Coaches

CHOO CHOO CITY VOLLEYBALL COACHING STAFF


HEAD COACHES
Paul Brock 181	Brian Fahey 153	Johnny Miller 141
Dan Basler 152	Geri Gearrin 142	Daniel Millsaps 182
Bryan Bramlett 161	Mary Hughes 121	Amber Nolan 162
Scott Brown 131	Kari Krouse 172	Aaron Paris 163
Jake Dickey 151	Sarah Lail	Michael Pittman 171

ASSISTANT COACHES
Johnny Akins	Kate Harwood	Lara Newberry
Carson Anderson	Gary Hassell	Judy Pruett
Diana Brock	Mike Hawkins	Howard "Buzz" Ricks
Nancy Brock	Jessica Hulgan	Sarah Smith
Robert Catlett	Christy Johnson	Dennis Spears
Cassie Conner	Lorri Johnson	Jennifer Summers
Jamie Engel	Donna Kuberg	Leah Swanson
Kirsten Fox	Emily Lawson	Stephanie Todd
Tricia Goodwin	Steph Maner	Trevor Tomas
Kelly Grant	Jessica Menzer	Dr. Aaron Truong
Beverly Grubbs	Catherine Neely	Keith Weller
Cambrie Gustafson	Laura Nethery	Katie White

STAFF
Elliott Peigen - Club Administrator


		Carson 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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	Dan Basler Dan has been involved with volleyball for 21 years. Dan played both high school and college volleyball in Illinois. While a setter at Trinity International University his team won 2 Chicago Collegiate Volleyball Association Championships. He has coached collegiate volleyball as an assistant for 2 years at Covenant College and is currently in his 3rd season coaching at Notre Dame High School. Dan and his wife Carlene have 2 future volleyball players, Elias (age 9) and Finnlea (age 7). Dan teaches physical education at Rivermont Elementary.
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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 Paul has been coaching for 25 years. He has an impressive record with his high school coaching career of 628-190, Tennessee coach of the Year 1998, 2000, 2003, 2007. His High School Team has been Nationally Ranked and he was Southern Coach of the year 2007 and 2008. He played volleyball while at University of Tennessee at Knoxville and continue to play after graduation. I have played USA volleyball since 1987 and have played in 8 US Open’s. My Team has finished 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 12th in the US Open. He was a 1st Team USA All-American and continue to play in USA Volleyball today. He has been coaching high school volleyball since 1983. Because of TSSAA rules he wasn’t a head coach until 1994 at GPS. While at GPS, the Bruiser Volleyball team has competed in the state tournament 13 out of the 14 years. They have won the state Championship in 2008, 2007 and 2000 and runner-up in 03 and 05. He has 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 . Paul first coached Club volleyball for Chattanooga Volleyball Club (CVC), then with Scenic City VBC. He was the first club director for Dig To Win in Chattanooga . He has coached the 18’s for 8 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. He has been CAP II certified since 2001 and is Impact certified as well. 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(4 ½ years old) and Miller Gravitt(6 months), 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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		Nancy Brock I played Softball, Basketball, and golf in high school at Rhea County. I was introduced to volleyball while dating my husband. The love for volleyball grew. I have been coaching since 1999 running the 6th grade volleyball team at GPS and assisting my husband with the high school. It has been fun developing the younger players to step to the next level. I love showing a kind and positive side to coaching for the kids. I have slowed down coaching a little with the birth of our daughter Conleigh. During the day I'm a Nurse Manager at Memorial day surgery, a mom, wife, and a coach.
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		Scott Brown I started playing volleyball on a Volleyball Atlanta club team in high school. I got the pleasure of playing in the 2007 Jr. Nationals in Denver, where our team finished in the top twenty. During my indoor career I've played both the outside and opposite hitter positions, but most of the time I've been a setter. After one season of coaching for Volleyball Atlanta, I moved to Charlotte, NC, where I began coaching for the Carolina Jr's volleyball club. During my three seasons there, the teams I coached won their region once and placed runner-up twice. We placed 8th at the National qualifier in Baltimore, won the bronze division at the Tampa qualifier and won the silver division at the Peachtree Classic. Beyond volleyball, I work as a software engineer for Winn Dixie Stores. I also like to dabble in building furniture in my wood shop.
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		Robert Catlett I have played volleyball for 20 years. The last 18 of that I have coached, in between getting married and having 2 beautiful girls, all ages of players. Volleyball has taken me to many places like Florida, North Carolina, Alabama and most exciting playing in 2 U.S.Opens in Boston and Arizona. If it is the game of volleyball it doesn't matter to me if it is 2,3,4 or 6 man or co-ed I am ready to play. I am currently the assistant coach of Loftis middle school and Hixson high school. This is my 3rd year coaching at Choo Choo. I love the game and I take any opportunity I can to be involved with the sport.
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		Cassie Conner Born and raised in Willow Springs, Illinois (suburb of Chicago). I started playing volleyball very young and came from a successful high school team and also played club volleyball for Sports Performance. I played my first two years of college at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana then transferred to UTC where I am currently a senior and finishing up my last season. I have three older sisters and my sister Caitlin also played college volleyball at LaSalle University. I love playing and being around volleyball and look forward to coaching with Choo Choo this season!
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		Brian Fahey Played for University of Florida Men's Volleyball Club 1990-1996 Student Assistant for UF Lady Gators Volleyball 1992-1994 Volunteer/Grad Assistant UF Lady Gators Volleyball 1995-96 Assistant Coach Georgia State Univ. Lady Panthers Volleyball 1996-97 Volleyball Demonstrator Coca-Cola Olympic City 1996 Head Volleyball Coach Brainerd HS 2006-2009 Dig To Win 162 Head coach 2007-08 Dig To Win 161 Head Coach 2008-09
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Email Jake		Jake Dickey This will be Coach Jake Dickey's second year with Choo-Choo City. He is currently the Head coach of the Southeast Whitfield Lady Raiders. This will be his fifth year of head coaching varsity volleyball. His overall record is 132-86. 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 (7) and Taylor (5) and Taryn (2).
		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 2009: Souteast Whitfield High School Sweet Sixteen	Coach of the Year Awards: 2004 Area 8AAA 2006 Area 7AAAA
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	Jamie Engel My name is Jamie Engel and this will be my first year as a coach. I was introduced to the sport of volleyball in the 5th grade by my Mom (Kathy) back home in Troy, Illinois. Although we did not have a team that we could play on at school, we rented a gym twice a week, played scrimmages, and learned the sport from my Mom and coaches that she would bring to our practices. It was great fun. When I became a 7th grader, I tried out and made our school team. Since then I have played volleyball from Middle School, High School (Triad HS, Troy, Ill) and all the way through college to playing for the UTC Mocs. I also liked doing other sports throughout my high school years but volleyball was and always will be my true passion. In high school back home, I was All-Conference in volleyball, basketball, and track and was also named to the Illinois All State volleyball team my Senior year. I also played Club Volleyball for Southwest Illinois VBC. We had a great club team and many of my teammates went on to play in college. We won many tournaments and played in the Nationals too. At UTC, I played Outside Hitter. My last year playing for the Mocs was in 2007 where as a team, we led the NCAA in digs. I've always wanted to give back to the sport for what it has done for me and I'm looking forward to helping coach in the Choo Choo City VBC.


		Kirsten Fox Hey! I’m a 21 year old full-time student at UTC pursuing my degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. I played volleyball competitively in middle school, high school at Notre Dame, Junior Olympic Club Ball, and in college I have participated in intramurals. In Fall 2008, I coached a local middle school volleyball team. I am excited to be a part of Choo Choo volleyball this year, working with the 16-1’s. I have a older sister and a younger brother.
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		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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		Tricia Goodwin When told that I had to write a bio about myself, I was stumped. How do I put everything that I have done and experienced from volleyball over the past 25 years (I had to get a calculator out to figure out how long it has been) in just a few short lines? So here goes. After high school, I received a scholarship to play volleyball at Northwood University in Michigan. During my four years there, our team finished each season ranked in the top ten nationally and competed in four National Championship Tournaments. This experience took me all around the country to play, from Michigan to Hawaii. After college and my playing days concluded, my love of the game took me into coaching. I have coached high school teams, several club teams, and am currently the head coach at Northwestern Technical College in Rock Spring, GA. I love this game, I love teaching and I love my two little boys (not necessarily in that order and this means that I will be talking to Paul about a boys team in about 5 years.) Thanks for reading and I hope to see you on the court for years to come.
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		Kelly "Bubba" Grant I played Football, basketball, baseball in high school and continue to play softball in the Chattanooga city leagues. I was introduced to a higher level of volleyball by my brother-in-law. My daughter (Jordan) has played at GPS for 2 years and played club in 2005. The love of my daughter and sports has talked me into helping coach. I love to pump the kids up in a positive way. During the day I own and run Grant's Painting, my wife Lisa, son Jarrod, and daughter Jordan live in Soddy-Daisy.
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		Beverly Grubbs I grew up in the Chattanooga area. I began playing volleyball in junior high. I played high school volleyball for Catherine Neely at East Ridge High. In addition to volleyball, I also played softball, basketball, and ran track. After high school I went on to play 3 years of volleyball for the University of Tennessee under Bob Bertucci. After college I played some recreational leagues and USVBA until my children came along. Now that my daughter has discovered the love of volleyball I am once again in the gym.
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		Cambrie Gustafson First off, I am 20 years old, and I am a junior at UTC working toward a bachelors degree in business marketing. When I'm not in school or playing volleyball, I work part time as a pharmacy technician at Rite Aid. In regards to volleyball, I have been playing since the sixth grade at East Ridge. My mother played in Brazil and taught me how to set when I was about eleven. I continued on to play all four years at East Ridge High School. I had the privilege of being coached by Catherine Neely and Diana Brock, and also am proud to say that we won the state championship my junior year. God blessed me with very talented coaches and such a fun and amazing volleyball experience in my high school years. At the present time, I am playing for Northwestern Tech, and I am thrilled to be back into competitive volleyball. Furthermore, I am absolutely delighted to be able to coach for my first time with Choo Choo City, and to have the opportunity to share some of the knowledge that I have acquired from my amazing coaches and my unpretentious eight years of experience. I solely give God the glory for allowing me to be able to enjoy this sport that I love so much, and for enabling me to contribute to the girls, coaches, and parents of our 14-white team.
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		Gary Hassell
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		Mike Hawkins
		Volleyball has been very much a part of my life for over 25 years. I first started playing in co-ed leagues back in 1984. The love for volleyball kept growing, and I started playing USA Volleyball in 1987 with Paul Brock, Joe Harmon, and Nick Morken. I have played in countless USA Volleyball tournaments over the years. I also played in many two and three-man beach volleyball tournaments in Destin, Florida. A torn rotator cuff injury left me unable to play competitively, but the love for volleyball continued. I decided to take a different direction with volleyball and became a certified TSSAA Volleyball Official. I have officiated at the middle school, high school, and college levels. One of my biggest honors was being selected to officiate in the TSSAA State Volleyball Championships in Murfreesboro, Tennessee for two straight years. I had the double honor of being selected to officiate the championship matches during these tournaments. I was also selected to a third TSSAA State Championship Tournament as official scorekeeper. Talk about pressure!!!! I also decided to start coaching volleyball with Dig to Win Volleyball Club back in the early 90's. My wife and I coached 14's, and then later I started coaching 17's and 18's. I have been with Choo Choo City Volleyball since the beginning, and have coached 18's with Paul Brock. Volleyball even introduced me to my wife, Rhonda. We met while she was playing volleyball for UTC during the late 80's. We will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary in June, 2010! We have a handsome, 10 year old son named Michael. He keeps me busy with coaching his baseball and basketball teams. My favorite sound in the world is hearing my son laugh...it's great to be a dad!
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		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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		Mary Hughes I grew up in Chattanooga and played volleyball, softball and basketball at Tyner High School. We actually had some success in volleyball in the mid-eighties and I was named to the All-City, All-District, All-Region teams and was the first Tyner volleyball player to be named to the All-State team. I earned a scholarship to play volleyball for the University of TN at Chattanooga and played all four years. During my play at UTC we won the Southern Conference Championship (1987); I was captain of the team my senior year; my senior year I was named First Team All Conference and I am still listed as holding single season records, individual match records and career records for UTC. While finishing up my degree (it took me 4 and a half years to graduate) I was the student assistant coach for the volleyball team. After graduation, I played anywhere and everywhere I could (open net nights at Baylor, the YMCA, the sand court at Cameron Hill, at the dam and Camp Jordan, etc.). I loved playing volleyball (I still love to play, but my knees scream at me when I do)! I played up until I became pregnant with my daughter Gabby and I took a few years off from volleyball while working and raising Gabby and my son Wyatt. For the last four years I have coached Boyd Buchanan's junior varsity high school volleyball team. I stress fundamentals and have been proud that most of the junior varsity girls go on to contribute to the high school varsity team. Last year Boyd's varsity volleyball team won the district and region and went on to compete in the TN state volleyball tournament. We hope to repeat it again this year. I have been an assistant coach at Dig to Win for 2 years. All of this to say that I've played lots of volleyball with some success, I've coached volleyball also with some success and I'd love the opportunity to coach your daughter at Choo Choo this year. My family, business and coaching keeps me busy. My ten year old daughter Gabby enjoyed playing club volleyball last year and is looking forward to it again this year. She also plays lots of soccer and school intramural basketball. My eight year old son Wyatt is a big baseball player and football player but loves to irritate his sister by consistently serving the volleyball in the court during the JV practices. My husband Hunter and I are Great Clips franchisees and own 9 area salons.
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		Jessica Hulgan This will be my third year helping coach for Choo Choo City VBall Club. In school I played volleyball from 7th grade all the way through my senior year at GPS. During this time I also put in 4 years of play for the local club team Dig 2 Win. Since then I have also assisted some with coaching one of GPS's middle school teams. I recently graduated from UTC with a major in Anthropology and a minor in Sociology. I now have my dream job, working as a keeper at the Chattanooga Zoo. I luckily get to take care of all the animals at the zoo, working in different areas throughout the week; with the chimpanzees, cougars, and parrots being my favorite.
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		Christy Johnson
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		Lorri Johnson I began coaching at South Young in 1982 after receiving a Masters degree at UTK. I have coached all levels from Elementary to College. I was Head Coach at Carson Newman from 1990-95. I then went to VanBuren County High School and began a program from scratch. Within 3 years we were District and Region Champs and in the sub-state tournament. I am in my third season at Soddy Daisy High where we hope to repeat a 30 win season this year and continue our goal of becoming one of Chattanooga's best volleyball programs.
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Email Lorrie		Kari Krouse Let me start off saying that I have a true passion for the sport of volleyball. I think it is a fantastic sport! I have been playing volleyball since the Fourth Grade. I started playing for the Fort Wayne Volleyball Club when I was in Seventh Grade. I was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship to play collegiate volleyball for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. I had a great career at UTC. I was Southern Conference Freshman of the Year and made the All-Conference each year I played. My senior year I was Honorable Mention All-American. After college, I coached one year with the Phoenix Volleyball Club out of North Georgia. I am looking extremely forward to having volleyball back into my life and helping girls build knowledge about the game.
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		Donna Kuberg I have coached at Red Bank Middle School volleyball for 7 years. This will be my third year with club volleyball. Many people contribute to my coaching style and traits. Dee Carter, Andy LaFevor, Elaine Peigen, and Kevin Hudson have influenced my coaching characteristics. They have taught me that preparation for the game both mentally and physically completes a circle of wellness for the player as well as the team, spirit and passion for competition evokes a dedication to the game and to the team, and solid fundamentals allow the girls to fully develop their skills on the court with confidence. With the middle school, I have coached softball, basketball, volleyball, and cheerleading. Each gives me a different perspective to the players and the teamwork. Therefore, the students that surround me influence my growth as a coach and as a student of the game. I teach science and coach volleyball at Red Bank Middle School. My family lives here in Chattanooga. I enjoy traveling with my family and time with my nieces and nephew.

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Email Sarah		Sarah Lail This is my 8th year coaching club volleyball and my 24rd year being involved either as a player or coach. I have had a passion for volleyball since I was introduced to it in 2nd grade. This passion and love for the game inspired me to pursue volleyball as my number one sport. I started playing competitively in 1990, when I joined Lake County Elite and Shoreline VBC out of Lake Forest, Illinois. I started playing club in 8th grade and was started on the 18-1 team as a freshman. Playing club volleyball allowed me to see the country while traveling to national qualifiers. This exposure landed me a scholarship at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. I was a four year starter and captain for the Lady Mocs. We won two conference championships and made it to the NCAA tournament twice. Upon graduation I turned from a player to a coach, however if you watch me coach you may see that the player is still alive. I started my coaching career as an assistant coach for four years at Dig To Win at the following age groups, 18-1, 16-1, 13-1, 14-1. When Choo Choo City started two years ago, I was excited to be part of a new club and ready to take on my first head coaching position. I have coached for Choo Choo for three years as the 15-1 coach and have been very proud of all the girls I have had the honor of teaching and motivating. I am also the head volleyball coach at Baylor. I enjoy the opportunity to coach both at the school and club level. Volleyball has taught me so many valuable lessons both on and off the court and coaches have inspired me throughout my years of athletics. I only hope I can pass on some knowledge and inspire the young ladies I am in contact with.

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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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		Steph Maner Hello! I am a 20 year old student at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga majoring in Elementary and Special Education. I have played volleyball for about 7 years and have been loving every minute of it! I play right side and outside hitter and also sometimes set! I have played competitively for about 3 years and now participate in intramurals. I am so excited to be a part of Choo Choo Volleyball this year and cannot wait to begin working with my 15 year olds!

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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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		Johnny Miller A 2008 graduate of Bryan College, Miller brings experience both as a student assistant coach and a summer camp clinician to the staff of the women's volleyball program. Coach Miller began his volleyball career as the team manager his freshman year at Bryan and was quickly elevated to student assistant coach after one season. Coach Miller eagerly accepted the responsibilities of being a student assistant coach and really strived to become a student of the game. "I'll never forget when Coach Sayles sat me down and told me that he could see me as a head college coach one day if I really wanted it," commented Miller. He embraced that vision and began his volleyball career by accepting the assistant coach position at Bryan in the spring of 2008. Coach Miller also heads up Bryan's Junior Varsity Squad. Last year the team posted a season best 10-1 record while only dropping three sets. "To have that kind of record my first season is unprecedented, and I am very humbled to have been part of such a great team," said Miller. The Lady Lions have had a remarkable turnaround in the last five seasons, becoming a top conference contender each of the last three seasons. Coach Miller looks forward to branching out and being a part of the coaching staff for Choo Choo City Volleyball Club this spring.

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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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		Laura Nethery I am from Chattanooga. I started playing volleyball at St. Jude in the 5th grade, then went to Notre Dame Highschool where I played volleyball for 4 years and played club ball for 3 years. I now go to UTC where I am finishing up my degree in biology, and played vollyeball there for 4 years.



		Lara Newberry I started playing volleyball in the 5th grade and I continued to play for Baylor High School. I started varsity in the 9th grade and then continued to play club for Dig to Win. I graduated high school in 2005 and I went to UTC, and I played volleyball for four years. I played Libero from my freshman year to my senior year. I plan to graduate May 2010. I am the assistant coach for Baylor and I coached club last year.
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		Amber Nolen Congratulations to Amber and Boyd Buchanan for winning state - 2009!! Amber Nolen recently moved to Chattanooga with her husband Nicholas. While in South Dakota, Amber finished a successful college volleyball carrer at Black Hills State University and stayed to assist head coach Jhett Albers with the Lady Yellow Jackets Volleyball Program. After one year of assistant coaching, Amber decided to take on a coaching job at Spearfish High School. There she coached the Freshman team and assisted with Varsity. Throughout the years, Amber has collected playing and coaching experience at the middle school, high school, club and college level. Currently, she is in her first year of coaching at Boyd Buchanan. Amber Nolen first stepped on the volleyball court in 7th grade and continued to play until she graduated from Black Hills State University. After her first season in 7th grade, Amber played both school and varsity club ball until she graduated high school. While in high school, Amber was awarded the High School Heisman Award for her scholastic and athletic achievements. She was also named Most Valuable Player her junior and senior years and made the All-Conference team. Attending Covenant College her freshman year, Amber broke the school's kills per game record, 31 kills in a single game, a record which still stands. Transferring to Black Hills State University in South Dakota, she was named team captain. While in college, Amber coached a club team for two years. After graduation, she remained as an assistant coach, working with the team that made it to the NCAA national tournament. On the recommendation of the Black Hills State University volleyball coach, Amber was hired by Spearfish High School where she was the head coach of the freshman team and was the assistant head coach for the varsity team. In order to be close to family, Amber and her husband moved to Chattanooga in early 2009. Boyd-Buchanan is excited to have Coach Nolen as a part of the staff.
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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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Elliot Peigen
I only know a hit from a dig from a set to a "two" by relationships....my wife coaches at the high school level and my youngest daughter, Libby, will be starting her fourth year as a member of CCCVBC. I am not a coach.... except from the parent sidelines. Instead, what I do, is everything to allow our coaches to only have to worry about doing one thing.....coach your daughters. I handle the business end of things, and, not surprisingly, there is a lot of business type things to handle. I have been thrilled to be a part of the success of this program from the beginning, and know we have just scratched the surface to how good we can be. The coaches we have in this program are the best, and I am honored to be just a small part of this program.

CCCVBC
PO Box 5383
Ft. Oglethorpe, GA. 30742

Fax 706-861-9058
Office 706-858-9524
Cell 423-910-9434

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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 in 2004 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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Judy Pruett
I grew up in Cleveland and played volleyball and softball at Bradley Central High School. My senior year, we were Runner-Up in the State Tournament. Honors were MVP for the District and Region Tournaments, and All-State in 1986. I went to King College on a volleyball scholarship as a setter. After graduation from King College, I started my coaching career at CCS in 1991. During my two years at CCS, we were the District and Region champions. We went to the State Tournament both years. I then returned to my alma mater, BCHS to coach volleyball and teach math. During the first two years at BCHS we were the State Champions back-to-back in 1993 and 1994. Our two year record was 97-3. I received the honors of being Coach of the Year in 1993 and 1994. BCHS also returned to the State Tournament in 1995. In 1998, I took off several years from coaching volleyball to be with my two young daughters. I started coaching at Walker Valley High School in 2006 until present. Walker Valley has had 7 players sign volleyball scholarships.

This will my first year helping coach 12’s for Choo Choo City Vball. In addition to my volleyball duties at WVHS, I teach Math IV. I am married to Paul and I have two daughters. Taylor (14) will be playing for CCCVB 15 1’s, and Madison (11) will be playing for CCCVBC 12’s.

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		Howard "Buzz" Ricks Howard ‘Buzz’ Ricks has a Bachelor of Science in Physics ‘Cum Laude’. He is currently a Nuclear Power Plant Operator (Tennessee Valley Authority SQN, 33 years plus). He is a family man (30 years plus) with two grown children, both are college graduates. Coach Ricks is a founder and member of Grace United Methodist Church. He has organized and coached softball and volleyball teams since 1993. Player ages ranged from 14 to 50 plus. He actively participate in volleyball and softball on a regular basis as a player, coach, and organizer. Coach Ricks has participated as a player in the Tennessee Senior Olympic Games for Volleyball and Softball. He is working with others to potentially organize teams for the upcoming Summer 2009 games. His goal is to eventually participate and/or coach in the National Senior Olympic games. Coach Ricks says, "Volleyball is a wonderful team sport. It is a healthy outlet that provides satisfying physical and mental activity from adolescence to ages 70 plus as a recreational sport and/or as a competitive sport. Volleyball also provides a means for social well being and opportunities to meet new and exciting people." "My expectations ‘Play hard with heart, support your team mates, and continuously improve your game."
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		Leo Sayles Leo Sayles begins his 6th season at the helm for the 2009 season. He has guided the Lions to elite status in five seasons. On November 15, 2008, he attained his 100th collegiate victory (overall record 100-79). The past three seasons he led the Lions to a 45-9 conference record and their first consecutive 20+ win seasons in the history of the program. His 2008 team was 27-9, finishing #6 in the final NCCAA national rankings, and 2nd in the AAC. The Lions were 2007 AAC and Region XII Tourney finalists, and advanced to the NCCAA National Tournament for the first time in school history (24-17, 15-3 in AAC). The 2006 team finished the regular season as the AAC #2 team with a 27-12 overall record (14-4 conference). Coach Sayles was named the Appalachian Athletic Conference Coach of the Year for his accomplishments in 2006. Coach Sayles begins his 20th season as a volleyball coach at the high school, club, or college level. In his five seasons at Bryan, he has produced 2 NCCAA All-Americans, an NAIA All-American Honorable Mention, 15 All-Region, 14 All-conference, 4 AAC All-Freshman and 19 AAC Scholar-Athletes. His teams won the AAC Champions of Character Award in 2004 and 2006, and were recognized with AVCA Academic Team Awards in 2005 and 2009. The team received a NAIA Scholar-Team Award in 2009 as well. The overall average GPA since 2004 is a 3.3. Coach Sayles' high school girls' teams were ranked in the top 20 in California, and as high as #5 in Connecticut. His boys' teams advanced to the Final Four in Connecticut as well. He has a number of high school conference championships and personal awards to his credit. During his 10 yrs. as a teacher, he received several awards, including the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth - Teacher Recognition award, the East Hartford School-Business Partnership Staff-Volunteer award, and the first East Hartford National Honor Society "Light Of Our Lives" award. He has won conference/regional championships in basketball, track, and soccer as well. Sayles is an active member of the American Volleyball Coaches Association and currently serves on the AVCA-NAIA Head Coaches Executive Committee and as the AAC Conference Volleyball Chair. He has served on Regional and State Executive Boards for FCA. His devotions have been featured on FCA's IMPACT daily email devotions, and he was featured in a 2007 article in FCA's "Sharing the Victory Magazine." Sayles is a licensed minister and teaches at a local church in Dayton. Coach Sayles resides in Dayton with his wife of 19 years, Tanya, and their five children: Benjamin, Faith, Jonathan, Nathaniel, and Anna Rose.
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		Sarah Smith I have played volleyball competitively for the past eight years of my life. I played through middle school, at Ooltewah High School, and finished my club career with Choo Choo City. I am now a full time student athlete at Lee University where I play DS/L for the Lady Flames volleyball team. My coaching experience began three years ago at Ooltewah Middle School. I assisted Elaine Peigen for two years and fell in love with coaching. Now as a part of the staff with Choo Choo City, I look forward to the season to come. I'm excited about giving back to the volleyball community in which I was raised.

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		Dennis Spears I have been involved in athletics for as long as I remember. I played Football, Baseball, and Wrestled in school. I was very fortunate to play football in the 1982 State Championship game in Nashville at Vanderbilt University. Currently, I am an official with the TSSAA where I officiate High School Football and Baseball. I have been associated with Choo Choo City Volleyball for two years. I have come to love the game of Volleyball, and the level of competition. I appreciate seeing the development of athletes and the challenges they face.
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		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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		Leah Swanson Hey I'm 19 years old and a Freshman at Dalton State College majoring in Biology. I've played volleyball for six years as a setter and defensive specialist. I played for Ringgold High School's Varsity team for 3 years where we advanced at least every year to the Sweet 16 in state. Also, I played club volleyball for 4 years for the North Georgia Volleyball Club where we finished 2nd at Regions in 17U and every year brought many tournament wins and an overall winning season. I had offers to play volleyball in college but declined them and want to remain in volleyball by helping coach.

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Stephanie Todd

I picked up volleyball when I was a freshman at Air Academy High School in Colorado Springs. I ended up loving the sport and decided to play that fall for Colorado Juniors Volleyball Club for the next two years and then my last year was with Club Stellar. I decided to continue my volleyball career out in Tennessee at Lee University where I play outside hitter and absolutely love it!

This will be my second year at Choo Choo and I'm excited to see how this season turns out! After last season I fell in love with coaching girls who want to learn more about volleyball and thrive on competition.

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Trevor Tomas
Experience:
I am originally from Honolulu, Hawaii where I played Volleyball for my school for 3 years. I also play on the mens club volleyball team at Covenant College. I was the team manager for the Women's Varsity Volleyball team for the 2008 season and have continued to volunteer with the team. I enjoy playing volleyball and love teaching others how to play.
Influences:
I have been involved in youth sports for as long as I can remember. I credit my devotion and hard work ethic in sports to my basketball coach in middle school. He drilled us relentlessly and had us doing sprints all afternoon. Despite hating the sound of his whistle, I am grateful for his help and advice. Recently, I just finished writing my senior research paper for Covenant on the topic of Youth Sports and how they affect the development of the "self". I read many books and articles on the benefits and dangers of youth sports. I credit my interest in volleyball to growing up in Hawaii and playing for my school as well as for fun with my friends.
Favorite Thing About Volleyball:
I would have to say that my favorite thing about volleyball is the team work. I just love being able to count on my teammates to do their jobs. It is so satisfying to pass a tough serve to the setter and have the setter set the perfectly placed middle set and spiking the ball straight down. Also, I love getting a solid block one on one. Volleyball is such a mental and physical game and I love playing every second.
In Real Life:
I graduated in 2009 from Covenant College with a degree in Sociology. I currently work at a Restaurant in the Art District. My mom and my younger half brother Joshua (15) live in Suffolk, VA. My Dad and my grandparents live in Haleiwa, HI. I love to be outdoors especially at the beach where I can be surfing, scuba diving, or just playing volleyball on the sand.

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		Dr. Aaron Truong I always enjoy playing sports. Of all the different sports, I always enjoy playing volleyball more. I grew up in Buffalo NY and played 4 yrs in HS and 3 yrs of HS club volleyball and we won state in my senior yr. While in college and chiropractic school, I continued to play volleyball. I continue to involve with volleyball after I moved to Chattanooga 6 yrs ago. I had the opportunity to coach one yr of volleyball with Dig to Win 16 and under and 14 and under with the Choo Choo Volleyball. This year I will be helping out Mary Hughes with the 12 and under. When I am not playing or coaching volleyball, I enjoy taking care of my patients in my Northgate Family Chiropractic clinic or spending time with my wife, Angela.

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		Keith Weller My involvement in volleyball started after 30 for me. Backyard junk ball then a fortunate meeting with some more experienced players that got me into grass and beach outdoor events. Quickly moved to indoor volleyball adult tournaments where we had to self referee matches. This lead to high school and college officiating as well as coaching juniors in the very early days of juniors VB in the Chattanooga area. I helped start the Scenic City VBC in the 90's. I also started my officiating career with USAV in the early 90's and achieved a National Scorekeeper Certification at the US Open in Memphis in 1993. In 1994 I earned my Junior National Referee certification at the Tampa Qualifier and Austin Junior Nationals and the following year I certified as a USAV National Referee on the 100th anniversary of VB at the Holyoke US Open. I continue to hold these certifications as well as a State PAVO/NCAA referee certification and I am qualified as a USA International Scorekeeper. I work for several college conferences including Southern, Atlantic Sun, OVC, and the SEC. My coaching activities have been limited since the mid 90's as my officiating and administrative activities increased but I have continued to attend coaching courses and hold a USAV CAP I certification. I also benefit greatly from officiating the best players in the USA as this is a very good way to see current techniques and strategies. I am currently the Junior's Chair for the Southern Region (SRVA) of USAV and on the SRVA board of directors. I have retired from TVA at the Sequoyah Nuclear Plant to spend even more time officiating, performing region functions, and coaching. These activities are complicated by my 12 year old daughter Megan that is a soccer (yes that other sport) fanatic but she likes VB as well.
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		Katie White

Tricia Goodwin When told that I had to write a bio about myself, I was stumped. How do I put everything that I have done and experienced from volleyball over the past 25 years (I had to get a calculator out to figure out how long it has been) in just a few short lines? So here goes.

Tricia Goodwin
When told that I had to write a bio about myself, I was stumped. How do I put everything that I have done and experienced from volleyball over the past 25 years (I had to get a calculator out to figure out how long it has been) in just a few short lines? So here goes.