Coaching Experience: I began coaching in 2004 when my former club coach reached out asking if I was interested in coaching a 16U club team. Saying “yes” to that opportunity led to a continuous involvement in club and high school volleyball in the Philadelphia area starting with Buxmont VBC, Synergy VBC, and Valley Forge VBC, before co-founding and directing TCA Philadelphia and later Philadelphia Storm. My coaching career has included top-level teams attending USAV or AAU Nationals, as well as developmental teams with beginning players. I continue to learn and develop as a coach, each year learning from my players and fellow coaches.
Coaching Philosophy: I coach because I love watching players learn and develop. I share my passion for volleyball with my players and try to instill an understanding of not just the game and skills, but also valuable life lessons such as learning how to handle failure or work to accomplish goals. My philosophy at its core is one of learning and mastering fundamentals. Mistakes are acceptable, commitment is essential and giving up is not an option.
Best Volleyball Moment: One of my best moments as a coach was winning the KRVA Bid with my 13U team – they started the day with a big loss, but instead of giving up they came together as a team, dug deep and found a way to win. My favorite memory as a player was being awarded an all-tournament honor as a freshman at a St. John’s tournament. For some reason, that one moment made all the years of work and effort worth it.
My Life in Sports: I began playing volleyball in 4th grade attending camps. Throughout grade school I played soccer and danced, but volleyball was my true passion. During high school I played volleyball year round and was often found following my club coach around to any gym he was training in. I continued my career at Manhattan College in NY (Division I; MAAC). I enjoy playing pick up volleyball and hope to return to outdoor volleyball in the near future when my kids are a bit older.
When I am not coaching volleyball… I am typically sitting at my computer working, or running my children around to their sporting events. Organized chaos is my life!
Favorite Subject in school: English
Favorite Book: Pride and Prejudice (Austen)
Favorite Movie: Top Gun
Favorite quote: “It isn’t what we say or think that defines us, but what we do.” ~ Jane Austen
Person I’d like to have dinner with: My grandmother – I was so young when she passed, and I would love the opportunity to actually get to know her.
Something you probably don’t know about me: I was born and raised in Granada Hills, California, where my parents still live. I am the mother of 3 beautiful children. I am a software licensing attorney by day. I’m also deathly terrified of spiders!