Played for Onsted high school where she received All-Region and All-Conference. In college, she played for Grand Valley State University where she also received All-Conference, All-Region, and All-American. Abby has been coaching since 2012 where she began at Forest Hills Northern varsity, Grand Valley State University, and presently works at MVA and Davenport University. Her best traits as a coach are that she is passionate about others succeeding. She loves to teach the game and give explanations to athletes no matter the situation. Abby loves coaching because she believes sports teach more than just the technical skills of the sport. It teaches life lessons, teamwork, and communication that can be used later in life once entering a career path. Her favorite quote is “Good, Better, Best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better and your better is best.” Abby’s full-time job is coaching at Davenport while also being an administrative assistant. In her free time, she enjoys different restaurants/breweries around GR with friends.
Abby Aiken
MVA Recruiting Coordinator
Played for Forest Hills Northern and then advanced to play for Grand Valley State University. She began coaching in 2017 for Aim high, Forest Hills Northern as assistant varsity coach, and currently with MVA. Tori’s best traits as a coach are communication, leadership, support, fun, and trust. She loves coaching because she can train young athletes to become competitive and learn life skills on how to be successful. Tori loves volleyball because it pushes athletes to do their best, teaches teamwork, responsibility, communication, and leadership. Her full-time job is an RN at Metro Hospital and in her free time she works out, walks her dog, hangs out with friends, and renovating her first home.
Tori Armstrong
MVA Staff Coach
Sydney Arnold
MVA Staff Coach
Comes to MVA from Naperville, Illinois. She graduated from Waubonsie Valley High School and Carthage College! In her time at Carthage College, as a team captain, she helped lead her team to a Final 4 finish and was named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team. Cindy began coaching in 2010 and her resume is impressive: Foxfire Volleyball Club, Wisconsin Juniors, Carthage College, Topflight Volleyball Club, Finlandia University, and Kalamazoo College where she is entering her second season as their Head Coach. She loves developing each athlete in all areas of their person; physically, mentally, and emotionally along with technically and tactically. Cindy believes in getting to know her athletes as best as she can, so she can coach and mentor them to be the best versions of themselves to set them up for success down the road. A fun fact about Cindy is that she has a pet pig!
Cindy Cavanagh
MVA Staff Coach
Went to Schaumburg high school where he received the Saxon Award. In college, Joey played on the GVSU Men’s club team where he was captain and helped his team to GMMVC Champions. He began coaching in 2016, working with West Catholic Frosh, Northview JV, EGR Varsity assistant, and EGR JV while coaching for MVA. Joey’s favorite quote is “We rise by lifting others.” Outside of coaching, Joey is a teacher at Forest Hills Central Middle School.
Joey Cha
MVA Staff Coach
From Escondido, California where he played for Calvin Christian and moved up to Trinity Christian College. Steve has been coaching since 1999, spending 3 years at Trinity Christian College and 5 years with youth to middle school teams. His best coaching traits are patient, firm but kind, and competitive. Steve loves helping players develop strong fundamentals and see their love of the game grow. Outside of the gym, he is a seasoned HR professional that finds time to coach volleyball and basketball. Over the past ten years he has coached his son and 2 daughter’s teams. In his free time, he likes to travel.
Steve Chase
MVA Staff Coach
A Forest Hills Northern alum who was a collegiate athlete at Aquinas College. She is joining MVA for her first season of coaching. As a former athlete, Anna can relate to student-athletes both on and off the courts. She loves coaching because she wants to be a positive role model for athletes and return to the sports that have defined her life. Outside of coaching, Anna works for MSA offices, she loves to read, spend time with her puppy Winnie, and hang out with family on the lake.
Anna Curcuru
MVA Staff Coach
Had standout careers at Grandville High School and Oakland University. With her work ethic and skill, Jessica capitalized on the opportunity to play professionally in Spain for a year after receiving her bachelor’s from O.U. Jessica has shared her knowledge and experience with athletes all over: Oakland University summer camps, Legacy Volleyball Club, youth camps in Spain, and currently as the Varsity Coach at Grandville High School. Jessica’s goal in coaching is to teach her athletes to have a positive outlook on the sport and to fall in love with the game as she has. “The growth and happiness you see in players makes it more enjoyable and keeps me wanting to coach year after year and season after season for the girls.” Outside of athletics, Jessica enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends camping, playing card games, swimming, or just being together! Jessica also enjoys traveling and discovering new places all over the country.
Jessica Dood
MVA Operations Assistant
Joined MVA in 2009 after playing at Byron Center HS and Grand Rapids Community College. She has been coaching high school since 2011, was an assistant coach at GRCC, and is the current Varsity coach at West Catholic HS. Megan brings her constant communication, positive energy, and motivation to her athletes every day. For her, the best part of coaching is being able to share experiences and passion for volleyball with a new generation of athletes. Megan is a development assistant and special events coordinator at West Catholic, she has a B.S. in Social Work from GVSU, and loves to read and bake in her free time.
Megan Eversman
MVA Staff Coach
Played for Waverly high school where she received a 4-year varsity letter. She went on to play for Lansing Community College and then to GVSU Women’s club volleyball team. At GVSU, she received D3 First Team All American. Bri has coached for Ledges Volleyball Club, Hamilton High School, MVA, and Forest Hill Central Middle School. Her best skills as a coach are staying levelheaded, relating to players, being approachable and being able to modify coaching styles and drills to match players/skill levels. Bri loves coaching because she can share her passion with others and enjoys showing others how volleyball/sports can shape them in other life situations. Her favorite part about coaching is the joy and satisfaction when something finally clicks, and a player learns or perfects a skill. Bri’s favorite quote is “life is 95% what happens to you and 5% how you react.” Her favorite motivator is her dad because he is the reason why she is active in and out of sports. Bri’s full-time job is a Data Analyst for Michigan Department of Health and Human Services working on infectious disease, focusing on COVID currently. For fun, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her kitten. She attempts to go to the gym regularly and participate in volleyball leagues weekly. She recently stated to golf and will be attempting to pick up snowboarding this winter.
Bri Flowers
MVA Staff Coach
Alicia Formsma
MVA Staff Coach
Graduated from Hope College and played on their men’s volleyball team. He began his coaching career in 1995 and has accumulated experience, knowledge, and familiarity with the game of volleyball over the years. Volleyball has taken Pete all over the country and given him more opportunities than he could ever imagine. Pete met his wife and life-long friends thanks to the game! Pete looks up to his mentor, Karch, because Karch worked hard to make the most of his gifts, always showed respect, and genuinely wanted to know people as individuals! With everything volleyball and Karch have taught Pete he wants to pass on what he has learned to the next generation. Currently, Pete is a 4th grade teacher in Zeeland and loves doing home improvement projects!
Pete Goers
MVA Staff Coach
Has been with the MVA program since 2015. When playing for East Grand Rapids High School, her team made State Champions in 2013. Kelly attended Michigan State University but did not play volleyball due to injury. She coached at EGRMS in 2019 and is the coach that will go above and beyond to answer any question. Kelly takes pride in having a reason for every praise that she gives each athlete, along with every coachable moment. She loves coaching because she loves to see athletes fall in love with volleyball. Her favorite quote comes from Babe Ruth, “every strike brings you closer to the next home run.” Outside of coaching, Kelly works at Helen Devos Children’s Hospital as an EEG technician. Outside of work, she is a cat and plant moment, and loves to cook; dinner is her favorite part of the day.
Kelly Grant
MVA Staff Coach
Coming to MVA from Roswell, Georgia where she attended Pope high school and received All-State honorable Mention, Scholar Athlete, All-Region, and her team won the Georgia High School State Championship. She attended Georgia College and was award Peach Belt Presidential Scholar, Bobcat athlete of the week, and was 3-year team captain. Ashley began coaching in 2013 with Cobb Atlanta Volleyball, Georgia College Summer Camp, University of Auburn Summer Camp, and Pope High School Summer Camp. Her best coaching abilities is understanding the game and how to be successful. Ashley’s greatest strength is her passion for the game and wanting to be a teach to the athletes. She loves coaching because volleyball is an important aspect in her life and wants to share her passion. Ashley’s family and friends are the people that motivate her the most, she has a great support system who inspires her. Ashley’s profession is marketing for AHC Hospitality, and she is married to her college sweetheart. In her free time, she spends it with her family and friends, traveling, exploring nature, attending group fitness classes.
Ashley Hazel
MVA Staff Coach
From Gross Pointe South High School where she was a four-time varsity letter earner, team captain, four-time district champion, and received all-league and all-region honors. Currently, Cindy is a member of the Grand Valley State University club volleyball team. She is an extremely enthusiastic coach who loves celebrating the little victories with her athletes. Cindy says that her club coaches are some of the best motivators and mentors she has had throughout life and her volleyball endeavors! Outside of coaching, Cindy enjoys going to nearby recreational centers to play co-ed volleyball and hanging out with her loved ones.
Cindy Hogan
MVA Staff Coach
Has been coaching since 2013 in the Muskegon Catholic Varsity, JV and MS programs, and joined MVA in 2017. Jacob brings his strengths in adaptability in game situations to the floor. He loves working with enthusiastic athletes and is motivated by kids who want to learn and grow as players and teammates. Another aspect he enjoys, is developing the whole athlete and building relationships with them and their families. He was a member of the Central Michigan Men’s Volleyball Team, considers himself a student of the game and loves the science behind it. Jacob works at Keller Williams GR East as their Market Center Assistant Administrator and enjoys traveling. He spends the rest of his free time on his boat with friends and family and hanging out with his dog.
Jacob Huston
MVA Staff Coach
From Mattoon, Illinois and is joining MVA for her first season this Winter! She played for Heritage Christian Academy (high school) where she was voted MVP and received All-Conference honors, and then continued her volleyball career at Crown College in Powell, Tennessee. In 2014, Liz began her coaching career and has coached at an array of levels for the Calvary Schools of Holland. One of Liz’s strongest traits is that she can build relationships with her athletes and this allows her to help her athletes on and off the court. Giving back to the game that gave and taught her so much is what drives Liz to coach! Having 6 kids, 3 girls & 3 boys, and a husband of 15 years certainly keeps Liz outside of the gym. In addition to enjoying family time, Liz loves crafting, all things Disney, and the spirit of Christmas.
Elizabeth Johnson
MVA Staff Coach
Grand Haven high school and Grand Rapids Community College volleyball alum. Lauren began coaching in 2017 for Grand Haven high school men’s volleyball club team for a year and coached 5th-6th grades camps for 2 years. She began coaching with MVA in 2018. Lauren’s best ability as a coach in understanding the game with years of experience and able to keep the play positive. Coaching has been a high light in Lauren’s life, because she loves showing young athletes how great a sport volleyball can be. Laruen’s greatest motivator when she was an athlete was her team. Outside of MVA she is a Junior at Kuyper college studying Marketing and Business.
Lauren Jonker
MVA Staff Coach
Hails from Grand Haven where she had a standout career as a Buccaneer and continued her volleyball career at Grand Rapids Community College, then transferred to Northern Michigan University. In 2011, Stacy began her coaching career by assisting the Grand Haven JV team and has accumulated experience with various programs throughout the years. Stacy brings a lot of intensity and fun to the game! With her passion and desire to help her players grow on and off the court, Stacy is a perfect fit for MVA. Outside of the gym, Stacy works as a teacher’s aid at Grand Haven High School, loves to cook, and hangout with her dog named Bear.
Stacy Kalsbeek
MVA Staff Coach
Comes to us from Grant High School where she received All-Conference, All-Region, and All-State honors and is continuing her volleyball career at Cornerstone University. Liv is an MVA alumna and brings a positive attitude, patience, and a love for the game that she installs in her athletes. She loves the game because of its competitiveness and the power of teamwork to build lasting relationships. When Olivia is not coaching, she is a waitress in her hometown and loves traveling, camping, and hiking with her friends and family!
Olivia Keelean
MVA Staff Coach
Has been coaching since 2010 and joined the MVA staff in 2017. She is a former Hope College volleyball athlete as well as a GR Christian alumna where she held their record for most kills in a match. One of Samantha’s favorite parts of coaching is building relationships and pushing kids to be the best they can be. Sam has coached an array of ages and levels and especially enjoys training pin-hitters to be an asset from anywhere on the court. Aside from being a coach, she is a high school math teacher and a devoted dog mom to her red labradoodle, Clifford.
Sam Kemperman
MVA Staff Coach
Laura Kennett
MVA Staff Coach
Has been with MVA since 2009. Sarah is a Grandville high school and Grand Rapids Community College alum. Sarah began coaching in 2008 for MVA and has worked with all levels for the past 10 years. Sarah’s best traits as coach is understanding and remembering what it was like to be a student athlete, and now that she is a teacher, she can understand the learning process. Sarah will not hold back when it comes to being loud! Sarah’s purpose for coaching is that after the long days, of practices and traveling, she asks herself why. It’s at the end of the season when she gets a letter, or a message from a player who says, “I was thinking about what you said…” and she remember that her ultimate goal is for our athletes to see what their potential is, and that being a good human outweighs being the best athlete. Sarah’s favorite quote is, “hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard.” Outside of coaching, Sarah is a first-grade teacher and loves camping with her horse. .
Sarah Kulfan
MVA Staff Coach
Has been coaching with MVA since 2020. Macy is a women’s varsity volleyball player from West Ottawa high school. During her time at West Ottawa, she has received Team Offensive MVP award, 3 years of academic All-State, 3 years of All-Area, and All-Conference Honorable Mention. Macy played for Hope during college. As a coach, Macy believes that positive feedback, encouragement, communication, understanding, motivation, and building relationships will make her the best coach for your athletes. The reason that Macy coaches is because she enjoys creating relationships and watching athletes grow. Not only through their play, but outside of the volleyball gym as well. She also really loves the game. Reflecting on her junior year in club volleyball, her coach taught her about mental toughness in life and in the game of volleyball. Macy is currently a student at Hope College and in her spare time she likes to spend time with family and friends, hike, travel, and do yoga.
Macy Kuyers
MVA Staff Coach
Riley Kwiatkowski
MVA Staff Coach
Played for Brandon high school where she received MVP and the “Blackhawk” award, and currently plays for GVSU’s women’s club volleyball team. Sydney’s best traits as a coach is that she is easy to talk to, holds a lot of positivity, and knowledge behind setting. She loves coaching because she wants to be a good impact on the athletes and help them learn the sport. Sydney loves volleyball because it is something that has always been able to help her escape or even focus on. Sydney is a sophomore at Grand Valley State University and in her free time she paints and listens to different kinds of music.
Sydney Leslie
MVA Staff Coach
Jenelle McCoy
MVA Staff Coach
Allendale high school and Pi volleyball alumni. She began her coaching career in 2020, working with Allendale middle school’s 7th grade team for 2 years. Rory’s best ability as a coach is being able to do everything with the team so they can have examples, in high school Rory played all around so this coach has a good idea how each position works. Rory loves coaching because it is a way to share their love for the sport with younger athletes. Her favorite part about coaching is witnessing the kids love the sport and seeing them grow throughout the season. “To give any less than your best is to sacrifice a gift,” Rory’s best motivator is her mom because she has been there since day one, helping her reach her goals. Outside of coaching, Rory is a full-time student studying social work. When Rory has free time, she is walking her dog, hanging out with friends, or at the beach.
Rory MacGeorge
MVA Staff Coach
Ashley McGee
MVA Staff Coach
Rockford High School graduate and will be attending Lee University starting Fall of 2020. She began coaching with MVA by helping with camps and clinics! With her positive and encouraging demeanor she relates well with the athletes she coaches. Volleyball has played a huge role in Payton’s life and she wants to give back to the game that taught her so much. When she is not giving back to the game, Payton loves attending Youth Group, hanging out with friends, and being a Mental Health Awareness advocate.
Payton Milo
MVA Staff Coach
Cortney Naber
MVA Lakeshore Director
Payton Nichols
Played for Niles North high school and Velocity Volleyball where she received the Most Improved award. She advanced to play for Calvin University where she was the captain for two years. Ryan coached for GRC middle school and MVA. Her best traits as a coaching are versatility, maximizing strengths, and teaching how to play smart. Ryan loves coaching because she can stay involved and pass knowledge to others. Ryan enjoys the team atmosphere that volleyball provides which makes it even more fun. Her favorite quote is “run to win.” Ryan’s favorite mentor is her freshman and sophomore coaches in high school. She is motivated by the fact she was always the underdog, that teams everyone expects to beat. Outside of the gym, she is a senior majoring in civil engineering and math with a minor in business. She is hoping to get a civil engineering job in the summer. Ryan enjoys hanging with friends, playing volleyball and being outdoors.
Ryan Ng
MVA Staff Coach
Played volleyball for Northview and advanced to University of New Haven where she received first and second team All-Conference, All-Rookie Team, All-Region, CoSida All District First Team, and All Academic. She has coached for Chelsea Piers Volleyball Club and has worked with multiple age levels at MVA. Mallory’s best trait as a coach is that she cares about each player’s well-being. She is motivated through her want to be better every day and she thinks that is the key to be successful at anything in life. Mallory’s full-time job is an HR assistant at Anesthesia Practice Consultants. She enjoys being active and playing with her three dogs: Toby, Casey, and Bo.
Mallory Nowicki
MVA Staff Coach
Has been with MVA since 2013 and received All-State, All-Conference, and won the State Championship in 2011, later advancing to Cornerstone University. Murphy began coaching 2012, working with MVA, Forest Hills Northern, and Hamilton JV. This coach’s ability to meet each player where they are at and empathize with them is terrific strength, as well as motivation through encouragement. Murphy emphasizes that volleyball is a team aspect, no one can play alone. This coach’s favorite quote is “hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard,” which is also the greatest motivator. Outside of coaching Murphy works as a Life coach for young female athletes. In Murphy’s free time, squeezing in hikes with their husband and dog, being outside, and bike riding takes up a lot of their time. Murphy enjoys baking goodies and spending time with people.
Murphy Palmer
MVA Staff Coach
Sasha Poland
MVA Staff Coach
Katie Price
MVA Staff Coach
Comes to us from Comstock Park High School where she was team captain, MVP, and 4-year varsity starter on the volleyball team. She began coaching in 2013 and has focused her coaching abilities on youth programs (8th grade and below). With strong communication skills, patience, and an understanding that every athlete is unique in their own way, Lisa has established a solid foundation with her teams to help them grow within the game. Showing her athletes that they are capable of more than they think is one of Lisa’s favorite parts of coaching! She is a Dental Hygienist and loves spending time with her family and pets! In her spare time, Lisa plays instruments, knits, gardens, and golfing!
Lisa Rapson
MVA Staff Coach
Joined the MVA coaching staff in 2015. She is a Kenowa Hills grad where she was an All-Conference setter in 2013 and 2014 and then continued her volleyball career for two seasons at Davenport University. Hannah has worked several MVA camps/clinics, coached 12s and 13s, and offered private lessons over the years. She loves being able to relate to the athletes and help them prepare for milestones in their volleyball career, as well as, helping them grow as young women. When Hannah is not in the gym, she works full-time as a surgical medical assistant at the Bengtson Center for Aesthetics and Plastic surgery and is a full-time student at Davenport University. When she is not working, Hannah enjoys hanging out with her family, friends, and her dog Louis. She also loves all things outdoors and volunteers at Milans Miracle Fund through Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.
Hannah Rasch
MVA Staff Coach
A Western Michigan University club volleyball alumnus and has settled down in Grand Haven as a Buccaneer to raise his family. He began coaching in 2015 for PI Volleyball and is currently the Grand Haven JV coach! Troy is joining MVA for his first season this Winter. Some of Troy’s best abilities as a coach are explaining the “why” (why the drill, why this footwork, etc.) and encouraging his athletes. One of his favorite quotes for his athletes is, You can learn great things from your mistakes when you are not busy denying them. When Troy is not coaching or supporting his two daughters, he enjoys golfing, playing beach volleyball, and getting together with a friend.
Troy Redder
MVA Staff Coach
Played volleyball at White Cloud high school and received All-State, Big Rapids Pioneer Player of the year, All-Conference, and recorded 1000 kills during her 3 years on varsity. She went to play at Lake Superior State University where she was a 4-year stater, Freshman Female Athlete of the Year, and All-GLIAC. Ashley has a lengthy background in coaching beginning with Youth Volleyball, JV volleyball coach at Baraga high school, assistant varsity coach at White Cloud high school, varsity volleyball coach at Cedar Springs high school, youth volleyball program head coach for Cedar Springs, MVA U14, and currently a U12 MVA float coach. Her best abilities as a coach are building relationships and finding what motivates athletes to grow. She brings a positive mindset, a kind heart, and competitive spirit to the to the gym. Ashley’s favorite part of coaching is being able to help athletes realize their potential and grow. Knowing that she played a part in their journey is humbling and it is an honor to a part of. Her favorite quote is from Michael Jordan “Make it Happen.” Ashley’s favorite mentor is Russ Rose from Penn State. He is an old school coach that finds balance between pushing athletes and developing athletes. Her full-time job is in special education for Kent ISD. She has a daughter that is on U12 Black.
Ashley Reynolds
Graduated from Hope College with a stellar volleyball career under her belt. She received MIAA First and Second team honors, MIAA Play of the Week, MIAA Tournament Champions, and currently holds the school record in number of kills in a 4-set match. Katie coaches out on the Lakeshore and loves to share her knowledge and experience with her athletes. The best part about coaching for Katie is being able to witness the moments when it finally “clicks” for a player, whether it is a specific skill or focus point. She is now teaching 3rd grade at West Ottawa and loves to cook or bake in her free time.
Katie Rietberg
MVA Lakeshore Assistant Director
Played for Lapeer West where she received an Honorable Mention. She assisted with 7th and 8th grade, Grandville freshman coach, and currently coaches for MVA. Her best coaching trait is her knowledge on defense. Kelsey loves coaching because she gets to help athletes become leaders and learn how to handle their emotions after an amazing win or a tough loss. She wants to help them learn how to take responsibility for their actions and watch their confidence grow, then hopefully by the end of the season they have create a lifelong relationship. She believes the athletes motivate her to be a better coach and think of innovative ways to help them. Outside of coaching, Kelsey is an insurance nerd for Priority health. She has two dogs named Scooby and Ziva.
Kelsey Rogers
MVA Staff Coach
is an East Grand Rapids and Grand Valley State University alum. In her time at GVSU, Betsy was a 3-time captain, Freshman Player of the Year in the GLIAC, received multiple All-Conference and Player of the Week honors. Betsy joined MVA in 2013 and over the years she has coached athletes from our local program to our national program and is now one of our Master Coaches! Betsy enjoys connecting with her players as individuals and learning what motivates them. Her encouraging and positive demeanor is one of the many things that makes Betsy a great coach. When Betsy is not coaching, she works full-time for MSA as their Facilities Director! She still enjoys playing in competitive indoor and sand volleyball tournaments as well as being in the great outdoors.
Betsy Ronda
MVA Staff Coach
A Milan high school alum who received the Jerry Cooke Award for Leadership and Dedication, also receiving All Coaches Team in Huron League Conference. Madi began coaching in 2018 as the assistant coach for U14 national team at Huron Valley Volleyball club in Saline, MI. Her best trait as a coach is being compassionate, technically sound, honest, encouraging, and competitive. She loves coaching because she can make difference in a player’s life both in and out of the gym. Madi’s love for volleyball stems from the structure, commitment, and teamwork skills that she can share with her athletes. Madi drives to improve and always wants to do what is best. She is a full-time student at Grand Valley State University and studying health care management. When she is not in class, she is hanging out with her friends, reading a Harry Potter book, or watching any kind of movie.
Madi Sansone
MVA Staff Coach
Sarah Schallhorn
MVA Staff Coach
Played for Grand Haven high school and then advanced to Winthrop University and then transferred to GRCC. She began coaching in 2018 for Lakeshore elite U16, then MVA U16 regional and MVA Lakeshore U17 regional, West Ottawa volunteer assistant, and Black River High School Varsity Assistant. As a coach, her best traits and skills are to empower athletes to reach their full potential through providing the right tools and resources, and encouraging a culture of leadership, goal setting and personality responsibility. Her coaching philosophy is built on honesty, courage, connection, and inclusion in the hopes that the girls I coach leave the program better people and better players. Cassidy coach’s volleyball because it teaches the greatest life lessons and promotes the development of character and integrity. She believes her duty to her athletes is to mentor them on the sport and life. Her favorite coach is Beth Launiere, head coach for University of Utah, who serves as a pillar of knowledge within the volleyball community. Cassidy works as the student assistant for the Hope College women’s lacrosse team.
Cassiday Schumacher
MVA Staff Coach
Began coaching with MVA in 2019. Baseball player in high school, Aaron began playing beach volleyball at 18. In college, Aaron played for GVSU club volleyball. Aaron began coaching in 1997 for Grand Haven Varsity, JV, 8th grade, and GVSU women’s club volleyball team. Aaron loves coaching because he can form relationships and build a team, especially as athletes grow over the years. Aaron’s favorite quote is “life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they’re supposed to help you discover and reveal who you are.” Aaron is a math teacher at Grand Haven high school. Aaron loves being outside, camping with his family, and traveling to National Parks. Aaron is a huge music fan, he loves going to concerts and festivals.
Aaron Smaka
MVA Staff Coach
Abby Sprick
MVA Staff Coach
Comes to MVA from Parchment where she played volleyball at their high school. She began coaching in 2018 for Ottawa Hills high school as the JV assistant coach then becoming the head coach. Her best ability as a coach is team building, and as a coach she loves inspiring young minds to give their best at something they love. She believes volleyball requires perseverance, trust in others, and resiliency. Melena’s favorite quote is by Kobe Bryant, “great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses.” Her full-time profession is at National Heritage Academies as a retention consultant and employee engagement. Her hobbies include attending anywhere that has live music.
Melena Strehlow
MVA Staff Coach
joined the MVA staff in the fall of 2017 as the Assistant Director. She has been coaching since 2004 and has trained a variety of ages from youth to varsity at Forest Hills Central, Grandville, and East Grand Rapids. Anna has also been the coach of the GVSU Women’s Club team since 2011, was the 2014 NCVF Division I Coach of the Year, GVSU Student Life Coach of the Year, and was a 2015 GVSU Women in Sports and Physical Education Honoree. She is passionate about cultivating strong, independent, problem-solving women who have a passion for sport and recreation. Anna loves seeing former athletes become coaches and how it shows they have developed and will pass on, the passion and love for volleyball. She grew up in Kalamazoo where she was a 4-sport athlete for Kalamazoo Central HS and Mattawan HS. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her golden Maizey.
Anna Tollefson
MVA Director
Has been with MVA since 2017. Taylor played women’s varsity volleyball at Kenowa Hills high school, accepting All-Conference and MVP award during her time. She began coaching in 2017 West Catholic High school as the freshman head coach and moved up to be JV head coach recently. As a coach, Taylor believes in being supportive and helping her players. It is important to be tough, but it is also important to know when to be light. Taylor’s favorite part about coaching is mentoring the athletes and help them progress through the season(s). Taylor’s love for volleyball sprouts from teamwork and mental toughness. Taylor’s favorite quote is “do something today that your future self will thank you for.” Outside of MVA, Taylor works as the Development Database Manager at West Catholic high school. In her free time, Taylor likes to attend concerts and spending time with her golden retriever, Daisy.
Taylor Tuttle
MVA Staff Coach
Eno Umoh has been coaching since 2009 and came to MVA after a standout career at GVSU. Eno was a middle hitter where she earned All-American, All-Region, and All-Conference honors. She is 3rd on the GVSU career block list and 2nd on the career block assists. Eno has developed a great ability to break down and teach skills to athletes of all ages. Having not received formal volleyball training until her first year at GVSU Eno understands the process and how to be patient with athletes if they get frustrated while learning. She loves to coach because her life has been so positively impacted by her coaches and teammates and instills the lessons she learned in her everyday life. Eno is a neuro rehabilitation case manager and is working on completed her MBA. She enjoys traveling, hanging with friends, and binge-watching Netflix.
Eno Umoh
MVA Staff
Played for DFFO and Impact Dynamic in high school where she was State Runner Up in 2013. Jenna played for Hope College where she was the team captain and received MIAA Honor Roll. She has coached for Impact Dynamic, Aces Zeel Volleyball Club, and Zeeland Christian School. Jenna’s best abilities as a coach in creating unique, individual relationship with athletes. She has a background in the sport and can share her past knowledge. Jenna loves coaching because it is a way for her to pay forward what her coaches have done for her. Through out her career, she has had many positive experiences due to her coaches and she hopes to do the same for her players. She loves volleyball because it me her who she is today, it gave her lifelong friends and valuable life lessons. Her favorite quote is “present over perfect,” which is a good reminder to stay in the moment and to find joy in the little things. Her greatest motivator has been her teammates. Outside of the gym, Jenna is a first-grade teacher at Zeeland Christian and likes to go to coffee shops, the beach, and Target. She likes to read, travel, and spend time with family and friends.
Jenna VanderLaan
MVA Staff Coach
Has come to MVA from Romeoville, IL. She played for Plainfield East high school then advanced to the University of Dallas and GVSU women’s club volleyball team. Marissa has been coaching with MVA since 2017. Her best abilities as a coach are that she provides a fun and safe space for her players to grow by making mistakes and asking questions and can motivate them to work for more than just themselves. She loves coaching because she can make a difference and impact young athletes- to help them grow confidence on and off the court. Volleyball is Marissa’s stress reliever and can always help her clear her mind. Marissa’s favorite quote is “great things never come from comfort zones.” Outside of the gym, Marissa is a full-time referral coordinator for the outpatient psychiatry office at Spectrum Health. She enjoys weightlifting, reading, and puzzles, as well as playing volleyball when she can.
Marissa Villarrubia
MVA Staff Coach
An MVA Master Coach, the MVA Recruiting Coordinator, and an Assistant Director for MVA. He has been with MVA since 2009 and is an integral part of the club management. Craig has been coaching since 1994 and has extensive college coaching experience. With stints at Michigan State, GVSU, Michigan Tech, Judson University, Siena Heights, and Glen Oaks CC, his college coaching career is highlighted by the 2005 National Championship season at GVSU. He currently spends time as an Assistant Coach for Cornerstone University. Craig is an alumni of Western Michigan University and Siena Heights and holds a BA in Business and a MA in Organizational Leadership. Craig and his wife Mayme met while coaching in Illinois and were married and moved to Michigan in 2009. When not in the gym Craig enjoys reading, watching football, and spending time with Mayme and their daughter Ana.
Craig Vlietstra
MVA Director
Has been coaching since 2002 where she began her career in Illinois and then creating MVA in 2009. Her best skill as a coach is that she has an eye for detail. Mayme love coaching for the “Aha” moments. She finds joy in helping athletes work on something and then it finally comes together. She believes a good coach will make their players see what they can be, rather than what they are. In Mayme’s free time, she takes her daughter to all her sports, she reads a lot, and watch her guilty pleasure- MTV’s The Challenge.
Mayme Vlietstra
MSA Athletic Director
Played for Calvary Christian Schools where she received MVP All Conference. She went to play junior varsity for Grace College where she received the Coach’s Award. Erin has coached for Dekalb Middle School, Club Pineapple, and MVA. Her best skills as a coach are her knowledge in hitting and setting, she likes to look for the positive and highlighting why each player is important to the team. Erin’s favorite part of coaching is connecting with other people who love volleyball and teach them principles that can help players in multiple parts of life. She loves volleyball because it is a dynamic sport and continues to be fun through multiple stages in life. In Erin’s free time she is a mother to her two-year-old, Lincoln, and has a floral business called Florista of West Olive. She has game nights with her family, plays sports, and have campfires. She also has a German Shepherd named Padme, who is regal and sweet.
Erin Webb
MVA Staff Coach
Is from Clarendon Hills, Illinois and currently attends Hope College where she majors in Environmental Engineering and is a member of the women’s volleyball team. She has coached since 2017 and focuses on the technical aspect of the game, especially with setting. Tracy has played at a competitive level throughout her volleyball career and holds herself to a high standard, which has broadened her knowledge and love for the game. A quote Tracy lives by is “Well done is better than well said” because it reminds everyone to put your words into action in every aspect of life. For fun, Tracy loves riding her bike around Holland and playing card games!
Tracy Westra
MVA Staff Coach
Began coaching with MVA in 2018. Kalamazoo Central Women’s Varsity Volleyball alumni: she set the record for most digs in her school by the end of her volleyball career. Mackenzie began coaching in 2016 for a club called Moxie. Mackenzie is an enthusiastic coach that loves the sport and wants athletes to be successful. Her favorite part about coaching is connecting with athletes and understand what goals they want to achieve, understanding that no one is the same. Mackenzie’s favorite quote has followed her ever since she began the sport, “Just Keep Swimming.” Mackenzie is in her last semester at Grand Valley State University where she will be receiving a degree in clinical exercise science and a certification in athletic coaching. Her hobbies include watching movies, attempting difficult yoga poses, and hanging out with her tortoise, Appa.
Mackenzie Wichtman
MVA Staff Coach
Rylie Walters
MVA Staff Coach
Has been coaching at MVA since 2015 and is an alumna of Kenowa Hills HS, GRCC and played at Benedictine University respectively. During her career Lauren was an All-American, All-Region, All-Conference athlete and a recipient of the JVA Athleader award. She loves coaching because of how rewarding it is to work with youth athletes. She relates to them well, as she has been in the exact same spot in their journey and can help guide them through the tough times. Lauren is a very driven and keeps herself busy as a full-time student and working a full-time job. When she gets a few down moments, she is tacking house projects and loves spending times with her dog!
Lauren Wieber
MVA Staff Coach
Is a founding member of MVA, a Master Coach, and the MVA Tournament and Events Director. Chip has been at GRCC since 2006 where he led the program to a National Championship in 2012. Throughout his tenure he has had seven additional national tournament appearances. Prior to GRCC Chip was the varsity coach at West Catholic and Forest Hills Northern, where they made an appearance in the Class A State title game in 2007. He then moved on to GVSU where they had three national championship berths. Chip is a Ferris State alumnus and was a member of their men’s tennis team. A die-hard Michigan fan, Chip enjoys spending as much time as possible with his wife Tracy and their two kids Logan and Harper.