choo-choo city volleyball

junior olympic volleyball chattanooga tennessee

CHOO CHOO CITY VOLLEYBALL COACHING STAFF

Email Carson

Casron Anderson
I started playing volleyball at the end of 9^th grade as an unofficial player on my school’s club team when I lived in Colorado .  The varsity coach was willing to take me on and help me to learn the skills so that I could try-out the next year.  At the end of 9^th grade my family moved to Tennessee where I attended Baylor School the next three years.  There I played one year on JV (and swung up to Varsity after the JV season ended) and two years on Varsity.  I went to the State Tournament three times and played in it twice.  I played club ball for two years on the 18’s team for Paul Brock.  I developed most as a player with him as my coach.  My second, and final, year of club ball my team qualified for the national tournament held during the summer (we were the first Chattanooga team to do so).

I am predominantly a middle blocker but have also played right side.  I love to set, even though being a middle I don’t get to.

I am currently a middle blocker at the University of Montevallo (Division II) where I finished out my freshman year with over 200 kills and was once the “Defensive Player of the Week” in the conference.

I absolutely love volleyball.  I would play it all day and night if I could.  I also love to further the sport.  Coaching players, whether on a team or at an individual camp, is something I am always willing to do.  I think that furthering the level a sport is played at and the skill of those that play it is one of the best things you can do for a sport you love.  There’s no other place I would rather be than on a volleyball court.

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Morgan Anderson
I started playing volleyball seriously my freshman year in high school in Aurora, Colorado. My family had just moved there, and although I had played soccer my whole life, my mother encouraged...made me tryout for the volleyball team to help me get to know people. I fought her the whole way, but I'm glad she made me! Volleyball is truly my favorite sport. I played on the varsity team from 10th to 12th grade. I started as middle blocker for three years and as a right side as well as setter my senior year. I was ranked as one of the top middle blockers in the state, and went with my team to three state tournaments for the 5A schools. I was able to convince my two younger sisters to play volleyball and they have both played for Coach Brock and have loved their experiences! Volleyball is not only a sport, it is a passion. I was fortunate enough to be offered a head coaching position for a middle school team my senior year of high school. I am a firm believer in the players inspiring and teaching me more than I could possibly teach them. Nothing is better than seeing the girls accomplish the goals they have set out to achieve! I am a student at Brigham Young University, but I am currently recovering from shoulder surgery (yes, a volleyball injury). While attending school, I participate in a volleyball league as well as intramurals. I am very excited to be
coaching!

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Email Bryan

Bryan Bramlett
My love for volleyball started in 1988 on the beach of Marco Island in Naples, FL and the end is nowhere in si ght.  I have had great times, met many friends, and learned a lot from playing and coaching volleyball. 

My volleyball career has taken me to every state in the south.  I have played outdoors on the AVP Next series, Coors Light, and Bud Light tournament trails.  I have played indoors in the USA volleyball adult program for over 15 years and participated in 3 different US Open Championships.

My coaching started with helping local high school teams.  From there I was offered the opportunity to work with the Lee University coaches and then given the opportunity to be the head coach for their junior varsity program.  I have also been the 17s head coach for Ocoee Heat, and now I am looking forward to my role with the Choo Choo City volleyball program.  My expectation for myself as a coach and the players on my team is 100% effort at all times.

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Email Paul

Paul Brock
I have been coaching high school volleyball since 1983. Because of TSSAA rules I wasn’t a head coach until 1994 at GPS. While at GPS, the Bruiser Volleyball team has competed in the state tournament 12 out of the 13 years. We won the state Championship in 2007 and 2000 and runner-up in 03 and 05. I have helped coach at South Young, Seymour, Notre Dame, CCS, Red Bank, East Ridge, Ooltewah, Soddy-Daisy, NW Whitfield, Ridgeland, Cookeville, Bradley, Lee University, and at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

I first coached Club for Chattanooga Volleyball Club (CVC), then with Scenic City VBC.  I was the first club director for Dig To Win in Chattanooga.  I coached the 18’s for 6 years and 14’s for 1.  Our 18’s reached the Nationals in 2006 (first team for Chattanooga to do so). This team also had 4 tournament championships and had a top 9 finish in 1 National Qualifier and another top 25 finish in another.  Finishing the year ranked in the top 40 in the country.  I have been CAP II certified since 2001.
 
In Real Life...
Nancy Brock is my wife and assistant coach on HS and club VB teams. I love being a Dad to Conleigh Mason, and being a Dad to the girls I coach.   I enjoy Bluegrass music, playing volleyball, and spending time with all our friends.  I also work at Tennessee Valley Authority and Operate Paytech EPS selling credit card merchants to stores and business that take credit cards.   As busy as my life may seem, I will always have time for Volleyball.

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Email Diana

Diana Brock
I was a hitter for UTC in the late 70's.  After graduation I coached one year at Covenant College. Since then I have been the assistant coach at EAST RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL for 17 years and head coach at the middle school for 22 years.
 
Catherine Neely at East Ridge High School taught me the game as a player and has been my mentor ever since.  I never thought as player that my coach would become a dear friend.   She has been a tremendous influence in my life and in the sport.
 
Some of my past accomplishments include Covenant College winning the conference and I was name Coach of the Year.  East Ridge High School has won two state championships.  I'm most proud to send middle school students to the high school who are ready to compete at the next level and the relationships formed with my players.
 
When coaching, and teaching, my main goals are to teach the importance of dedication and work ethic.
 
In real life, I have a husband and five kids, two grandchildren, three dogs and two grand dogs, which make life interesting to say the least.  I have taught middle school or mental school, as I call it, for 27 years.

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Email Jake

Jake Dickey
This will be Coach Jake Dickey's first year coaching with Choo-Choo City.  He is currently the Head coach of the Southeast Whitfield Lady Raiders.  This will be his third year of head coaching varsity volleyball.  His overall record is 53-35. 

Coach Dickey began his volleyball career in San Diego, CA, where he played varsity volleyball at El Cajon Valley High School. He also played 3 years of varsity basketball, 1 year of varsity football, 1 year of varsity baseball, 1 year of varsity cross country and 1 year of varsity track. Coach Dickey played college basketball at Okaloosa-Walton College. He won 3 intramural championships in volleyball, one at North Georgia College and two at Faulkner University.

In addition to his volleyball duties at Southeast High School, Coach Dickey teaches math. He is married to Lisa Dickey and has three wonderful children Caleb (4) and Taylor (3) and Taryn (newborn). 
 

2004: Apalachee High School
(School’s 1st winning season)
27-16   Area Runner-up    8th in the state

2006: Southeast Whitfield High School
(School’s 1st winning season)
26-19  Area Runner-up  Sweet Sixteen

Coach of the Year Awards:
2004 Area 8AAA
2006 Area 7AAAA

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Email Trish

Trish Flowers
I was born and raised in Hamilton, Ohio and graduated from Fairfield High School in 1997. During my high school career, I lettered in three sports - volleyball, basketball, and track. I came to Tennessee on a basketball scholarship to Lee University where I majored in English Education and received my Masters Degree in Education.

I have lived in Tennessee for almost 10 years and have coached for five.  I have coached middle school volleyball at Hamilton Christian School and Cleveland Middle School where my team went undefeated and claimed the TVAC Championship in 2005.  I have coached track at Hamilton Christian School as well and assisted the Cleveland High School volleyball coach for two years before taking on the head coaching job which I have had for the past two years.

I have been married for 6 years and have two children.

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Email Geri

Geri Gearrin
Reason I'm coaching: I started playing VB when I was 14 at Bartlett High School in Anchorage, Alaska. A friend that played, asked me to go with her to try outs and since I had nothing to do..I went. 5 foot nothing..and never having touched a VB, I was not a coaches dream, but God is good and he put coaches in my life that told me I had alot to contribute to a team sport. That leadership, heart, determination and intelligence could contribute to getting that scholarship as much as an athletic build. It turned out they were right in my case. I went to Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, North Carolina and played NAIA volleyball/basketball and softball for 4 years on scholarship and graduated with my BA. I feel a responsibility to those that encouraged and guided me and built my confidence back in the day to now give that back to as many girls as will listen.

Coaching experience: I have coached youth, boys and girls for 26 years through the YMCA, Dixie Youth, AAU, Dig to Win VB Club and now Choo Choo City VB Club. I have coached 7th grade and J.V. High School volleyball at Girls Preparatory School since 2001 and have had the pleasure of seeing the fruits of hard work by way of State runners up titles in 2003 and 2005 and then a GPS State Championship in 2007.

My OTHER life: I'm a Quality Assurance Reviewer for the State of Tennessee Dept. of Human Services by trade.  I have been blessed to raise two grown children that I couldn't possibly be more proud of.. Cayce Gearrin , my 18 year old daughter assists me coaching my 14's Choo Choo City club team. She is a TSSAA refaree and you may see her on the stand this spring and fall. Cayce is a full-time student at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She is an amazing dancer/choreographer and is dancing with Contrapasso, a local dance company. I also have a 21 year old son, Cory Gearrin that was in his Junior year at Mercer University studying Political Science and History until June 2007 when he was drafted in the 4th round by the Atlanta Braves to pitch. He's a side arm guy and is looking forward to his first Spring Training in Orlando this March.

Coaching Motto: "Your team is only as good as the last one off the bench"

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Email Kate

Kate Harwood
Hey everyone......I'm Kate Harwood!  I am currently going into my 9th year in coaching club volleyball in Chattanooga, with 5 of those years being a head coach. Along with coaching club ball, I coached at Soddy Daisy High School for 7years. I started playing volleyball around age 11. As I got older, Paul Brock took me under his wings and worked with me in my high school years. (Yes, boys and girls, he's that old!) Paul along with my parents encouraged me to continue to play in college. Of course I loved the idea of playing in college, so I went for it. I played 4 years at Cumberland University in Lebanon, TN. I loved every moment of it. After playing in college someone approached me about coaching. Never really thought about it before. I started coaching my first year out of college, and am enjoying myself to this day.

I love coaching Junior Olympic Volleyball, I love the girls that I get to know every year. Aside from watching the beautiful flow that our sport has, I love seeing the girls learn and reach their goals. My most memorable moment so far as a coach, is when I decided to start three five foot nothing girls on my High School team as freshmen. We worked together for four tough years. I told them and their parents that if they continue to work hard, then by their Senior year good things would happen. They exceeded my expectations. I expected these girls to have winning records by their Senior year and make it to Regions. They went from a devastating freshman year, to a better season each year, to winning not only Districts their Senior year, but winning Regions. The wins and titles were great, but the absolute greatest part was seeing these girls, listen, learn, and become talented volleyball players and great young ladies.

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Email Lorrie

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Email Sarah

Sarah Lail
I have been coaching club volleyball for the past 6 years following the end of my collegiate volleyball career.  I have played competitive volleyball since 1990.  I played club volleyball for Lake County Elite and Shoreline VBC out of Lake Forrest, Illinois.  Upon graduation from high school I played for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.  I have played numerous positions and concentrated mostly as a defensive specialist.

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Emily Lawson
I was introduced at volleyball in 3rd grade when I began going to watch my older sister play in middle school.  I, myself, began playing in 6th grade and joined club ball by 8th grade.  I knew then that volleyball was a sport I wanted to pursue even to the college level.  I played for Red Bank High School and started varsity my freshman year as a setter/outside hitter.  My sophomore year I was asked to play up for the 18's club team under Paul Brock.  I played for him through my senior year in high school.  From freshman to senior year I went from playing setter to hitting outside to right side hitter and defensive specialist. Also by the end of my senior year I was the only team sport player in Red Bank's history to be named to the first team all-state three consecutive years.  In club ball my senior year, we managed to push our way all the way to Nationals (the first team from Chattanooga ever to do so).  I also had signed to play for Berry College as a right side/outside/defensive specialist.  I ended up tearing my groin at Berry and decided to end my playing career, but my love for the game is still going strong.  I'm back here at UTC and looking forward to helping coach under some of the best coaches I ever had the pleasure of playing for.  Choo Choo City VBC is such a great experience and places so many great people in the lives of all involved; I just can't wait to be a part of that!

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Email Jessica

Jessica Menzer
Hey Everyone! I have played volleyball for eight years and coached for one. I graduated from Ooltewah High School in 2005. I currently attend UTC, where I played volleyball for two years. My major is Business: General Management and will be graduating in 2009. Volleyball has always been my passion sport since the 7th grade! In high school, I was the starting setter for the Lady Owls, and was a defensive specialist at UTC. My favorite thing about club volleyball is the people you meet and the friendships that are developed.

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Email Daniel

Daniel Millsaps
My first experience with volleyball came when my sister, 16 YEARS OLDER!!!, played in high school and college.  Being the baby of the family, she had to take me with her basically everywhere she went.  This included volleyball practices.  I became addicted from the very first practice.  A few years later, I found myself playing on a Y Co-ed team w/ my sister and others.  As many, many, MANY of us can testify, Paul Brock entered.   I continued to play and improve my skills by watching and playing with others that were at a higher level of play.  
 
My first coaching gig was a junior team many moons ago.  I then moved to coach with the 2005 Coach of the Year, Paul Brock at GPS.  I really learned a style of coaching from Paul’s leadership.  Since that time I have coached at Hixson, Dig 2 Win and now very excited about once again aligning myself with Paul and the other coaches.
 
One of my favorite things about volleyball is that there’s constant movement.  As with the majority of everyone, I enjoy the thrill / feel of the KILL!!  However, NOTHING beats the feel of the STUFF / ROOF!!
 
Outside of volleyball I am quite active.  I play competitive, men’s softball, hike, racquetball and enjoy spending time with friends and family.    Professionally I am the HR Director at Steve A McKenzie Companies in Cleveland, TN.    I am one of those crazy folks that REALLY enjoy their job!!!  Just ask me!!  

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Email Catherine

Catherine Neely
I have coached high school volleyball at East Ridge High School for 45 years.  I am lucky to have seen most of the major changes made to volleyball because of my many years associated with the sport.

East Ridge has won 2 State Championships, 2 Runner Ups, and several district, regional, and sectional championships.  East Ridge has recorded 1267 wins during my tenure.

I attended Hixon High School and the University of Chattanooga.  I played both volleyball and basketball at both institutions.  Volleyball has been a true love during my playing and coaching days.

Many of my players have gone on the coach and teach.  My most prized student is my assistant of 18 years – Diana Brock.  I treasure the fact that she has been with me through these years and has helped the tradition at East Ridge grow.  She coaches the middle school team and has them ready for high school volleyball.  I can never thank her enough.

I am married to William and have one son – Allen, and two grandsons – Tyler and Travis.  My mom is still living and she also enjoys sports.

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Aaron Paris
I have been involved with volleyball since the summer between my junior and senior year in high school (1988-1989).  I've loved the sport since then.  I have played in various leagues over the years and in one USAV national tourney.

Last year was my first coaching and I had a blast. I have been a ref for seven years, so it was nice to be on the other side for a change. I'm looking forward to working with the girls again to make them the best they can be on the court and in life.

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Email Michael

Michael Pittman
I was first introduced to volleyball as a freshman at Tennessee Tech University in the sand courts scattered around Cookeville.  The next year, the Cleveland YMCA was my first experience at indoor volleyball.  Now, 15 years later I still play and enjoy the game as much as I ever have.  I was fortunate in my early years to have people within the volleyball community take me under their wing so to speak and teach me the game.  I owe my knowledge of the game now to those people who had the patience to allow someone with mild athletic ability to get on the court and develop the skills required to play at a competitive level.

I play indoor and outdoor on any surface, hard court, sand, or grass and enjoy them all in their own respect.  My travels with this sport have taken me to Florida, Texas, Indiana, North Carolina, and everywhere in between.  I have been a member of USA volleyball for several years, playing in 2 Adult and coaching in 1 Junior National Championship.  I began coaching club 2 years ago and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.  I enjoy getting to know the players, parents, and coaches, and take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about volleyball and life from them all. 

Team sports have been a part of my life since an early age, and outside of my parents, all my childhood role models were basketball and baseball coaches.  I spent many years being a part of small “families” made up of parents, players, and coaches just as we do with club volleyball and those experiences played a large part in shaping who I am today.  I firmly believe that the lessons learned from athletics and team sports lead to success in life both personally and professionally.  I am thankful to have the opportunity to give back some of the same lessons others taught me.

 In life outside of volleyball, I am an engineer by trade and currently work as Operations Manager for Johnson Controls in Athens, TN.  My immediate family consists of my parents, one sister, brother-in-law, niece, nephew, and last but not least my yellow lab, Canyon.  Hobbies include boating, fishing, and hunting.  About the only thing that does interrupt volleyball for me is a few cherished days spent with my Dad and friends in a duck blind during the winter.

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Email Jennifer

Jennifer Summers
Volleyball has been my passion since I  became involved playing as a freshman at Ridgeland High School.  There I lettered varsity four years and started my last two years.  I also played club ball for Scenic City and Dig to Win.  At Dig to Win I played for Paul Brock and learned more from him then I could have ever dreamed of learning. I went on to play four years at LaGrange College where I  played a variety of different positions.  I played left front, middle front and right front.  Once I was finished with college I got a teaching job in Walker County.  I also got the opportunity to be an assistant coach at my old high school.  Now I am the head coach at Ridgeland and have been for the past three years.   We have made it to the state for the past two years.  I decided to coach Junior Olympic Volleyball and fell in love with it and the girls on day one.  

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Darrell Taylor
Whitwell High School – August 2004-June 2005
Head Volleyball Coach/Assistant Softball/Faculty

Chattanooga State Technical Community College – May 2003-August 2004
Head Women’s Club Volleyball Coach/Adjunct Faculty

Tennessee Wesleyan College - August 2001-August 2002
Head Women’s Volleyball Coach

Covenant College - August 2000-August 2001
Assistant Women’s Volleyball Coach

Life University  – 1996-1998
Head Women’s Club Volleyball Coach

Covenant College – 1992-1995
Head Women’s Volleyball Coach

USA Volleyball
Founder, Director and Head Coach - Performance Volleyball Club - 2000-2004
Head Coach – North Atlanta Volleyball USAV Club 15 Development  - 1999-2000
Head Coach – Scenic Cities Volleyball USAV Club 16-17 Power – 1997-1999
Head Coach – Scenic Cities Volleyball USAV Club 15-18 Development – 1992-1996
Earned National Official Certification – USA Volleyball - 1992
Earned National Official Certification – National Association for Girls and
Women in Sports - 1991
Head Coach – Chattanooga Junior Volleyball USAV Club 17-18 Power – 1990-1992
Founder and Director of Chattanooga Junior Volleyball Club – 1990
Assistant Coach – Chattanooga Volleyball USAV Club
Player - USA Volleyball Association

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Email Aaron

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