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Texas Assault 2007-2008 Coaching Staff

 

18 Kaepa Head Coach

 
Vanessa Simpson
 
Experience Coaching: As Vanessa returns to coach the 18 Kaepa team she brings with her nine years of college coaching. She coached for seven years at DCCCD and also two years at University of Dallas. She has been coaching club for thirteen years and her experience just doesn't end there. She coaches many volleyball camps throughout the country including Air Force academy, Colorado Springs, Plano Sports Authority, and Waxahachie High School.

Philosophy: As a coach I expect the best out of my athletes at all times. I give my best effort for my teams and in return I expect their best effort. By working hard and doing their best success will follow. Every athlete is important and they should always believe that because I do.

Quote: "Work Ethic and Determination is the Key to Success."

 

 

18 Kaepa Assistant Coach

 
Stephanie Poole
 

Experience Coaching: Stephanie continues her coaching career this year with Texas Assault. She lettered in volleyball, basketball, and softball at Highland Park HS. After graduating in 1999, she attended Div. II Wingate University on athletic scholarship. Over the course of college career served as Captain from 1999-2001 earned "Player of the Week" honors 4 times selected to 7 "All-Tournament" teams 2000 All-SAC (south Atlantic conference) 1st-team 2001 SAC "Player of the Year" 2001 DAKTRONICS NCAA DIVISION II ALL-SOUTH REGION, FIRST TEAM 2001 Verizon Academic All-District III volleyball, first team (college division), as selected by CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of ).  In the summer of 2001, Stephanie returned home to Dallas and finished her degree at SMU.  During this time she also served as Varsity Asst. at Bishop Lynch HS, where in 2004 the team won its first-ever State Championship. She also served as asst. coach for top 17's and top 18's with Dallas Summit and head coach for 13's team with Team PSA.  Stephanie is very involved with summer camps, including Highland Park HS and Waxahachie HS.

Philosophy: With a discipline and work ethic and dedication to one's team and goals, anyting can be accomplished. Success occurs when you refuse to settle. STRIVE TO DO BETTER.

Quote: "Take pride in what you do." "PAINT IT! SPIKE IT"

 

 

17 Kaepa Head Coach

 
Mike Fiorentino
   

Experience Coaching: Mike starts his 8th year with Texas Assault. He has become one of the most respected coaches in the North Texas Region. Mike has been playing volleyball for over 15 years, with the past 10 years at an OPEN level. During this time he has played in three AVP Qualifiers and Sand/Grass Doubles tournaments in North Texas, South Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Arkansas and Colorado. Mike has been coaching volleyball for over 8 years.  He coached 1 year for SVAA before coming to Assault.  Over the past 7 years he has coached our top 13's through 18's and the Rockwall H.S. Varsity to a 2nd Place finish at the 2001 Third Coast Tournament in Austin. Mike has been doing private lessons for athletes all over the Metroplex for the past 5 years.

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17 Kaepa Assistant Coach

 
Allison Holder
 

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17 National Head Coach

 
Megan Brittain
 

Experience Coaching: This will be Megan's second season with Texas Assault and third season coaching club. She has also coached at various camps and summer clinics. Megan graduated from Sanger High School as a 4 sport varsity athlete, where she was a 3 year varsity volleyball letterman, earning all-district, academic, and team honors for all three seasons. She recently completed her senior season at the University of Dallas where she was a team captain and played libero for the Crusaders. At UD, Megan was a USCAA All-American in 2006, 9 times placed on the AVCA 30-dig club, currently holds the school record digs in a season and is ranked 2nd in UD career digs, and is proud to be a part of team records as well.  She is expected to graduate in May with a degree in Business Leadership with a Marketing Concentration.


Philosophy: Megan’s philosophy involves challenging her team through hard work and dedication.  Commitment to the team and passion for the game will ensure a sense of pride for what the girls want to accomplish this season as well as any future endeavor. Her goal is to provide her players with the tools to become more confident in their game and take them to the next level.

Quote:   “Opportunities multiply as they are seized.” –Sun Tzu. 

 

 

17 National Assistant Coach

 
Scarlet Walls
 

Experience Coaching: This will be Scarlet’s first season coaching for Texas Assault. Scarlet graduated from Rowlett High School where she lettered in volleyball, soccer, and track while also cheering for RHS. Her senior year she earned All-District honors as well as other teams awards. Scarlet is currently a junior Business Leadership major at the University of Dallas where she is captain and setter for the Lady Crusaders. At UD, Scarlet has both team and individual school records and was USCAA Player of the Week in October 2006.  

Philosophy: Scarlet’s philosophy is that through the combination of hard work, good attitude, and discipline anyone can be successful, not only in volleyball but in life as well. She hopes to bring to each player what past coaches have given to her: confidence, determination, and perseverance.

Quote: “It’s easy to have faith in yourself and have discipline when you’re a winner, when you’re number one. What you got to have is faith and discipline when you’re not a winner” Vince Lombardi    

 

 

16 Kaepa Head Coach

 
Stephanie Bennet
 

Experience Coaching: This will be Stephanie's 5th year with Assault. Coaching 14 - 17's over the last several years, Stephanie will be taking 16 Kaepa this year. Recently, Stephanie played D-1 college ball at SMU as a right-side/middle. During her tenure at SMU, Stephanie gained the knowledge and respect for what it takes to be a Division I athlete and competed with the best athletes in the country. As a Houston native, Stephanie played for Saint Agnes Academy where she was a two-time All-Texas and three-time All-District selection... Named to TAPPS All-Tournament team in 2000 & 2001 as she led St. Agnes to a state title her sophomore year and runner-up finish in back-to-back seasons... Was named St. Agnes' captain and team MVP in 2001... A National Merit Commended Scholar... Played club for the Texas Tornadoes, finishing 10th at the 2000 Junior Olympics. 

 Philosophy: My coaching philosophy centers on teaching players how to be successful at the game of volleyball rather than simply teaching them various skills. I believe that any player can learn how to successfully hit a ball- it is the player who learns the intangibles of the game and develops an understanding of how to evaluate themselves and their contribution to a team that will be the most successful player. My focus is to provide a positive experience through fostering confidence, player development, and an emphasis on the dynamics of a cohesive ‘team’ that will benefit each player in their goals of becoming a great athlete. Whether their goal is to make a high school team or continue on as a college player, I am confident that each athlete that I have the pleasure to coach will not only become more consistent player, but they will have a greater understanding of the game as a whole and of the tools that will make them successful.

Quote: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel" -Maya Angelou

 

 

16 Kaepa Assistant Coach

 
Rachel Giubilato
 

Experience Coaching: Rachel returns to Assault for a 3rd year assisting with the 16 Kaepa. She is a four year outside hitter letterwinner at SMU, named 1st Team All Conference USA, and Honorable Mention All Region last year, as well as finishing the season ranked 26th in the nation in kills per game. She is co-captain of her squad, and a double major of Psychology and Sociology. In high school, Rachel was named to the All-San Diego Section First Team and earned second place in 2004 at the Beach Nationals in Hermosa while playing club for Laguna Beach VBC. She thrives on competition and loves working with girls who refuse to let a ball drop!

Philosophy: PASSION!!

Quote: "Our greatest glory is not in the never falling, but in rising every time we fall." Confucius


 

16 National Head Coach

 
Matoya Parker
 

Experience Coaching: This is Maytoya's second year with Texas Assault. A graduate of NGHS she played played varsity all 4 years, 3 out of the 4 years she was MVP, and selected to the ALL-American Team, 2years of the 4, She was captain, and co-captain her first two years. Toya earned 1st team ALL-District 4 years straight. and was also nominated to be in "Who's Who Among America's Athletes. Her senior year she blew out her shoulder and decided to attended the University of Texas at Dallas on an Acedemic Scholorship, and also played basketball there as well, earned Rookie of the year my first year playing. Also has worked at Rowlett High School for 7 years as the Step Chorographer. She have been a athlete all of her life, and  knows what it takes to be a great player!

Philosophy: HARD WORK WILL PAY OFF!! "NO PAIN NO GAIN"

Quote: "Practice is The effort that makes winning possible."

 

 

16 National Assistant Coach

 
Louie Buckman
 

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15 Kaepa Head Coach

 
Nicole Evertt
 

Experience Coaching: Nicole continues her coaching career with Assault this year taking 15 Kaepa. Last year she was the head coach for Victory’s 15 Select team.  Attended Crandall High School, where she played varsity volleyball all four years. She was named to the  all-district team three times, and District Offensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable player in 2000. In her senior year, she was named to the Texas Girls Coaches Association All-Star team. Upon graduating from high school, She played NCAA Division I volleyball at the University of South Carolina (Southeastern Conference). Her Texas ties brought her to Richland College, where she was named first team all-conference and a NJCAA All-American nominee. Nicole ranked in the top four in the NJCAA in hitting efficiency (44.810), blocks per game (2.414), and kills per game (4.914). She earned her associates of science degree in 2005, currently a senior majoring in kinesiology at Texas Woman’s University in Denton. I plan to become a college coach. I am member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, I enjoy swimming and cooking.

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15 Kaepa Assistant Coach

 
Krystle Everett
 

Experience Coaching: Krystle have served as a coach at various levels and has participated in leading several college camps. Krystle was a 4 year varsity player in high school and was 1st Team All State and a member of the Texas All Star team. Krystle played at the collegiate level at Baylor University, TWU, and the University of North Texas.

Philosophy: To motivate and encourage girls to push themselves to the limits.

Quote: "Play Hard, Play Smart, Have Fun!"

 

 

15 National Head Coach

 


Lisa Yost

 

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Quote: "You stop playing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop playing."

 

 

15 National Assistant Coach

 
Alicia Jacobs
 

Experience Coaching: This is Alicia's second year to coach with Lisa Yost. Alicia played 4 years of high school volleyball (three years as captain) and was All-District Setter, 1st Team All-District, and was named All-Texomaland Setter.

Philosophy: I want to walk away with the satisfaction of knowing I aive my team everything I had while teaching the girls to win and have fun at the same time.

Quote: "The day you take complete responsibility for yourself, the day you stop making any excuses, that's the day you start to the top."

 

 

15 Elite Head Coach

 
Steve Hutcheson
 

Experience Coaching: Steve has three years of coaching team volleyball and has been doing private lessons for the past five years. Steve is an assistant varsity volleyball coach at Dallas Christian High School. He also serves as the Volleyball Director for Dallas Christian Schools. Steve graduated from Abilene Christian University with a B.B.A. in finance and business, and a M.B.A. in finance. He later obtained a J.D. from Texas Tech School of Law. Steve played on the varsity volleyball team in high school and has played in leagues and on clubs for many years. He tutors individuals of all ages and conducts Hutch Volleyball Camp during the summers. Steve is a member of the American Volleyball Coaches Association, Texas Girls Coaches Association and Texas High School Coaches Association. He holds a CAP II certification.

 
Philosophy: Coaching volleyball is more that coaching the game.  I believe that the concepts of working with a team, making your needs subservient to those of the team, and striving to perform at your best in every endeavor of your life are all taught through coaching volleyball.  Hopefully, I will never mention that we must win but I will tirelessly urge that each player perform at her best.  If she does so, winning is a by-product of her performance.

Quote: Always play at a level that allows you to hold your head up when you come off the court.

 

15 Elite Assistant Coach

 
Meredith McLean
 

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14 Kaepa Head Coach

 
Jessica Gehrke
 

Experience Coaching: Jessica has been coaching with Texas Assault for five years. She has coached a variety of age groups and is coming off a great year of taking the 13 Kaepa team to Nationals last year, were they finished 22nd in the Nation.

Philosophy: I am always looking at taking my kids to the next level. I want to be an example for my players and push them to want to be better because I always want them to be succesful not only on the court but also in life.

Quote: "Teamwork is the foundation for every great TEAM."

 

 

14 Kaepa Assistant Coach

 
Eric Zender
 

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14 National Head Coach

 
Liz Antonisse
 

Experience Coaching: This will be Liz's second year with Texas Assault. She is a graduate of Howard Payne University where she played volleyball. She has coached several Junior Varsity and Varsity Volleyball teams over the past several years. She is currently coaching a Coyle Middle School. She is very excited to be part of this program.

Philosophy: I want to help athletes become better individuals on and off the court. I believe through hard work, and individual can become what they set out to be. I am here to build the individual athlete in volleyball, academics, and life.

Quote: "Attitude is the difference between those who attempt and those who achieve."

 

 

14 National Assistant Coach

 
Heather Harris
 

Experience Coaching: This is Heather's first year with Texas Assault. She has been an assistant volleyball coach for two years.

Philosophy: I want to help encourage athletes to believe in themselves an their athletic abilities. I believe that each individual can be as good as they believe they can be. I will do my best to push each athlete to succeed on and off the court.

Quote: "Work Hard, Play Hard."

 

 

14 Elite Head Coach

 
Lauren Christopher
 

Experience Coaching: Lauren has played four years of college at the University of Charleston on a full scholarship. This is Lauren's first year with Texas Assault and her sixth year of coaching club.

Philosophy: Teach the fundametnals to help improve players abilities. Encourage hard work, dedication, and love for the game. Work hard to improve performance beyond the performance players had when they first stepped foot on the court. Lauren's goals for the year are to improve players drive and techniques. Become well rounded players, work as a team and not individual players. Have fun with the game on a competiative, focused level.

Quote: "Strive to reach your goals and don't get discouraged if you don't reach them right away."

 

 

14 Elite Assistant Coach

 
Taryn Anderson
 

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14 Select Head Coach

 
Cindie Herrick
 

Experience Coaching: This is my twenty-fifth year as a schoolteacher and my twenty-third as a volleyball coach. I went to Sharpstown High School in Houston. Received All State Honors in Volleyball and was valedictorian of my senior class. I received a full scholarship to Howard Payne University in Brownwood Texas, a private Baptist school of about 1000 students. I began coaching in Panther Creek as a basketball/drill team coach, then received a job at Brewer High school in Fort Worth as the Head volleyball coach. We won district 5 times and made it up to the regional quarterfinals twice. I have coached ages from 12 – 18 but find 14’s the most pleasurable. I have been with Cowtown Volleyball, Mid Cities and Metroplex Juniors. This is my 9 th year with Assault and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I am married with two boys – Matthew 13 and Ty 18. My husband coaches at Creekview Carrollton as the Defensive Coordinator in Football and the Head Baseball Coach. I work as an 8 th grade Computer Explorations teacher at Bussey Middle School in Garland.

My goal for any team is to create chemistry and friends for life. I will run a fast pace practice and prepare you to play 3-4 matches a day. I expect 110% effort, as that is what you will get from me.

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14 Select Assistant Coach

 
Ryann Kaaa
 

Experience Coaching: This is Ryann's first year with Texas Assault. Ryann has played volleyball for many years including 3 years of high school varsity.

Philosophy: Work hard and play hard. Put your heart and soul into what you are doing, but also have fun while you are doing it.

Quote: "Be all you can be."

 

 

13 Kaepa Head Coach

 
Marline Ehring
 

Experience Coaching: The athletes of the John Paul II Volleyball program have nicknamed her Coach M, but her full name is Marlene Ehring and she has been coaching volleyball for six years in north Texas at the middle school level for both boys and girls as well as head coach at the National Club level . Marlene was hired on in 2006 at John Paul II as the Freshman coach but has since moved on to coaching Junior Varsity for the 2007 season as well as being the Conditioning Coach for the program for the past two.

Marlene Ehring was fortunate to play volleyball at Cerritos College in Southern California where she was ranked 3rd in the South Coast Conference for Serving Aces and as a Defensive Specialist. From there she attended the California State College Systems both at San Diego and Fullerton. Marlene Ehring has acquired several certifications in the field of Exercise Science, Fitness Direction, and Personal Fitness Training. Marlene is a member of Aerobics and Fitness Association of America and Reebok Alliance and is currently studying with the American College of Sports Medicine.

Marlene Ehring is also Impact and CAP I certified, CPR certified, and is a member of the American Volleyball Coaches Association. This is her first year with Texas Assault

Philosophy: I believe that the best way in to improve a player’s abilities is through a highly motivated an organized environment. It is every coach’s responsibility to promote player’s strengths, encourage her to strive for personal best, and be aware of the importance of teamwork.

Quote: "Nowhere is it more abundantly clear then in completive sports that everything is interconnected. What you think, how you act, what you eat, how much you asleep, your fighting spirit, your fitness, your passion for life are all intimately connected.” by James E. Loehr, EdD

 

 

 

13 Kaepa Assistant Coach

 
Brooklyn Hunt
 

Experience Coaching: This is Brooklyn's first year with Texas Assault

Philosophy: To inspire young athletes to stay strong minded and confident in all their goal in life.

Quote: "Play Hard or Go Home" and "The way you practice is the way you play"

 

 

13 Elite K Head Coach

 
Kelli Rose
 

Experience Coaching: Kelly has been coaching for 10 years at variouse levels and this is her third year with Texas Assault.

Philosophy: To create a passion for volleyball by focusing on individual skills and fundamentals along with emphasizing team concepts in a fun and positive atmosphere. 

Quote: NEVER, NEVER, NEVER QUIT.

 

 

13 Elite K Assistant Coach

 
Chelsie Owens
 

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13 Elite A Head Coach

 
Amanda Holdbrook
 

Experience Coaching: This is Amanda's third year with Texas Assault, and her 4th year of coaching on the club level.

Philosophy: Motivate each player to their best level. Promote teamwork and communications: both skills are valuable both on and off the court.

Quote: "Train Hard, Train Smart, Train to Win."

 

 

13 Elite A Assistant Coach

 
Brook Bailey
 

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12 Kaepa Head Coach

 
Lyndsey Elzner
 

Experience Coaching: This is Lyndsey's third year coaching with Texas Assault and she has been coaching club for four years in the Dallas Area.

Philosophy: Through discipline, determination, hustle, and knowledge of the game, you can out think, out control, and out play your opponents. Every practice will focus on training the athletes body to be fundamentally correct. Through skill training, drills, and games, all athletes will
improve greatly in body control and movement for volleyball."

Quote: "Setting a goal is not the main thing. It is deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan.”

 

 

12 Kaepa Assistant Coach

 
Eyrn Davila
 

Experience Coaching: Has been coaching for 4 years. This is Eryn's second year with Texas Assault.

Philosophy: My coaching philosophy stems from a very basic understanding of a solid work ethic and strong fundamental skills. I believe that you need high expectations of yourself and your team in order to achieve success.

Quote: "Start believing in yourself and the world will start believing in you." Vijay Thadani

 

12 Elite Head Coach

 
Mellissa Venible
 

Experience Coaching: Mellissa has four years of coaching experience in the Texas school districts, and she is a former Texas Assault player.

Philosophy: As a young player, I think it is very important to learn the basic skills of volleyball and to have fun doing it. I beliveve communication and the ability to move your feet are two of the most important skills in volleyball. It is very exciting to see young players develop into skill players.

Quote: "You only fail when you don't try."

 

 

12 Elite Assistant Coach

 
Morganne Fikes
 

Experience Coaching: This is Morgan's first year as a coach at Texas Assault, but she have been playing with Texas Assault for many years. Morgan played on the Rowlett High School varsity team which won the 2007 District 10-5A Championship.

Philosophy: Teach fundamental skills and have fun doing it.

Quote: "Push until you reach your limit and then push a little more."