Coaching Philosophy: I believe in establishing strong fundamental skills, discipline in positioning, and an expectation for effort and communication. Fundamental skills and techniques are extremely important for players to continue improving, especially as the level of the game increases. Once a team/player has learned fundamental skills and positioning, I enjoy working with them on specific technical improvements (specifically in setting) and game strategy. I also believe volleyball is a great lifelong sport, so I love to encourage fun and competition at all levels.
Best Volleyball Moment: My best volleyball moment was really a 5 year process – building a strong women’s club volleyball program at Drexel University. From my freshman year as a player to my senior as captain and president of the club, we had doubled the tryout numbers and were able to expand the program into two teams (a Drexel club volleyball first)! When I returned as a coach the following year, the team placed 6th in our division (out of ~50 teams) and qualified for league championships for the first time in 5 years. I loved growing the program to give more players the opportunity to join the team, learn, and compete in tournaments.
My Life in Sports: I was a competitive gymnast until I was 11 years old and tried a variety of sports before high school: volleyball, track, softball, cheerleading, and diving. I was a setter for my high school varsity volleyball team, and we won states my junior and senior years. I also set for club volleyball teams for 7 years. I went to Drexel University for engineering, and I played on their club volleyball team for 4 years. I became president of the club and coach/captain of the team for my junior and senior years. In addition to coaching various volleyball teams, I coached gymnastics and cheerleading for several years. Now, I play volleyball in adult leagues and grass doubles tournaments. I also enjoy playing tennis.
When I’m Not Coaching Volleyball… I work as a business manager at Air Products in Allentown, PA. Although there isn’t much time outside of coaching and work, I enjoy playing volleyball, playing games (yard games, board games, etc.), getting addicted to a great TV show, listening to music, eating good food, and enjoying outdoor activities with friends and family.
Favorite subject in school: Physics!!
Last Book I Read: Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!
Favorite Movie: Inception… and all of the Harry Potter movies
Favorite Quote: “The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem.” – Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean
Person I’d Like to Have Dinner With: Joe Rogan
Something You Probably Don’t Know About Me: I listen primarily to classic rock and am a huge fan of Billy Joel and The Beatles.