I have been playing volleyball for 12 years—I started at the age of 15! I got my start at The Diff, so when I began coaching at Arete two years ago, it felt full circle for me. After the college and professional opportunities I had, I decided I wanted to coach. I’ve been coaching for 4 years, now going into my 5th. I first started as Head Coach of JV and Assistant to the Head Coach at my old high school, Eagle Ridge Academy, for a few years. Then I became the 16s Assistant Coach at Arete and continued assisting 16s through its transition into FCA One. In between club seasons, I’ve been the Head Coach at Stargate, and I’m now going into my second year there.

When I am not coaching volleyball (which is rare—but I love it that way), I enjoy reading books. I am a HUGE Disney Adult (literally and metaphorically), so I love watching Disney movies with my amazing 2-year-old when we aren’t on a Disney vacation! I also love to cook, go on walks, and spend time with my family whenever I can. My wonderful husband, Aaron, and I have been married for 4 years, and we have a lovely daughter, Thalia. We also recently rescued a shepherd, whom my daughter named Poppy. Throughout life, I’ve always said I’m a student of life; I am a CVT in the veterinary surgical medical field, I have degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice, and I even went to culinary school.

Through it all, coaching has remained. In just a few short years, I’ve built incredible bonds with my athletes, and that alone holds great value to me. I love that I share a mutual passion for this sport with them, but I also love being able to guide these girls in becoming good people and sharing their gifts—volleyball and beyond—with the world. Volleyball has been such a big part of my life, shaping me into the person I am today. I’ve learned valuable lessons, some easy and others difficult, but always with the help of incredible people (both Christian and non-Christian) who guided me through. If I can be even a small part of that for my teams, I’ll feel I’ve made a difference.

I know that’s the heart of every coach at FCA. We all have our own styles, but at the end of the day, we’ve all trained ugly, and we want the girls to do the same. More importantly, we want them to know their value and be guided in life as people. The Diff has been a really special place to so many athletes, including myself, and I’d be crazy not to want to give back. The fact that I get to lead through faith is the biggest blessing. I even have Colossians 3:23 tattooed on my forearm as a constant reminder.