Peggy Rose
Head Coach U10 Red (regional silver)
Email Coach Rose
Personal Philosophy: What you put into something (heart, soul, sweat, effort, etc.) will be equal to what you get out of it – measured in personal growth, skill improvement, enjoyment, etc. Have a passion! Fundamentals are my passion – that is my expertise. And I love this game!
Coaching Experience:
-1981-present Assistant Volleyball Coach, Blue Valley High School, Stilwell, KS (Coached Freshmen mostly, also some JV and Sophmore)
-1995-6 Coached USAV with Team KC , 16’s Silver
-2002-2007 Director “I Dig Volleyball” training program in southeastern Johnson County grades 4th-7th
-1981-present Teach Physical Education, Health, and Aquatics at the high school level.
-1978-1983, 1995-present Athletic Director at a private summer camp in Northern Michigan; supervise staff, teach VB, tennis, etc.
-1981-present Head and Assistant Track Coach, Blue Valley High School,. Specialty: hurdles and high jump
Certification/memberships:
-2006 Level II CAP @ Colorado Springs
-1985 Level I CAP @ Avila College
-1979 Level I Coaching Accreditation Program in Volleyball @Texas Woman’s University
-Current American Red Cross First Aid and CPR, Lifeguard Training, and Water Safety Instructor
-2005 IMPACT @ Colorado Springs
-2002 CAP San Diego, California
-1981 IMPACT Coaching Training @ UMKC, Level I Track and Field Certified Coach
-1989, 1986 Cramer Athletic Training Courses; assist in taping athletes currently
-Member: USAV, AVCA, TFA/USA
Personal: Born and raised in the Lenexa, KS area. Attended SM Northwest High School, participated in tennis, gymnastics, and Track and Field. College: Texas Woman’s University in Denton, TX, ran Cross Country and Track and Field; assistant coach after eligibility; played intramural VB.
Married 10 years and divorced; no children; 12 nieces and nephews and 9 greats. Buster the Cat keeps me entertained at home. Actively participate in Master Women’s Volleyball (indoors), co-ed sand and indoor leagues, women’s indoor leagues, Master’s Track and Field competitions, area Road Runs; cross country and downhill skiing through the Kansas City Ski Club, cycling, and working out at a health club.
I come from a big family so enjoy family gatherings, travel (been to 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, Wimbledon, USA Olympic Trials in Track and Field every 4 years, competing in England), guitar, bluegrass festivals, Scottish Highland Games, etc.
Jackie Hisle
Assistant Coach U10 red (regional silver)
Email Coach Hisle
I am from south KC and have a wonderful family of mom, dad, sister and brother. I graduated from Blue Valley High School in 2002, then went to college out in sunny Arizona. I am in pharmacutical marketing and learn something new everyday. The love of my life is my Maltese, Reese!
I started playing volleyball through BVRC when I was in 6th grade and since then, my love of volleyball has continued to grow. I played 4 years at BVHS and continued playing through intramurals in college at Arizona State. When I moved back to Kansas City, I wanted to stay involved so I started coaching where I originally started playing volleyball; at BVRC. I am extremely excited to be a part of Southwind and continue to grow as a coach, while helping girls to grow as players and leaders.
I think it is extremely important for girls to have fun on the court and play as a TEAM; no one person can win the game by them self so as long as the girls play together, talk and have fun - then the game is totally worth it!
Dona Stephenson
Head Coach U11 red (regional silver)
Email Coach Stephenson
I started playing volleyball in 5th grade and continued in high school where I played three years of varsity. I was caption my junior and senior year and MVP my senior year. I played USAV for 2 years in high school and 2 years after high school. I played 1 year in college and then ran off and got married.
I have been coaching my daughter's recreation team for the last 4 years. I love coaching and have learned so much over the past 4 years and am ready to learn even more. I realize the responsibility of a coach is so much more than just teaching the skills. It is also teaching the heart and building the character to persevere and grow.
I grew up in Jefferson City, Missouri where I met my husband. We have moved around a lot in our 15 years of marriage but have been living in Lenexa for the past 5 years and love it. We have 2 kids, a stepdaughter and a grand baby. I am a full time mom and also work part time as a research analyst for a commercial appraiser. My husband and I lead the middle school ministry in our church and help out with the teen ministry as well.
Amber Reed
Head Coach U12 White (regional gold)
Email Coach Reed (during the workday)
Email Coach Reed (evening and weekends)
Playing Experience
I attended Crest Ridge High School in Centerview, MO where I started varsity as an outside hitter both her junior and senior seasons. I was selected all-conference as a senior. After my senior year in high school, I played one season for Mid America Nazarene University where I became a setter. During my sophomore season, I led my team at the University of Maine at Machias in average aces, kills, and assists per game. I was voted Sunrise Conference Player of the Week and also voted Sunrise Conference Player of the Year in 2007. In 2007, I also ranked number one in NAIA Division I, for service aces per game at 1.440 and 147 total aces.
Coaching Experience
Head Coach U12 Silver – 2006-07
Assistant Coach U13 Silver – 2007-08
Intensity - 2007
Christmas Break Camp(Blue Valley) – 2007
Head Coach 5th & 6th Grade- Summer League 2008
Head Coach 7th & 8th Grade – Summer League 2008
Blue Valley Clinic – 2008
Philosophy
“Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.” – Arthur Ashe
What I emphasize strongly to all of my players is, “Practice like you Play.” This is something that has been my philosophy both as a player and coach. I believe a strong work ethic is the most important quality to have not only as a player but as an individual as well. As a coach, I push my players to give their best and work hard 100% of the time. I was very vocal on the court as a player and have carried that over as a coach. I always give my players lots of encouragement and feedback about their skills. My goal as a coach is to give my players a better understanding of the game of volleyball in helping them develop their skills fundamentally.
Amanda Hemmingsen
Head Coach U12 Blue (regional silver)
Email Coach Hemmingsen
I have been a multi-sport athlete for years playing both soccer and volleyball. I have been playing volleyball for 5 years and played during high school at Shawnee Mission East and one season on the Truman University Club team. I have coached for Southwind for over two years at the U11/U12 level as well as assisted with various camps and clinics throughout the year. I’ve grown in the sport and in life under the Southwind philosophy and am excited to get back into coaching.
I am currently attending JCCC and will be transferring to KU next fall.
Andy Oaks
Head Coach U13 Red (regional gold)
Email Coach Oaks
Why do I coach for Southwind? I would echo many of the thoughts so eloquently espoused by my colleagues on this web page. Ask any coach or player why they participate in club ball and one answer you are sure to hear is: "I love to coach", or "I love to play." Volleyball is an incredible team sport. It's as compelling to watch as to play. It's fast, powerful, and dramatic. It's easy to love this game! I've played many sports, I grew up playing soccer, basketball, baseball, tennis, golf.... you name it. I did not touch a volleyball until I was 18. My understanding was it was a "girls" game. It took one game, one monster spike (albeit with very poor form!) for a point to shatter my preconceptions about the game. I've been playing and coaching the game ever since that day like I'm frantically trying to make up for lost time. 21 years immersed in the game and my desire remains. I'm fascinated by the team game, and volleyball is the apex of team games.
However, we all get older and our skills diminish. We still play as hard as
ever, leaving everything on the floor but there are younger better players
out there. They dominate you and give you the post game handshake and utter
the smug, telltale words like: "nice hustle." What they really mean is: "maybe your day in the sun is over and it's time to retire!" I got the
message. But instead of retire... I've "retooled." I'm way to competitive
to go to pasture just yet! So I've made the natural transition from player
to coach. I fully intend to coach this great game for many years to come.
Most of my younger years I felt drawn to teach. In fact, at one point I
majored in Education. It never came to fruition, however in coaching
volleyball I feel that lifelong desire fulfilled. My new focus in sports is
to teach the game I love to players who love to play. I promise to
teach our players to play the game as hard as I did. I will drive home the
point that if you practice hard and you open your mind to change, realizing
there is always something else to learn, you can always improve as a
player.
I know this game extremely well. I have 20 years of playing experience. 11
years managing and coaching my own adult USAV club and one coaching
Juniors. I am very analytical. I can teach the physical skills. I can
spot weaknesses in my players, and turn them into strengths through
corrections and positive reinforcement. I know you must focus on
fundamentals and put your players in the best position to succeed. I
understand the physical keys to success in the U13 game are serve and serve
receive. As the coach, I will follow my own teachings and always seek to
improve my coaching skills. I could go on and on, but in my opinion those
are job requirements. I wouldn't be with Southwind if I didn't have a grasp
of those things as well as many others I did not mention.
I coach for Southwind because we share common goals. I believe that the key
to becoming a great player hinges on placing the team first. The harder you
work to improve your game for the team, the better the team gets. Team
chemistry in turn raises the level of every team member far beyond where
they would be if the focus was on themselves. The one word definition
of this is "synergy." Defined as: "The interaction of two or more agents or
forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their
individual effects." When you achieve this in sports, you've got lightning
in a bottle. Our players will always strive for synergy.
I pledge to teach every player I mentor that selflessness and not
selfishness is the key to every player's success and development. In my
opinion, that's what Southwind is all about. How many of our players are
going to be Olympic players and maybe play professionally overseas? In
other words, how many players am I teaching a vocation to? Very few if
any. However, being a great teammate does carry over to all aspects of
their lives. It is a tool that will serve them well in all aspects of their
lives... long after their playing days are over.. Who knows? Maybe they'll
follow a similar dream to mine and want to be a volleyball coach someday!
Tricia Prann
Assistant Coach U13 Red (regional gold)
Email Coach Prann
Like many other coaches at Southwind, my competitive "volleyball-playing-days" began in 6th grade and ended after my sophomore year in college. I went to high school at Quivira Heights, a small 1A school in Bushton, KS. I played on the varsity squad all four years and received All-League and All-Area First Team honors my senior year. I was recruited to play at an NAIA school, but wanted the option to finish school at a larger university. So, I tried out and received a scholarship to Hutchinson Community College where I was a starter both years. It was at HCC that my teammates voted for me as Most Inspirational Sophomore. This is where the competitive road ended for me as I went on to finish my academics at Kansas State University. When you meet me, it might be hard to believe that I played as an outside hitter. I held this position up until my sophomore year in college when they decided to transition me into a setter. Since then, I've played in various rec indoor and outdoor leagues. It was only until a couple of years ago that I decided to hang up my volleyball "playing" shoes. Now I'm thrilled to come back to competitive volleyball as an assistant coach this year. I love the game and what it can do for you. I would never trade my years of team sports for the world and I truly feel it has helped shape me into the person I am today. My only hope is that I can help pass on to others the incredible experience this sport has to offer.
Danelle Couch
Head Coach U13 White (regional gold)
Email Coach Couch
"The power of one is above all things the power to believe in yourself.
Often well beyond any latent ability previously demonstrated. The mind is the athlete; the body is simply the means it uses."
-- Bryce Courtenay
My goal as a U13 Gold coach is to teach the girls all aspects of the game. At this age, it is really important for them to develop as players Where am I the strongest on the court? What are my weaknesses? Why do we run this particular defense? Why is it so important to pass the ball? Coverage, strategy, and attitude -- all vital on the court. I realize that is important for the girls to learn and understand every area of the game and I intend to do just that. We will drill a lot on passing, serving, setting, hitting and more passing. By the end of the season, I'd like to see all of the girls serving in targeted areas and consistently setting up the ball (pass, set, hit). I am a firm believer that you are only as strong as your weakest player. I will work with the girls individually on their opportunity areas. And of course, I want this to all be fun. I will develop confident, skilled, motivated, excitable players. I want these girls to be passionate about volleyball, just as I am. There are few things that I love more. I will give them all of the tools to fuel that fire.
I grew up in Dodge City, Kansas. I began playing volleyball when I was 13. I immediately fell in love with the sport. I practiced hard and played hard. In high school I was a varsity letter winner sophomore through senior year. I was awarded Honorable Mention in 1999 and Western Athletic Conference All Team Player in 2000. After high school I attended Kansas State University. There I continued playing volleyball on co-ed and women's competitive leagues. I am still playing today -- I compete on a women's competitive league through Heart of America.
I began coaching in 2005. In 2005-2007, I coached 5th - 8th grade recreational and competitive teams. In 2007, I came to Southwind and coached the 13-1 gold team. I am currently coaching at Sion High School.
Rachel Sachdeva
Student Assistant Coach U13 White (regional gold)
Rachel began playing volleyball on an Olathe recreation team in 7th grade and what began as a social event for fun turned into a passion and love for the sport. It was in 8th grade that she tried out and earned a position on a Southwind Junior Olympic volleyball team and has played for Southwind for the past three years and is now entering her fourth year with the Southwind U17 red team.
Rachel has also played for Frontier Trail Junior High and continued playing during her sophomore and junior year at Olathe South High School. Both high school seasons her team has taken 2nd place in league and this past year Rachel was also voted team captain. While Rachel has played many positions during her junior high and high school career her focus has always been outside hitting.
Rachel works hard for her volleyball success but also enjoys having fun on and off the court. Volleyball and having fun are not Rachel's only concerns, she also takes academics seriously and has been on the honor roll since junior high and plans to continue with her academic success.
This will be Rachel's first year to coach and feels she has much to offer, she is excited to share the knowledge she has gained at Southwind and hopes to use this opportunity to grow as a person and player.
Ashley Mayhle
Assistant Coach U13 Blue (regional silver)
Email Coach Mayhle
Born and raised in Spokane Valley, Washington, I bring 8 years of volleyball playing experience to the staff, along with many more participating in other varsity sports. I attended Class 4A Central Valley High school where I played volleyball, basketball, and softball. From there I was given a scholarship to play softball at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, KS, where I was named All-Conference my Freshman year. In addition to that in the Spring of 2008 I was given a scholarship to play volleyball for the University as well. Along with my playing experience, I have coached in a couple different venues including the Southwind Volleyball Tribe, Upward Basketball (church league) and Olympic Weightlifting camps and after-school programs through MidAmerica for the last year.
Personal Philosophy--
"There are only two things you can control: ATTITUDE and EFFORT"
Scott Shepherd
Assistant Coach U13 Green (regional silver)
Email Coach Shepherd
I am what you might consider a late bloomer when it comes to volleyball. It wasn’t until I was in my 40’s that I became smitten with the sport. Now, I believe that volleyball is the ultimate team sport and like so many others, I love it. There are phenomenal lessons that can be learned from dedicating oneself to mastering a skill and then understanding that without the help of five other players on the court, that skill is useless. Team sports have the ability to help develop young girls’ confidence in themselves through personal and team achievement.
Although I played volleyball recreationally when I was younger, my real involvement in the sport started when my daughter expressed interest in playing when she was eight years old. When I said I would find a recreational team for her to play on, I didn’t realize that meant that I would be coaching it. Since then, we have been learning to pass, set, and attack in unison. Because she is young and agile, it did not take long for her to surpass me in skill. However, I quickly learned what it takes to effectively teach young players the core skills of the game. While we all love to win, I emphasize that winning comes when you give your best effort.
I have been an instructor before, teaching kids to snow ski and ballroom dance; so taking on beginner volleyball seemed like a snap. I quickly learned that the game is both complex and intricate, requiring lightening reflexes, athleticism, and quick decision-making skills to play effectively. I have coached recreational volleyball for the last four years and one year of Club.
I may not have the volleyball pedigree of some other coaches, but maturity has other advantages. My coaching philosophy is grounded in the basic belief that we have the opportunity to shape good attitudes and characters to be future leaders in business, communities and at home. When I was growing up, I was taught that anything worth getting required hard work. When I coach, I apply that same principle. I expect players to be on time and ready to work hard the entire practice time. Teaching a young player how to pass, set, and hit is easy. Learning to be volleyball players requires dedication and discipline of each player and their family. Another characteristic I want young girls to learn, and perhaps the most important, is respect. Respect for the game, respect for coaches, and respect for each other. These lessons will not only lead to developing a cohesive and effective team, but will prepare the girls to be more confident in school, at home, and at play.
Sami Hess
Student Assistant Coach U14 Red (regional gold)
Sami has always been a part of Southwind, playing for them since the club opened in 2003. She began playing soccer in kindergarten and continued through her sophomore year when she made the decision to focus exclusively on volleyball. She started playing volleyball her 7th grade year and played for California Trail Junior High her eight and ninth grade years. Sami is a junior who has played for Olathe East High School the past two years, playing sophomore team her first year and JV/Varsity her second.
Sami began her coaching career freshmen year helping out with Winter Break and Spring Break camps through Southwind hosted by Johnson County Parks and Recreation and Blue Valley Parks and Recreation District. She has continued helping with the camps and this past the summer Sami was an assistant coach for a freshmen level team and a Junior Varsity level team for Southwind in the South league. In addition to her sport activities she is an honor roll student and part of her school’s Interior Design program.
Alicia Weber
Head Coach U14 White team (regional gold)
Email Coach Weber
"Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progres, and working together is succees." ~ Henry Ford
Volleyball/Coaching Information
I started playing volleyball 15 years ago while in colle, on a co-ed sand volleyball team, and quickly learned that it was a sport to love! Since that day I have played indoor and sand, on co-e teams and women's teams at an intermediate level. This will be my 4th year coaching for Southwind and my first year coaching at the U14 age group. I have coached at teh U12 level (gold and silver) for two years and U13 (silver) level of one year.
I always look forward to November when club season starts. My goal as a coach is to develop confident, perseverant, enthusiastic players - all personal qualities that are good in life as well as for a volleyball player. Teamwork and communicaiton on the court will be instilled as well.I expect each player to be focused at practice and to always give 100% effort. We will work hard, but have fun at teh same time.
Personal Information
I have been married for 8 years, and have a 3 1/2 year old daughter named Chloe. We also have two black labs - Cletus & Matty. In addition to volleyball, I love to run, play tennis, cook and work on art projects with Chloe. My day time job is as a Senior Creative Manager in the Marketing department at Westlake Ace Hardware.
Rebecca Arnold
Coach U14 Blue (regional gold)
Email Coach Arnold
I began playing volleyball in Junior High. I played 4 years in high school in Oregon where I also competed in swimming, basketball and tennis. I then played at Portland State University from 1978-1981 before transferring to Arizona State University from 1981-1983. In 1983, I was selected to compete with the US Athletes in Action volleyball team in Japan, China and Hong Kong. Since then, I have enjoyed playing with many different teams on sand, grass and indoor.
I have been a coach in many summer camps during my college years and began coaching again in 2001 in JCPRD leagues.
I am married and have 4 children and also enjoy running and skiing. I am a stay at home mom and a wellness consultant with Juice Plus+.
I am convinced that dedication, persistence, and working together as a team will take us a long way. We will focus on improving our skills, learning to anticipate and react to the ball and most importantly having fun. I have learned that it is not always those with the most talent that go the farthest but instead those with the most heart, discipline and perseverance.
Barb Frakes
Head Coach U14 Green (regional silver)
Email Coach Frakes
About Me:
I grew up in Oak Forest, IL (south side of Chicago) in an athletic family. My older sister received a scholarship to play volleyball at the University of Kansas and my younger brother received a scholarship to play football at Tulsa University.
I started playing volleyball in 7th grade and although initially I was terrible, I quickly fell in love with the sport.
Today, I am a stay at home Mom of 6 kids (5 daughters and 1 son). My hobbies include coaching volleyball, reading, movies, watching KU sports, and any outdoor game/activity with my family.
Playing Experience:
University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS) 1990-1993
* Co-captain (senior year). Forced to retire at midpoint of senior season (1993) due to shoulder injury.
* MVP of KU Invitational Tournament - 1992
* DePaul Revlon All Tournament Team - 1992
* Jayhawk Classic All Tournament Team - 1992
* Phillips 66 Academic All Big Eight Team
* Jayhawk Scholar
Texas A&M University (College Station, TX) 1989-1990
*Full scholarship athlete on the volleyball team
Oak Forest High School (Oak Forest, IL)
* All State
* Captain of Illinois All-Star Team
* Participated in the Sun Times All-Star game
* Top 100 player in the nation according to Volleyball Monthly
Education
Bachelors Degree - Communications, University of Kansas (December ‘93)
Ali DeBoest
Student Assistant Coach U15 Red (national gold)
Ali is a multi-sport athlete playing soccer for 5 years, competing in track & field from 5th to 8th grade and began attending volleyball camps in the 4th grade. Ali began her volleyball career in the CYO program playing for Holy Trinity and started in club ball with Southwind Volleyball during her 8th grade year. In addition to the last 4 years of club ball Ali has also participated on the Saint Thomas Aquinas team for 2 years and has attended and completed the Southwind Summer Intensity program for the past 3 years.
For the past three years she has assisted with the volleyball camps at Holy Trinty and Saint Thomas Aquinas. The fall of 2008 Ali was the assistant coach of the Southwind Fall 7th Grade team, her responsibilities included preparing practice plans and managing players during practice and competition.
Ali is still a student at Sanit Thomas Aquinas where she excels in academics and has been on the Honor Roll for the past 3 years.
Ali loves to play volleyball, teach people how to play, and watch volleyball.
Rav Reddy
Student Assistant Coach U15 White (regional gold)
I am a multi-sport athlete having played basketball for 9 years, soccer for 11 years, and volleyball for 9 years. I have been playing volleyball since the fourth grade. After my first year of high school I realized I wanted to focus solely on volleyball, and I decided to stop playing basketball and soccer and pick up club volleyball. I have played Varsity all four years of high school at The Barstow School. I played as a middle hitter/blocker all four years, however half way through my senior season I was moved to an outside hitter due to an injury to one of our starting outsides.
This will be my first year coaching, but I feel that my experience with being co-captain of my high school team both junior and senior years has prepared me for this responsibility. I received the honor of first team all-district both my junior and senior seasons, and received the honor of first team all-regional my senior year. In addition to my athletic achievements, I have been on the Honor Roll all four years of high school and I received the Headmaster's Achievement Award at the end of my junior year. I look forward to keeping volleyball in my life by participating in a club team while attending college. I can't wait to share my knowledge of the game, but more importantly to learn even more about it.
Amie Hoggard
Head Coach U15 Blue (regional gold)
Email Coach Hoggard
"...whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe, and enthusiastically act upon must inevitably come to pass." ~Mary Kay Ash
Volleyball has been a part of my life since 6th grade recreation in Colorado, playing through junior high, one year JV and three of Varsity in high school, and three years on the JV team at MidAmerica Nazarene University. The beginnings of coaching started in high school when I helped with elementary volleyball camps and continued off and on through college. I have now been with Southwind Volleyball Tribe for five years – coaching at the 12-, 14-, and 15- and under divisions.
I truly believe in investing my time and life in the lives of the girls on my team – helping develop them not only as players of the game but as individuals and as a team. My prayer is that the lessons of dedication, hard work, and endurance will become a part of their every day lives on and off the court.
Every player I coach is expected to give 100% at every practice, team event, and game. I know each one is capable of much more than she thinks is possible, and it is a mental battle to overcome that barrier.
On the more personal side of life, I am a proud wife and mother. Michael Hoggard and I were married four and half years ago, and we have grown our family by two – a boy, Daniel, and a girl, Grace. I am also a Mary Kay Consultant, working from home and loving it.
Lexi Welch
Student Assistant Coach U15 Blue (regional gold)
Bio and picture coming soon!
Katie Schieber
Head Coach U16 Red (regional gold)
Email Coach Schieber
I began playing volleyball in the 5th grade and continued in high school where I played three years of Varsity at Bishop Ward High School. My last season at Ward I was named Co-Wyandotte County player of the year and I played with KC Metro for three years under Rachel Magana. I went on to play volleyball for 3 years at Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I played every position including libero my last season on the team. My junior year I was named a NAIA volleyball scholar-athlete.
I began my coaching career while in high school, during my senior year I was the assistant coach for the U17 KC Metro with Rachel Magana. My freshman year of college I was assistant coach of a U15 team in Iowa. I began coaching for Southwind last year and I am looking forward to coaching again this year. This fall I have been coaching a 5th-8th grade team at Our Lady of Unity School.
I am currently working towards my masters degree in Social Work at KU.
Sarah Carlson
Assistant Coach U16 Red (regional gold)
Email Coach Carlson
Playing Experience:
Volleyball has always been a big part of my life, staring in the 6th grade. It all began in Kearney, NE in a volleyball league continuing on to Junior High, 4 years of Varsity at Minden High School, and 2 years of ball at Cloud County Community College and the last 2 years at Kansas Wesleyan University. Grand total of 11 years playing the amazing game of volleyball. The game is not only fun but also provides you with many great things for your future. By participating in sports I have gained character, work ethic, wellness and nutrition, confidence, responsibility, determination, and many other things that have made who I am today. With these Characteristics I have gained many goals and achievements to help me grow as an individual. Because of these life experiences, I am excited to help others achieve their goals and accomplishments.
About me:
I am originally form Miden Nebraska. I have a family of four including Mom, Dad, Megan, and I. My family is very important to me and I love being around them every chance I can. They are my best friends. I graduated High School in 2003. I graduated from Cloud County Community College in 2005 with my AS, and continued on to Kansas Wesleyan University with an undergraduate degree in Athletic Training. I am now a Head Athletic Trainer for Blue Valley High School. I love working with people and watching them grow through hard work and dedication. It makes me happy to see people excel and become confident in themselves.
Annie Farris
Head Coach U17 Red (regional gold)
Practice Coach U18 Red (regional gold)
Email Coach Farris
Communication is Queen on the volleyball court. Without it, a good team will never be great. More than any other team sport, you need communication and leadership in order to prevail. Leaders have charisma and confidence and are able to change the course of a game without even touching the ball.
I am by no means a quiet coach. I believe in addressing and correcting playing scenarios as they happen. No matter what, I'll be the first one to congratulate a player for a job well done. Having played defensive specialist throughout college, you'll hear "nice up", "good read" and "go, go, go" the most.
I am currently a Graphic Designer at Westlake Ace Hardware's corporate office in Lenexa. Most people who know me think I should be a teacher and a coach.
Coach-
2007-2008 Southwind U16 Gold
2005-2006 Tiger Juniors (Lee's Summit) U13 Silver and U17 Gold
2005 LSHS Junior Varsity Coach
2004-2005 Tiger Juniors (Lee's Summit) U12 Silver
2004 LSHS Freshman “A” Coach
2002-2004 Columbia Vipers Volleyball (can't remember age groups...
somewhere in the 14/15 range; 3 different teams)
Player-
Columbia College Cougars, Go CC!
2002- NAIA Fifth Place
Academic All Conference, All Region and All America
2001- NAIA National Champions
Academic All Conference, All Region
2000- NAIA National Champion Runners Up
Lee's Summit North High School
2000 Top 8 in the State, 4A
All Conference Honorable Mention
Student-
Columbia College, graduated May 2004
BFA in Fine Arts, emphasis in Graphic Design
Editor of The Columbian, 2002-2004
Jason Nguyen
Head Coach U18 Red (regional gold)
Email Coach Nguyen
Born in Texas, raised in Sacramento, California, I bring over ten years of playing experience to the staff. I played in innumerable tournaments throughout Del Campo HS, club experience during years at University of California, Riverside, and Liberty University at Lynchburg, VA. I have coached in private venues and public programs such as YMCA for volleyball.
My vocation at Sprint has allowed me to experience competitive levels of volleyball throughout Kansas City, whether through HOA or through corporate challenge events.
I allocate my time between volleyball, working on strategy intiatives for Sprint network,
working on my JD Degree, and starting developing real estate in Lawrence, KS.
Personal Philosophy-- "Your Attitude determines your Altitude"
David Butler
Assistant Coach U18 Red (regional gold)
Bio coming soon!
Tyler Rodden
Training Coach for U10 - U18 squads
Email Coach Rodden
I am Texas born, but have called Kansas my home ever since I could talk. I went to high school at Olathe Northwest, where I was All-State in football, wrestling, and track and field. Placing 4th at state in wrestling and 3rd at state in the Discus. From there I followed family footsteps to MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe where I play football, reaching the First Team All-Conference list my sophomore year, and throw the discus for the track and field team. In addition to the varsity sports, I also compete in Olympic Weightlifting and have been training since I was in the Fifth grade; reaching the Collegiate Nationals Meet in the spring of 2008 where I placed 8th. My coaching experiences have ranged from Junior Football Camps (through the Kansas City Brigade) and Leagues to coaching the High School and Junior high Olympic weightlifting programs at MidAmerica. I have been around the Olympic Weightlifting scene and seen many great lifters; following around my sister-in-law who is the head strength and conditioning coach at MidAmerica Nazarene University and training under legendary Coach, Tom Cross.
Danae Hilliard
Assistant Coach PRN
Danae began her volleyball career in the 5th grade when she began playing for the YMCA. She continued her career into Junior High and High School where she lettered 3yrs in a row. She also played for the Kansas District team for the Nazarene Churches for 3yrs where she was given the honor of MVP two out of the three years.
During her high school career she was voted honorable mention for 5A high school players as a Junior, and received the honor of second team as a senior. For the past four years she has been competing on the Varsity squad at MidAmerica Nazarene University.
Danae was the assistant coach for winter league in Salina, Kansas for a season. She also assisted with the Salina first church team for Kansas Extreme Tournament. During her college career she has coached at MidAmerica Nazarene Summer camps. Danae continues with her fifth season at Southwind.
Emily Knight
Student Assistant Coach
Emily began her volleyball career in fifth grade were she played on a recreation team and began playing Junior Olympic volleyball in seventh grade. Her first two years she was a member of the Lancer organization, continued her career with a year playing for the MAV's and the past two seasons with Southwind Volleyball Tribe. Her high school career also consist of playing with Shawnee Mission East Lancers and this past year has been a member of the varsity squad.
Emily began her coaching career her sophomore year in high school when she assisted with the Lancers U13 squad and the past two seasons assistant coaching the U11 teams with Southwind Volleyball Tribe. Emily has also assisted with the Southwind U13 National squad and has participated in a coaching capacity in the Spring Break and Winter Break camps of Southwind Volleyball Tribe hosted with the Johnson County Parks and Recreation District.
With graduation this coming spring Emily hopes to attend a university or college in a major city (Colorado or Chicago) and plans to obtain a degree in business in either marketing or accounting.
Becca Boggs
Student Assistant Coach
Becca is a multi-sport athlete spending 6 years in gymnastics, 4 years in swimming, and 5 years in soccer. Becca has been playing volleyball for the past four years when she began in 8th grade and has continued to play during her high school years. She began playing club ball a few years back and spent the past season with Southwind Volleyball Tribe.
Becca has begun coaching with Southwind at our JCP&RD fundamental camps and has also taught swimming lessons to youth at the Jewish Community Center.
In addition to her sports activities Becca is also a scholar receiving the scholar athlete award the past three years of high school.
Meredith Little
Volleyball is a sport where everyone needs to stay excited, stay focused and stay motivated. It is a game of unity, individuals moving as one, a sport of intense concentration; a sport where you have to brush off the last bad pass or last unsuccessful serve and come together as a team. My objective is to empower all athletes with the skills necessary for success both on and off the court.
I am the Library Media Specialist at Spring Hill Elementary School. I am also the head 8th grade volleyball coach at Spring Hill Middle School for the past three years. I stay pretty busy during the day and if that is not enough I am the mother of a ten year old girl that stays extremely active herself. After school we find ourselves running from one activity to another but we would not have it any other way. Somewhere in between all of the running around I have managed to get my master’s degree as well as my certification in educational administration. Some day I just might be your child’s principal.
I am very excited to begin my first season coaching club volleyball. This is an incredible opportunity. At the end of the season I hope that the girls and parents both find that the girls have grown not only with their volleyball skills but as individuals and as team members.
Heather Mitchell
Assistant Coach/Coaching Consultant
I have loved volleyball since the fourth grade. I played all through grade school, middle school and high school, but sadly, not in college. After college, however, I almost immediately started playing and coaching again.
I've coached at the gold and silver club level for a total of 9 years including a bid to the national tournament in Denver in 1997 with a fabulous 15U team. I've played women's club ball mostly at the BB level with the occasional A outing (in my younger years). Volleyball is unique in strategic, tactical and coordination requirements making it an easy choice for my favorite sport of all.
Diana Miller
Assistant Coach/Coaching Consultant
In my sixteen years of playing and four years of coaching experience, I have found three characteristics common to successful teams: deliberate practice, hard work ethic, and strong mental focus/stamina. I believe it is my job as a coach to work hard, and the players’ job is to reciprocate that effort. Every time a player touches a volleyball, she should strive to improve. Hitting fifty balls a day won’t necessarily improve your hitting skills. Hitting ten balls a day in a deliberate manner, practicing a particular mechanic of the skill set and striving to improve that mechanic with each contact in response to feedback from your coach is purposeful practice that, over time and with increased consistency, will improve your hitting skills. Reinforcing and perfecting fundamental skills is vital to this goal of continued improvement. My job is to create a practice environment where players are exposed to a variety of situations so that they learn how to adapt, adjust and make strategic decision in critical moments.
I strive to develop a personal relationship with each player and to highlight her contribution to the team. If I can teach each girl to thrive in the team setting, while still appreciating her individual value, I believe I am teaching her an important life skill. I firmly believe that a team of average players working together as a team should prevail over a team of highly skilled athletes playing as individuals.
I also emphasize the mental aspect of the game. While athleticism and skill are key to becoming successful, a well rounded player has the mental focus and stamina to prevail in any situation.
While I have high expectations for my players, I also have high expectations for myself. I hope to learn as much as I can from the girls and other Southwind volleyball coaches. I hope to convey my love for the game to my players in each and every practice and tournament. Ultimately, I want to teach my players to embrace volleyball with the love and passion that I have for the game and to appreciate how rewarding the sport can be later in life, wherever life takes them (or hopefully, wherever they take life).
Coaching Experience:
2001 - 2002 Head Coach
Match Point VBC, Colorado Springs, CO
age division: U14
(Regional 4th place finish)
2001 - 2002 Varsity Coach
St. Mary’s Catholic School, Colorado Springs, CO
(2nd place finish at Regionals, 5th place finish at State)
2001 - 2002 8th Grade Coach
West Middle School, Colorado Springs, CO 1998 - 1999 Assistant Coach
Team ‘Sota VBC, Minneapolis, MN
age division: U16
Summer Camp Coaching Experience:I have worked with many different high school and middle school volleyball programs coaching, running camps and clinics including working for Pikes Peak Regional camps, Match Point Volleyball Camps and Midwest Volleyball Instructors (MVI).
Playing Experience:1997-2000 Varsity Squad
Macalester College, St. Paul, MN
1993-1996 Varsity Squad
William J. Palmer High School, Colorado Springs, CO
Club Volleyball (1992-1997)
Junior Olympics (Kansas City, 1993)
1991-1992 7th & 8th Grade Squad
Irving Middle School, Colorado Springs, CO
