MEET OUR
AWESOME COACHES
Coaching philosophy
The latest research on how people learn a sport like volleyball tells us that learning is very context-specific and task-specific. This means our coaches know how important it is to make practice activities as game-like as possible and to maximize each player’s meaningful interactions with the ball. That’s why we discourage traditional 2-person pepper and will not waste a player’s time by running laps around the gym.
Most importantly, Gators Volleyball coaches never forget that we are coaching people (not just volleyball players). We know that our athletes have to know that we care, before they care what we know. We measure success in terms of how of our athletes come back to play again next year.
Coaches wanted
Any potential volleyball coaches out there? If you enjoy working with kids and share our love of the game of volleyball, then we want you! There are so many wonderful and brilliant girls who just want to play some great volleyball, and coaching them is an incredibly rewarding experience.
You don’t necessarily need to be a star player to be a great coach, and we will provide you training and resources to get you up to speed. We are making preparations for the upcoming club season, so now is the perfect time to get involved! Click the “Contact us” link to let us know of your interest, and let’s talk some volleyball!
Meet our Team
Club Administration
Frank Gardner
Club Director
Gators coach and Club Director since 2005
In my 14 years of coaching I have have worked with all age groups from U12 through U18. I am a firm believer in a positive coaching environment where players are encouraged to take the risks necessary to improve and learn new skills. I like to run my practices in a way which maximizes opportunity for meaningful and gamelike interactions with the ball – “no laps, no lines, and no lectures”. My goal in coaching is to foster personal improvement, physical fitness, competitiveness, team spirit, and a sense of community through a lifetime interest in the great sport of volleyball.
Trainings/Certifications: IMPACT, SafeSport, CAP I, CAP II, CAP III, USAV High Performance Program, NERVA Board of Directors, Positive Coaching Alliance
Developmental Teams and Clinics
- Jenna Crowley
- Kayla Finnerty
- Rachel Gill
- Karen Griffiths
- Svea Hall
- Tatum Holley
- Mira Ireland
- Sheila Joyce
- Katie Lulsdorf
- Terry Mendel
- Wendy Power
- Demi Ruder
- Nena Trifunovic
- Guy Vachtel
Bio Coming Soon
Kayla Finnerty
12 Black Head Coach
Gators coach since 2019
I have been playing volleyball for over 10 years, both in North Carolina where I grew up and now in Massachusetts. I played for a recreational team. I fell in love with the game the first time I played and haven’t put a ball down since. I played in high school and for club teams every year until I went to North Carolina A&T State Universe where I played Division 1 ball. My goal as a coach is to provide my players with a way to develop a love for the game, while also teaching them the fundamentals that they will need for years to come! I am so excited to be coaching with Gators!Trainings/Certifications: IMPACT, SafeSport
Rachel Gill
16 Black Assistant Coach
Gators coach since 2018
I have been playing volleyball since i was 9 years old! I played club volleyball through middle school and high school. I was a 3 year varsity player in Tacoma, WA and went on to set a school record as first time state champions my senior year of high school. I went on to play club volleyball at Creighton University and was the president of the club for 2 years. I continue to compete as an adult as well! I was lucky enough to have coaches who taught me the necessary volleyball skills at a young age, and I am excited to pass that along. I believe in creating a fun, exciting, learning, and compassionate practice environment and I am excited to coach another year for Gators!Trainings/Certifications: IMPACT, SafeSport
Karen Griffiths
14 Gray Head Coach
Gators coach since 2017
I’m very excited to be part of the Gators coaching team! I’ve played volleyball since I was 10, through high school and Junior Olympic club teams, on a Division 1 team at Princeton, and on adult USAV teams for many years, with some coaching thrown in as well. It’s safe to say that volleyball has been a large part of my life, and now I’m happy to be able to share volleyball with my own daughters and the Gators family. I’m thrilled to be able to help pass on my love for the sport to a new generation. I want my players to develop a love for and understanding of volleyball, improve their skills, stretch themselves, and especially to learn how to be good teammates and have a lot of fun!Trainings/Certifications: IMPACT, SafeSport
Svea Hall
Clinics
I grew up on a volleyball court watching both my parents play. I started playing the game myself in college and have grown to truly love the sport, playing competitively since then in a variety of settings. As an occupational therapist, one of my passions is helping people learn about body mechanics and how to apply these to developing their motor skills. I am so very excited to bring my two passions together to assistant coaching at Gators Volleyball. Playing a team sport can be such a valuable life experience. I look forward to cultivating a passion for the game in our next generation of players.Bio Coming Soon
Bio Coming Soon
Sheila Joyce
Clinics
Gators coach since 2016
I have been playing volleyball since the summer before my freshman year of high school. I played all four years at Burlington High School and was so proud to make it all the way to the Division 2 North Finals my senior year. Throughout my high school career, I also played Junior Olympic Volleyball for Gators and on the beach with Coach Gwen, making it to Junior Beach Nationals in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the summer of 2016! I am so thrilled to start my coaching career with a club that has taught me so much. I credit my great coaches who I have had in the past with my skill development and increase in self-confidence. I’m very excited to be able to share my knowledge and passion for volleyball to the young athletes.Trainings/Certifications: Beach IMPACT, SafeSport
Katie Lulsdorf
10 Green Head Coach
Gators coach since 2019
Volleyball is my all-time favorite sport. I’ve been playing since the seventh grade. I played intramural volleyball in college, which is also when I first started elementary and middle school volleyball clinics in my hometown. I’m very happy to be coaching for Gators as well as a local high school team. During the day, I enjoy my job as an elementary school teacher. When I’m not teaching or coaching, I’m most likely swimming or kayaking, cooking up lots of new recipes, or playing beach volleyball or wallyball with my friends. I love coaching volleyball just as much as I love to play! One of the most important things about coaching is sharing my love of the game with all the new athletes I meet. In addition to teaching girls the fundamentals and the technical aspects of the game, it’s important that my teams learn to be great teammates both on and off the court.Trainings/Certifications: IMPACT, SafeSport
Terry Mendel
Clinics
Gators coach since 2016
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to teach the sport I love to a new generation of girls. It is my belief and has been my experience that anyone with the passion to learn can become a skilled and fabulous volleyball player. But most importantly it is my belief that volleyball is all about having fun.
Trainings/Certifications: IMPACT, SafeSport, CAP I
Bio Coming Soon
Demi Ruder
12 Green Head Coach
Gators coach since 2018
I have been playing volleyball competitively for the last 10 years and have loved every minute of it. I am very excited for the opportunity to give back to the sport I am so passionate about by coaching with Gators Volleyball Club. I believe volleyball can teach you so many valuable skills as both a player and a person that will stick with you for life. My goal as a coach is to support players as they develop these skills, grow their self-confidence, and help them have as much fun as possible.Trainings/Certifications: IMPACT, SafeSport
Nena Trifunovic
14 Green Assistant Coch
I first learned how to pass a ball in 4th grade on the blacktop with my after school teacher, and volleyball has been in my life ever since. I’d played at various clinics in my hometown of Belmont MA (where I’ve also coached), but Gators was really the place that elevated my game. Thanks to Gators, I made JV my freshman year of high school, varsity as a sophomore, and became a varsity captain my senior year while making the state tournament 3 consecutive times and becoming sectional finalists in D1 Central East in 2018. I’ve played on Gators power teams from U14-U18 and am so excited to pass on my knowledge and love for the game! I hope to not only increase my players’ volleyball IQ and technique, but to teach them how to work as a team. My goal is to help grow passionate, well rounded players who are willing to push themselves, and I can’t wait to see what they’ll accomplish!
Guy Vachtel
Tryouts, Clinics, TBD Asst Coach
Gators coach since 2017
I was introduced to volleyball when I was young, joining my father’s practices and games. Ever since I have enjoyed playing indoor and outdoor volleyball. Volleyball is a great team game that teaches you a lot about yourself and about how to rely on your friends; you learn to work together and communicate better. I used to teach at college and help students achieve their goals. Joining Gators is an awesome opportunity for me. I am excited to get another chance to teach and help young athletes improve as players and as individuals by developing their skills while having fun. It’s gonna be great – come and join us!Trainings/Certifications: IMPACT, Beach IMPACT, SafeSport, CAP I, USAV High Performance Program
U12 Teams
Nancy Hartmann
10 Green Assistant Coach
Gators coach since 2017
Nancy found her passion for volleyball playing in high school as an outside hitter and in college as a defensive specialist and setter. Previously, she has coached club volleyball at the U12, U14, and U18 levels as well as coaching the Pingree High School girls volleyball team. Under Nancy’s guidance, players achieve individual skill development and a strong team dynamic. As a coach, she enjoys implementing drills that are challenging and game like. When not coaching volleyball, Nancy administers out of school and summer camp programs for Glen Urquhart School.Trainings/Certifications: IMPACT, SafeSport
Jason Rightmyer
15 Green Assistant Coach
Gators coach since 2016
Although my volleyball coaching career is at its start, I’ve been playing at the highest levels for over twenty years – through high school, Junior Olympic, college, and adult club teams. I’m excited to be part of a thoroughly committed group of coaches at Gators Volleyball. As I transition to this new coaching phase, my goal is to provide a safe, fun, and educational environment for our young players and to foster the lifelong love of volleyball that I have been fortunate to enjoy for so many years. Ultimately, I strive to encourage these athletes to be supportive of one another and to build their self-confidence as they grow to become future stewards of the game.Trainings/Certifications: IMPACT, SafeSport, CAP I
Wingsze Seaman
14 Black Assistant Coach
Gators coach since 2016
I’m very excited to be coaching with Gators Volleyball Club. I started playing volleyball in college in an indoor beach PE class. After college, I was eager to improve my skills as a player and teach others as well. I’ve played competitively in multiple levels and leagues locally and nationally. I’ve played Yankee/NERVA tournaments, multiple USAV National tournaments, and multiple NACIVT tournaments around the United States and Canada. I’ve coached at the high school level and club level. Volleyball has been a big part of my life. It’s not just the sport, it’s the people you meet, the friendships you’ll make, and the team unity that is the basis of the sport. The sport can be played at any age and the life skills learned are priceless.Trainings/Certifications: IMPACT, SafeSport, CAP I
Aly Werth
10 Green Assist/Clinics
Gators coach since 2016
My name is Aly Werth. I am a recent graduate of the University of New Hampshire. I am really excited to coaching for Gators and sharing my love of the sport with my team! I started playing Junior Olympic Volleyball when I was 10 and played all through my high school years. I loved playing club volleyball and had the opportunity to play throughout the Northeast including Albany and Baltimore. In college I also played recreational volleyball. My coaching philosophy is to create an environment where the team (and every one of the individual team members) can grow and learn and develop a long lasting love of the sport.Trainings/Certifications: IMPACT, SafeSport, CAP I
U13 to U14 Teams
Paul Bradford
14 Green Head Coach
Gators coach since 2014
I’ve loved playing volleyball for many years, and back before I had a child I would play up to four times a week in leagues, skills programs, and weekend tournaments (Yankee volleyball). In the summer I’d play doubles on the beach and grass. My wife and I met playing volleyball and we’re excited that our daughter has played in high school and Gators. Coaching younger players at Gators lets me give back to the sport I love. I understand, from my own experience, that learning volleyball skills is not a quick process. After a player has seen a technique demonstrated, it still takes lots of time and practice to really feel comfortable on the court. It’s most important for me as a coach to remain patient and positive – no athlete needs criticism or punishment drills. My main goal is for the players to come out of their Gators program with enthusiasm for playing volleyball.Trainings/Certifications: IMPACT, SafeSport, CAP I
Bio Coming Soon
Bio Coming Soon
Jim Kelly
16 Green Assistant Coach
Gators coach since 2014
I have been coaching Junior Olympic volleyball since the 2008 season. Prior to coming to Gators, I coached club volleyball at the U15, U16, and U17 levels. While teaching players volleyball skills is obviously important, I believe that learning to be a good person/adult is fundamental to the development of a strong, well-rounded volleyball player. Treating teammates, coaches, parents, and referees with courtesy, fairness and respect is essential, as is understanding how to deal with adversity, failure, and success.Trainings/Certifications: IMPACT, SafeSport, CAP I
Ashok Pillai
14 Black Head Coach
Gators coach since 2013
Hi! I am very excited to be coaching for Gators again this season. I first began playing volleyball in high school, which was an international school in Japan that competed in tournaments all over Asia, and I have been obsessed with the sport ever since then. I came to the United States for college, where I continued to play for the college’s club team, and my first taste of coaching and instructing others began when I served as the club’s president and captain in my senior year. After that I moved to the Boston area to begin my private school teaching career, and I continue to play in recreational volleyball leagues in my free time. I currently work at the Middlesex School in Concord, and I am also he head coach of the girls’ varsity volleyball team. As an educator, I believe in developing camaraderie, collaboration skills, and communication skills in addition to increasing my players’ “volleyball IQ” by ensuring they understand the game and the importance of proper fundamental mechanics. Good teammates support and encourage each other and share their triumphs and defeats. Our players develop and grow tremendously over the course of a season both as individuals and as a team. Despite my competitive nature, I want to ensure my players share my joy and enthusiasm for the sport, and enjoy every moment of being out on the court together as much as I enjoy working with them.Trainings/Certifications: IMPACT, SafeSport, CAP I, Gold Medal Squared
Sochi Tauch-Ward
12 Green Assistant Coach
I started playing volleyball in high school and continued to compete both indoor and outdoor since. Although I did not have the opportunity to participate in any volleyball club or institution, I have continuously tried to improve my skills through commitment and hard work. One of my recently proud accomplishments was to be able to rank first place nationally for 2018 Volley America (now AVP America) grass double Coed Open/AA. I believe that volleyball is not only about competing against your opponents but also with yourself. It is within your control to challenge yourself to do better every time you get on the court. Winning is always fun but it is most rewarding to have learned and improved as a person.U15 Teams
Megan Braun
15 White Head Coach
Gators coach since 2018
I grew up in Sudbury, Massachusetts and played 4 years of volleyball at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School – with my freshman year on the JV team and the next 3 years on the varsity team. I’ve coached Junior Olympic Volleyball since the 2018 season and became the coach of the freshman girls volleyball team at Linclon-Sudbury in 2018. I am thrilled to be working with such wonderful athletes and my fellow coaches at Gators Volleyball Club. I do my best to cultivate a growth mindset among the athletes I coach. For me, this means seeing the entire season as an opportunity for my players to improve upon skills with which they might not yet feel confident. Establishing a positive, encouraging environment among our team where mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities and hard work is celebrated allows our athletes to thrive and develop both as volleyball players and as young women. I am excited to be working with such a great group of girls and am looking forward to a wonderful season with Gators this year!Trainings/Certifications: IMPACT, SafeSport
Loretta Ho Sherblom
15 Green Head Coach
Gators coach since 2011
Volleyball is the best game ever! While not an elite player, I still compete at adult weekend and national tournaments and play sand doubles in the summer. I truly enjoy coaching because I can share my love for volleyball and encourage and develop young players. I have coached both high school and club teams for over 10 years, and look forward to helping out at Gators even more this year!Trainings/Certifications: IMPACT, SafeSport, CAP I
Skyla Insogna
15 White Assistant Coach
I grew up in Woburn, MA and started playing volleyball in 8th grade. From there forward I played on Woburn High’s JV team for my first two years and then on Varsity my last two years of high school. I continued playing in college at Rivier University my sophomore year as a DS. I played on Gators teams for my club volleyball career, and I’m more than excited to be back as a coach to help our young athletes love the game and become better players overall. Volleyball is a huge part of my life, and I can’t wait to share my experiences from indoor and beach volleyball and from coaching camps. I’m looking forward to a great season with an awesome group of girls!
Elliot Peng
13 Green Head Coach
Gators coach since 2016
I have been participating in competitive volleyball, both indoors and on the beach, for quite a while. I’m avidly involved in playing competitively and organizing teams or even my own pickup games. The adult team that I captain plays in high level leagues and usually achieves high rankings, but more importantly has far-and-away the most fun. With each passing year spent around the sport, I gain an ever-increasing appreciation of the crucial role that quality coaching and guidance can play in a person’s development of skills and passion for the game. When you are able to achieve individual and team goals while having a blast along the way, there is absolutely nothing like it. This is going to be a great year!Trainings/Certifications: IMPACT, SafeSport
Lisa Predaina
15 Black Head Coach
Gators coach since 2013
I began playing volleyball when I was 14 and have been in love with the game ever since. I have coached a variety of ages in my years with Gators Volleyball Club, and with every player on my teams I hope to instill the same level of passion, enthusiasm, and respect for the sport. In addition to Gators, I have also coached at Bedford High School since 2013. I am incredibly excited to be a part of this great club that fosters a positive and supportive environment for players to take risks while developing their skills as players and teammates. Go Gators!Trainings/Certifications: IMPACT, SafeSport, CAP I
U16 Teams
Meg Anderson
14 WHITE ASSISTANT COACH
Gators coach since 2018
I started playing volleyball the summer before 6th grade and haven’t stopped. I played for my school and for club teams in Massachusetts throughout middle school and high school before going to Middlebury College, where I played four years on their DIII team. During my early development as a player, I was lucky to have amazing coaches who not only taught me the skills needed to succeed as a player but also fostered a love for the game. My goal as a coach is to celebrate good volleyball, good sportsmanship, and continuous progress towards individual and team goals. For me, success as a coach is not is not defined by winning but by whether or not my players have fun and grow to love the game. I’m excited to be part of the Gators team! Most importantly, Gators Volleyball coaches never forget that we are coaching people (not just volleyball players). We know that our athletes have to know that we care, before they care what we know. We measure success in terms of how of our athletes come back to play again next year.Training/Certifications: IMPACT, SafeSport
Glenn Kawasaki
16 Green Head Coach
Gators coach since 2016
I was first exposed to volleyball while in college, and it quickly became a passion and joy for me over many years. Living in Southern California, I played indoor —men’s, co-ed, reverse co-ed, and outdoors playing grass and beach doubles. Volleyball has been a big part of my life and was how I met my wife, Janice, also a Gators coach. I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of a great club, and coaching athletes to achieve their goals. I enjoy coaching because nurturing and teaching our athletes to attain new skills, and pushing themselves to new heights is extremely rewarding. My philosophy with volleyball is that in order to achieve your goals, you need to work hard on and off the court. You have to be a student of the game, picking up knowledge in training (mentally and physically), nutrition, communication, teamwork, etc. All of these elements need to come together and be in sync for the team and you individually to achieve and/or exceed those goals.Trainings/Certifications: IMPACT, SafeSport, CAP I
Janice Kawasaki
16 Green Assistant Coach
Gators coach since 2016
My first experience with volleyball was when my 2nd grade teacher taught me how to bump a ball. I have had a burning passion for the game ever since. I didn’t have the opportunity to play because school was the top priority in my family. In the meantime, I self-taught myself as much knowledge of the game to increase my “volleyball IQ” because I knew I would play one day. Living in California, I started playing beach volleyball and knew that this was going to be a part of my life forever! I was very fortunate to play in college and continued to play indoor leagues and tournaments (women’s, co-ed & reverse co-ed) as well as competing in grass and beach doubles. Volleyball has enriched my life so much (including meeting my husband) that I find it very rewarding to give back by coaching others. Watching an athletes personal growth — developing their skills, coming together as a team, supporting one another, and acquiring self confidence is why I continue to coach. I am very thankful and grateful for the opportunity to coach for Gators! In all my years of research and experience of the sport, my belief is when you have a positive mindset, you are able to see more opportunities for growth and improvement. I believe coaching is not just about “investing” in others — it’s about investing in oneself as well. I feel that when I grow, I can better help others grow. I like to think that we all learn from each other. My philosophy is to provide a positive volleyball experience in helping athletes have the opportunity to unlock and achieve their full potential through the sport — thereby using volleyball as a “holistic” means of individual development. The goal is to empower and inspire my players to perform at their BEST and to have FUN in doing so!Trainings/Certifications: IMPACT, SafeSport, CAP I
Jim Ray
As a coach I believe in the importance of performing the small things well. For example, I focus a lot of energy on honing mechanics before adding complex strategies and tactics. By providing positive feedback and infusing fun in practices, I hope to develop a culture in which our athletes acquire a lifetime passion for volleyball. My aim is to build confidence in an athlete so they have a positive experience, while learning, growing and playing a great team sport like volleyball. I first started playing volleyball as an adult and was urged to coach by a good friend who I refer to as my mentor. For 30 years, I’ve coached high school, club, and collegiate volleyball, as well as being a clinician at numerous camps and clinics. I look forward to the opportunity to work with Gators Volleyball coaches and athletes this year!
Trainings/Certifications: IMPACT, SafeSport, CAP I
U17 to U18 Teams
Bio Coming Soon
Dave MacGregor
Volleyball to me is one of the truest team sports, and that is one thing that I love about the game. I was first introduced to volleyball when my daughter started playing in 5th grade. She and I both fell in love with the sport, and ever since then I have played and coached volleyball. I have coached over 10 years along with playing in several leagues. During that time I have coached nearly all age groups and levels up to and including Open. During that time my teams have placed 2nd in New England at U14 and 3rd in New England at U16. The biggest achievement for me is watching the girls fall in love with the sport and seeing what is possible and then doing it. Volleyball is a great confidence builder, and I believe it helps the girls develop tools that they will use for the rest of their lives. I'm excited to the to work with Gators coaches and athletes this year!
Trainings/Certifications: IMPACT, SafeSport, CAP I
