I’ve been playing volleyball since around age 10, competing with First Alliance through 18s, varsity at Nazareth Academy High School, and at the collegiate level as a student-athlete at Kalamazoo College. I recently graduated with a major in Psychology and continue to stay involved in the sport through coaching and mentoring young athletes.

Skills: Volleyball fundamentals, teamwork building, communication, leadership, game strategy, player development, positive reinforcement
Positions: Pin hitter, defensive specialist, middle hitter, and universal players
Ages: All
Genders: All
Club-Affiliations: Pav YMCA, Berwyn, IL. Volunteer coach at Kalamazoo College

My coaching is all about building trust and being real with my athletes. I have learned that every player is different. What works for one might not work for another, so I adjust how I coach based on what each person needs. I also believe that the best players are those who can adapt to change, and I want to help them develop that mindset. I always come back to the fundamentals because they are the foundation of any great athlete. Anytime a player hits a wall in their development, it is usually the fundamentals that help them move forward. When it comes to sports, there is often a set image in people’s minds of what a great volleyball player is supposed to look like, but that could not be further from the truth. Throughout my career, I was told I could not play certain positions, but because of the support I had and the work I put in, I was able to break those expectations. If you show up, work hard, and give yourself grace, you can accomplish more than you think. Some of the best players I know did not start with natural talent; they just refused to give up. I try to create an environment where athletes feel supported, challenged, and like they belong. Whether it is through encouragement or being direct when needed, my goal is to help them grow both on and off the court and to know that their role, whatever it looks like, is always valuable to a team.