will be coaching in the 13-14 age group and has previously coached the same age group at another club.
Amber Doyle is from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Amber developed a love for volleyball in middle school, but did not start playing club until her freshmen year of high school. She attended Manzano High School where she had to work hard to play on varsity. She played club at NM Cactus. In high school and club, she was a setter, a middle, a pin hitter, and even a DS. She continued her education and love for volleyball at a juco: Western Texas College. I was a 6-rotation outside hitter. She graduated from juco with an associates in social sciences and transferred to Saint Mary of the Woods College. She is currently an outside hitter and pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology and sports management. Amber is currently look for a graduate school where I will get my master's degree in speech and language pathology.
Julia is from Bakersfield, California and has been playing volleyball for over 11 years, including 4 years of playing at two different NCAA Division 2 Universities. She is transferring to SMWC, from GSU in West Virginia, to continue playing volleyball for her last year of college, where she is studying criminology with a minor in pre-law. She coached for Vision Zone Volleyball Club, based in California, for two years working with the 12s, 14s, and 18s teams. Julia was a right side and middle hitter in high school, but then started setting in her volleyball club and continued playing as a setter throughout college.
Holly is from Covington, Indiana and graduated from Covington High School in 2022. She has been playing volleyball for 9 years now, playing at COA VBC for 5 of those years. She is currently playing volleyball at Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods College. Throughout high school, she played as a middle hitter. In club, she played as an outside, middle, and right-side hitter. Now in college, she mainly sticks to the pins. Holly is planning on majoring in business administration with a minor in accounting. She is excited to begin her coaching journey with the Raptors team!
Stephanie is from Terre Haute, Indiana and started playing volleyball when she was 12 years old. She began playing at COA until she was 18, and also played volleyball at Terre Haute South for 3 years. Currently, she is a school counselor and was the Counselor and Varsity volleyball coach at Otter Creek Middle School for 4 years before moving over to school counseling at Terre Haute South and this will be her first year coaching for COA.
Maddy has been coaching at Crossroads of America Volleyball for 6 years. This will be her 7th season coaching and second year head coaching in the 12s division after coaching the 10s and 11s over the previous few years. A native of Terre Haute, she found her love of volleyball when she began playing for COA in the fifth grade. She continued playing for the club throughout middle school and high school before graduating from Terre Haute North. From there, she decided to continue her education and volleyball career at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College where she was the first scholarship volleyball player. She helped lead the first ever scholarship team to three USCAA National Championship Runner-Up Medals. While a Pomeroy, she was recognized with several awards including USCAA All-American Honorable Mention, USCAA National All-Academic Awards, USCAA National All-Tournament Team, and Pomeroy Student-Athlete of the Year. She graduated from SMWC with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Currently, she works as a Kindergarten Teacher at DeVaney Elementary in Terre Haute.
This will be McKenzi’s 7th year coaching, and her 5th at COA. She is from Brazil, Indiana and started playing volleyball in fourth grade at COA. She lettered all four years at Northview High School and went on to continue her volleyball career at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. At SMWC, she was a part of the first inaugural scholarship volleyball program. McKenzi was an outside hitter and helped lead her team to four USCAA National Championship Runner-Up Medals. While at SMWC, she received several awards including USCAA Student Athlete of the Year, USCAA All-Academic Awards, USCAA 1st Team All-American, USCAA 2nd Team All-American, USCAA All-Tournament Team, and AVCA USCAA All-American. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing and is the Director of Grants and Strategic Planning at RJL Solutions.
Deanna is from Bloomfield, IN, and is in her second year of coaching at COA. She has been playing volleyball since she was in the 7th grade. As a player, she was able to be on a Class 1A state finalist team in 2000 and won 2 sectional titles. She attended Purdue University and obtained a degree in Secondary Mathematics Education. She began her teaching and coaching career at Sullivan High School as the JV coach for 5 years, where they won a sectional. She is the current varsity volleyball coach at Bloomfield High School and has been for the last 5 seasons. As a coach at Bloomfield, her teams have won 4 sectional championships in 5 years and 2 regional championships. Deanna is also a high school math teacher at Bloomfield High School. Outside of volleyball, Deanna is happily married to Jeremy and has 2 daughters Rylynne (11) and Rhaylee (6).
Emma Hopper is from Terre Haute and started her volleyball career in the sixth grade with Brian Payne as her head coach. She went to Terre Haute South and played as their varsity libero all four years. Emma was awarded most digs and most aces during several of her seasons at THS. Emma was also awarded the Student Council Athlete Award her senior year. She broke the record for most digs in a season her sophomore year and was awarded First Team All-Conference her senior year. Emma broke 1,000 digs the beginning of her junior year and finished her career at THS with over 1,300 digs. Emma began COA as a 6 rotation outside, and as the years progressed she became a libero/defensive specialist. She was named captain many of the years she played. Emma grew up playing softball for 6 years and played volleyball for 7 years. Emma is currently majoring in Nursing at Indiana State University and plans to enroll at The University of Tennessee after Indiana State to finish her schooling to become a Nurse Anesthetist.
Heather has been a student of the game since her early days at Woodrow Wilson. She was a three year starter at Terre Haute North High School, played club volleyball for seven years and finished her career setting for Marian University. While living in Indianapolis, she coached for three years in the Metro South Volleyball Club in both the 16 and 18 age divisions. Since joining COA over 10 years ago, Heather has coached teams in the 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 age divisions. A frequent instructor at camps and clinics, she is also the director of the Volleytots program. In her spare time, Heather has added volleyball referee to her resume giving her an opportunity to see many of our COA athletes compete for their schools. She is looking forward to a fantastic season and is excited about returning to her passion of skill development for our younger athletes.
Kelsey is a first year coach with COA. She began playing volleyball in the sixth grade and continued playing until her sophomore year of high school. As a freshman, the Junior Varsity team was undefeated and she was able to play as libero in a few of the games. Volleyball is a family affair and the whole family loves the sport. Kelsey spends most of her free time in the gym watching her sister play at South and COA. She is super excited to get started this year and can't wait to put her coaching skills to the test!
Bio coming soon
I am from Terre Haute, Indiana. I began my volleyball career in 4th grade at COA's Elementary League. I played for COA volleyball for 8 years along with playing at Terre Haute North HIgh School as a setter. Since playing, I was the assistant coach for 10-1s in 2018. I have co-directed the Volleytots program, assisted with 11-1s, and coached in Elementary League and clinics. I attended Hanover College and played for the school's recreational team. I will graduate in December with a degree in Elementary Education after student teaching in Indianapolis. I am excited for my first season as a head coach and cannot wait to learn from the amazing coaches in my age group.
Emily was born and raised in Terre Haute, IN. She began her lifelong passion for volleyball at age 11; playing volleyball in middle & high school, travel volleyball teams, college club teams, and recreational leagues. Emily has called COA her home since 2006. In addition, she has coached at several local schools including Honey Creek Middle School, St. Patrick School, North Central Jr. High, and North Central Sr. High. Emily received her bachelor's degree from Indiana State University in 2006 and earned her teaching certification from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College in 2019. She currently teaches at Davis Park Elementary School. She resides in Terre Haute with her husband Matt.
Melinda began playing club volleyball for Twin City volleyball club in central Illinois while in Junior High. Melinda played four years of varsity volleyball and softball at Casey-Westfield High School where she earned multiple All-State and All-Conference recognition and numerous all-tournament teams in both sports and a High School State Championship title. She went on to play her collegiate career at University of Evansville and played for the US Women’s National team. Currently Melinda is the JV volleyball coach at Marshall High School and assistant Varsity coach, in addition to coaching volleyball at the Boys and Girls Club in Terre Haute. Professionally she is the President of a national trade association and works primarily in Government Affairs. Melinda and her husband Garry have twin daughters, Evelynne and Madelynn, who both play for COA and a son Thomas.
Joy lives in Terre Haute with her husband Brian and their two daughters Megan and Emily (who are both active in the COA Volleyball Club). She is a VCSC Kindergarten teacher who earned her Bachelors Degree in Education from Butler University in 2002.
Joy has coached the Saint Patrick Irish COA Elementary League team for the past 2 years where they placed 1st and 2nd for the season. This season, she is looking forward to helping the 11U Passing Pandas local training team further develop their love of volleyball by strengthening their athletic skills and growing their confidence as students and players. Being the daughter of an Army officer who moved with her family across the world and was never in one place for too long, she realizes the importance of the bonds that club sports like these can cultivate and hopes to be a part of that growth.
Vanessa is from Bloomfield where she resides with her husband and their three daughters. She began playing volleyball at the age of 9 and continued thru her senior year of high school. As a setter for Bloomfield High School she helped the Lady Cardinals win 104 matches, 4 conference championships, 4 sectionals, and 2 regionals, with a State Finals appearance her Junior year. That season she set a single season record with 851 assists and lead the team with 41 aces. She has helped coach the COA Elementary League the past 2 years and looks forward to her first club season as a 10/12 assistant coach.
Devon started playing volleyball at school at the age of 10. At that time, she realized volleyball was a passion and attended a camp at COA VBC where she was invited to try out for a club team. She then played for COA for 4 years, and eventually played at the high school level for Terre Haute North. Devon began volunteer coaching three years ago during her spare time for the Boys and Girls Club, Wabash Valley Sports Center, as well as private lessons with a few different local girls. This club season will be her first year coaching with COA. She is excited to share her experiences and knowledge with the girls and further develop her coaching abilities.
Nicole is excited for her second season with the COA Volleyball Club. She enjoys the opportunity to assist young athletes develop a love for the sport. Nicole played high school volleyball at Terre Haute South Vigo High School where she was coached by COA director Brian Payne. Nicole played the position of middle hitter.
After high school, Nicole attended Indiana University where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education. She earned her Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Saint Mary of the Woods College. Nicole is in her 17th year of teaching social studies at her alma mater, Terre Haute South Vigo High School. Nicole and her husband, Jamie Amodeo, are proud parents of two girls, Hadley (10) and Mallory (5).
Travis has a background in sports that goes back to the 1980's. He spent most of his time on the ball field, growing into a successful high school baseball player, and then went on to play at ISU. He started the Mad Dog Baseball Travel Club a few years back, working as the co-director and coach. His involvement with COA has developed from being a COA parent first, and has led to a passion for the sport. He is now the recruiting coordinator, familiar with NCAA rules, the recruiting process, and assists the COA athletes with the use of the Sports Recruit website; COA uses this website to promote our athletes to colleges across the Midwest and beyond.
For info on becoming a coach with COA, please click HERE!
Interested in becoming a sponsor of Crossroads Of America Volleyball?
Thanks to Ironhorse detailing for their generous sponsorship and support of youth volleyball in the Wabash Valley! Call them for all your steel detailing needs! 812-939-3300.
Thanks to our friends at Timberland Lumber Company for all of your support! Go see them for your residential and commercial building product needs!
Thanks to our friends at Old National Bank for their support of COA Volleyball Club!
Thanks to the Terre Haute Convention Center and Visitor's Bureau for granting COA volleyball club an award to assist us in bringing travel volleyball tournaments to the Wabash Valley.
Thanks to Crane Credit Union for your sponsorship of our club. Make sure to check them out for your upcoming banking needs!
Want to participate in your local community? Become a sponsor for Crossroads Of America Volleyball and support youth in your area.
Fundraising Director
Phone: 812-243-8356