AUSTIN VELOCITY CLUB COACHES
COACH DAVE
Director
For the last 15 years, my main job was working in the technology industry. Thanks to the economic downturn, I am now able to devote more time on my passion–volleyball. For the last 27 years, I have been playing or coaching volleyball at several different levels.
My father was a high school volleyball coach in Washington for 27 years. Year after year he was able to take his teams to the state playoffs. I asked him his secret one day. His answer? “Oh, I just taught them how to pass and serve. We just ended up being better at those skills than most of the teams we played.” Over 500 wins in his career. I guess he knew what he was talking about.
I have coached volleyball, softball, basketball and swimming. I love coaching and I thoroughly enjoy the game of volleyball. I like being able to take a difficult task and dividing it into small parts which can be assembled into a skill. I’ve been teaching those skills for the last 10 years.
I also enjoy playing the game and have tried to stay fit enough to play in leagues and tournaments (time permitting). I am a dedicated believer in teaching a skill thru actions, not just words. Everyone learns differently, but I have found that the most retention in an athlete comes from talking about a principle, showing how to do that principle, then providing positive feedback on the athlete’s skill.
I have a family of 4 daughters and 1 son. My daughters and son played club volleyball and I cannot express the joy I get from watching them play. We have a lot of fun as a family and a large portion of that fun comes from sports. It keeps us all healthy and happy.
Coaching Experience:
Club volleyball coach 2005-2007, 2009-Present
Recreational volleyball coach 2003-2007
Professional volleyball instructor 2006-Present
Where did I learn my methods on how to coach? Back in May of 2005, I stumbled across a website dedicated to teaching coaching.
Gold Medal Squared is comprised of the following:
Carl McGown (USA Men’s National Team and former BYU men’s volleyball coach)
Doug Beal (USA Women’s National Team coach and CEO of USA Volleyball)
Marv Dunphy (Men’s National Team and Pepperdine volleyball coach)
Jim McLaughlin (Univ of Washington women’s volleyball coach)
These coaches created a curriculum and now are the proud owners of 3 Olympic Gold Medals.
Memberships and Certifications
American Volleyball Coaches Association 2009-Present
Gold Medal Squared Coaches clinic attendee 2005-2008
USA Volleyball CAP III Candidate Jan 2011
Texas Association of Sports Officials 2009-2012
USA Volleyball Regional Official 2010-Present
USA IMPACT certified 2007-Present
COACH LOC
2024-2025 161 Diamond Head Coach
My name is Loc Do – I grew up in Vietnam and have now lived in Austin and the surrounding area for the last 32 years. I have played semiprofessional for 2 years in Vietnam in my late teens, as well as several men’s clubs in Texas as an Outside Hitter for more than 25 years. I have been coaching volleyball for kids in our community since 2013 and for several years with club. I am dedicated and passionate about developing young athletes and preparing them for the next level. I look forward to watching these young ladies grow as athletes and have no doubt Austin Velocity will have a successful upcoming season.
COACH LIANNE
2024-2025 162 Emerald Head Coach
Lianne is from Pearland, Texas. She has been playing volleyball since she was 10 years old. She played 4 years on her high school’s varsity team as a setter and right side hitter earning First Team All-District awards two years in a row. Lianne also earned All-State Honorable Mention. She played on club teams for 7 years starting at 12 years old. She finished her club seasons playing for Texas Alliance Volleyball in Houston.
Lianne attended Concordia University Texas. She played as a setter on the Concordia volleyball team from 2016-2019. Her collegiate athletic awards included 2016 All-ASC West Division Second Team, 2017 Academic All-ASC, 2019 ASC West Sportsmanship Athlete of the Year, and 2019 ASC Volleyball All Championship Tournament Team. She graduated in the Spring of 2020 with a Bachelors of Science in Biology. Lianne was the Graduate Assistant Coach for the Concordia Volleyball program in 2021-2022. She graduated from grad school with an MBA in 2021.
This will be her 8th year of coaching and working with Austin Velocity. She is excited to continue to learn and grow as a coach. She hopes to impact young athletes more than just on the court, like her coaches did for her. She also hopes to implement habits of hard work, teamwork, and character.
Lianne is IMPACT, Safe Sport, and Gold Medal Squared certified.
COACH SANDRA
2024-2025 163 Sapphire Head Coach
Coach Sandra was born and raised in South Carolina. She played on her varsity volleyball team for three years in high school as a 6 rotational player. After high school, she joined the Army to travel and see the world as a power generation equipment mechanic. After 10 years in the Army, she decided it was time to change careers, return to school, and expand her family. Coach Sandra and her husband, Tony, decided to settle in the Central Texas area close to Fort Hood. After several years of working in public accounting, she was able to take a break and focus on her family. Coach Sandra started teaching Middle School Math in 2021 and is currently a High School Math teacher and the Varsity volleyball head coach at a private school in Killeen.
Coach Sandra is passionate about volleyball and enjoys watching and playing whenever possible. She loves to share her passion and love for the game with anyone who wants to learn. She loves to learn and grow as a coach. She hopes to make a difference with each athlete she encounters and loves to get to know each player as a person, and wants each one to know that she cares about them. Her daughter, Alicia, has followed in her mom’s footsteps and has been playing volleyball since age 11 and has been playing for Velocity for the last 4 seasons.
For over six years, Coach Sandra has coached elementary, middle, and high school volleyball teams. In her spare time, she volunteers at her daughter’s school, hunts, reads, watches movies, spends time with her family, enjoys the outdoors, and helps with Velocity clinics.
This is Coach Sandra’s fourth season with Austin Velocity, and she is excited to see another season and to work with the athletes.
Coach Sandra is certified in IMPACT, SafeSport, and Positive Coaching Alliance Level 1. She was a Gold Medal Squared clinic attendee in July 2021. She is also currently working on her AOC Head Coach Level 1 certification.
COACH SARAH
2024-2025 151 Diamond Head Coach
Sarah, originally from Bastrop, Texas, has a deep-rooted passion for volleyball that began during her high school years. As a standout player on her high school varsity team, she was honored as the Varsity MVP and named MVP Outside Hitter of the District. She continued to excel in club volleyball as a six-rotation outside hitter with the Texas Shock Volleyball club.
Following High school graduation, Sarah embarked on her collegiate volleyball journey as an outside hitter at Concordia University. Her skills and dedication on the court earned her all ASC Honors and the distinction of ASC Player of the Week during the 2019 season. Sarah completed her collegiate career making 1st Team All Conference all 4 years as well as being the ASC Scholar-Athlete Medal of Honor recipient.
Alongside her athletic pursuits, Sarah pursued her academic interests, earning her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Behavioral Science while participating in Concordia’s honors program.
Sarah’s love for volleyball extends beyond playing; she is passionate about coaching and mentoring young athletes. She began her coaching career by leading summer leagues and providing private lessons for young girls in Bastrop. With a lifelong exposure to volleyball—thanks to her mother’s own involvement in the sport—Sarah is eager to share her knowledge and inspire the next generation of athletes.
Currently in her fourth season as Head Coach for Austin Velocity, Sarah continues to harness her enthusiasm for volleyball into coaching, aiming to motivate young girls to achieve their full potential both on and off the court.
Sarah is USAV IMPACT/SafeSport certified.
COACH TULLIA
2024-2025 152 Emerald Head Coach
2024-2025 Boys Teams Head Coach
A native of Italy and a player of 30 years of experience, Tullia played semi-professionally (“Serie C”): her success as an all-around player was due to mental toughness, high energy, and ability to read the game and anticipate the play. As a coach in Italy, she coached mini-volley (10-12U), developing athletes that eventually played professionally and/or for the Italian Youth and Women’s National team.
In the Austin area, Tullia has coached girls at several clubs for 13 years and boys for four years. Her teams have consistently exceeded expectations, finishing the season with a higher ranking than they started with. As a club coach, she has qualified three teams for Nationals and has won a National Title at AAU in 2022.
Currently, Tullia is the head coach for both JV and the 7th-8th grade team at St. Stephen’s Episcopal. This is her 3rd year at St. Stephen’s, where she’s also coached high school soccer and middle school and high school tennis. Previously, Tullia was also head coach of Round Rock Christian Junior High.
In addition to coaching club and school volleyball, Tullia has managed several youth programs, coaching over 400 athletes aged 9 to 13 to prepare them for club volleyball.
Tullia holds USAV, IMPACT, CAP I, and CAP II certifications. She keeps updating her training constantly, and her mentors include present and former coaching staff of the US Women’s National Team and the Italian Women’s National Team.
Tullia’s coaching philosophy and methods are based on solid, scientific learning principles: 1) the “game teaches the game”: practices based on real game-like situations, with players developing a high volleyball IQ and a solid competitive spirit; 2) “playful approach”: it is scientifically proven that athletes learn faster and retain better when having fun and being emotionally engaged; 3) ” players as people”: the bond she’s able to create with her athletes and their families is strong and long-lasting.
In her non-volleyball-related life, Tullia is the Manager of a US-Italian Food Company, a certified translator, and a Certified Life Coach committed to empowering players to grow in the life skills acquired through playing the game. She lives in Leander with the apple of her eyes, her son Brian (13), and her ever-supportive husband, Rick.
COACH MAKAILA
2024-2025 153 Sapphire Head Coach
Coach Makaila was born and raised in Oregon, where she grew up playing club volleyball starting at age 10 and through high school and finishing off with some college before fully focusing on her bachelor’s in Nursing at Linfield University.
Since then she has been coaching club volleyball for the last 6 years.
This will be her third year with Austin Velocity and she is thrilled to be a part of such a great organization. After each year of coaching her love for the game grows. Makaila loves bringing positive energy and helping players find their self-confidence in themselves.
She is excited to see what this season brings.
Makaila is IMPACT, Safesport, and Gold Medal Squared certified.
COACH MICHAELA
2024-2025 154 Ruby Head Coach
Michaela is from San Antonio, Texas, and grew up in both San Antonio and Puyallup, Washington. She has been playing volleyball since she was 12 years old. She played club throughout junior high and two years in high school as a middle and outside hitter. She went on to play in college at Green River in Washington State as a universal player, specifically specializing in opposite and middle defending. At the end of her college career, she had the opportunity to play at a few universities but decided to focus on enhancing her skills in coaching.
Michaela earned a bachelor’s in communications, fine arts, and interior design with studies in sports education at Washington State University. She has been coaching club volleyball for six years, with three years of coaching high school and club and one year of rec volleyball. Reaching multiple undefeated seasons and MVC awards.
Michaela has lived in Austin for almost a year; this is her second year with Austin Velocity! Hoping to grow with the Austin city and team. Her coaching goal is to implement trust, honesty, and hard work by adding healthy lessons and play that the teams can incorporate into their everyday lives.
COACH HEATHER
2024-2025 155 Opal Head Coach
This is Heather’s second year coaching with Austin Velocity. Heather has played volleyball for about 35 years starting with playing out at Bull Creek in Austin as a child. She won multiple Top Player awards through school where she ended up falling in love with the DS/Libero position. After school she played everything from sand doubles to co-ed sixes. She has worked with athletes one-on-one to secure spots on their respective teams.
Heather is IMPACT, Safe Sport, and Gold Medal Squared certified.
COACH SARA
2024-2025 141 Diamond Head Coach
Coach Sara is from La Vernia, Texas. She started playing volleyball at age 5 and continued through high school and into college when she moved to Austin to attend and play for Concordia University Texas.
Coach Sara shares her passion for the game through coaching and developing young athletes, motivating players to be their very best, on and off the court.
Coach Sara coached with La Vernia Volleyball Club prior to moving to Austin and has been coaching with Austin Velocity for the past 7 years. In the off-season, Sara helps facilitate clinics and offers one-on-sessions for athletes looking for additional training.
Coach Sara has completed the following coaching certifications: IMPACT, Safe Sport, Positive Coaching Alliance and Gold Medal Squared.
2024-2025 142 Emerald Head Coach
Coming soon
COACH MIREI
2024-2025 143 Sapphire Head Coach
Mirei has been passionate about volleyball for as long as she can remember. Growing up with a volleyball court in her backyard, the sport became an integral part of her daily life. This early exposure and dedication led her to play club volleyball in the Austin area for years, play at the varsity level as a freshman at Anderson High School, play intramural in college, coach various teams, and provide private lessons – all of which deepened her love for the game.
With years of experience, Mirei brings a deep understanding of the game, a commitment to fostering talent, and a passion for helping athletes grow and succeed on and off the court. She is confident in the success of all Austin Velocity teams!
Mirei is USAV IMPACT/SafeSport certified.
COACH AMANDA
2024-2025 131 Diamond Head Coach
Amanda is from Round Rock, Texas. She has been playing volleyball since she was 8 years old through high school as a setter. She played club volleyball for 4 years, starting at the age of 12. She is currently living in Austin studying sports medicine to be a CPT (Certified Personal Trainer) and PNC (Nutrition Coach). She has coached club volleyball for going on 5 years as well as summer leagues for Spike Frog Volleyball. This is her fourth year with Austin Velocity and she couldn’t be more excited. Her love for the game of volleyball has grown and continues to grow. She is excited to continue growing as a coach while helping other players grow themselves. She hopes to pose a positive impact on these athletes abilities both on and off the court.
Certifications
American Volleyball Coaches Association
Gold Medal Squared
USAV IMPACT/SafeSport certified
Positive Coaching Alliance
COACH KENDALL
2024-2025 132 Emerald Head Coach
Coach Kendall was born and raised in Houston, where she started playing volleyball at age 8. She continued through high school where she was a 3-year varsity member as a middle blocker and outside hitter and played in club leagues during the summers. After high school, she moved to College Station, Texas, where she studied Business Administration at Texas A&M. Each
summer, she came home and coached her high school team’s summer league. She moved to Austin after graduating in 2020 and is now studying to become a teacher. This is her second year coaching for Austin Velocity, and she is so excited to be a part of such an incredible organization. She can’t wait to be a part of the development of young athletes and to share her love for the sport!
Kendall is safe sport and IMPACT certified.
COACH CAMIE
2024-2025 133 Sapphire Head Coach
Bio coming soon!
COACH GINA
2024-2025 121 Diamond Head Coach
Bio coming soon!
COACH MARY
2024-2025 122 Emerald Head Coach
Mary is from Pflugerville, TX. She has played volleyball since she was thirteen including school, club and intramural leagues throughout college and graduate school. Mary is dedicated to growing athletes both on and off the court. She believes games are won starting off the court with what you put into practice. Mary’s main focus with her athletes will always be hard work, dedication and confidence in self and team. Outside of coaching, Mary is an Occupational Therapist, mom to two young boys and number one fan to her husband who plays competitive volleyball in the Austin area. This will be Mary’s first year with Austin Velocity, she is excited to see watch all of her athletes grow and reach their full potential!
COACH AMANDA & COACH SARAH
2024-2025 111 Diamond Coaches
COACH JUSTIN
2024-2025 TBD
Justin was born and raised in Houston, Texas.
He is currently a graduate student at Texas State University’s Physical Therapy program in Round Rock. Justin has been playing volleyball recreationally since 2016. This is his first year coaching with Austin Velocity! Justin’s goal is to gain experience coaching while providing the best assistance for the 15 National team to push them to their greatest potential throughout the season!
Justin is SafeSport, IMPACT, and Gold Medal Squared Certified
COACH LIA
2024-2025 TBD
Coach Lia is originally from Panamá but has lived in Killeen, TX, for many years. She has been playing volleyball for about 9 years, starting at age 11. In high school, she was an outside hitter and team captain making 1st and 2nd team for our district and state. Lia also played for Austin Juniors (AJV) for three seasons as a middle and right-side hitter.
Coach Lia had plans to play collegiate volleyball but suffered an ACL tear ending her career short. Luckily she is now fully recovered and back in the world of volleyball!
She is currently a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in International Relations with the plan to graduate next Fall, 2024.
This is Lia’s first year with Austin Velocity. She is super excited to help guide the 15 Travel team to their highest potential.
Lia is IMPACT, SafeSport, and Gold Medal Squared Certified
COACH CAT
2024-2025 TBD
My name is Catrina Garrisi but everyone calls me Cat. I grew up in League City, Texas where I learned to play volleyball when I was 13. I fell in love with the sport and later played varsity volleyball for 3 years in high school as well as club volleyball during the off-season. After high school, I moved to college station to get my degree in Landscape Architecture at Texas A&M University (Gig’em). My husband and I then moved to Austin with our newborn and have been living here for over 12 years now. When my oldest, Capri, was about 8 years old, she started playing volleyball for Spike frog and has been playing every season since. During those years, I’ve had the privilege of coaching her volleyball teams and playing volleyball in adult social leagues. I am very excited to be coaching with Velocity for my fourth season and look forward to this season!
COACH MELISSA
2024-2025 TBD
Melissa was born and raised in Minneapolis Minnesota before being transplanted to Texas in her college years and resided here since. Melissa‘s love for volleyball runs deep as she comes from a long line of successful high level athletes. Both her parents were coaches (her dad coaching nine All Americans). Melissa began playing volleyball, both school and club at a young age and was a three-year varsity starter outside hitter and defensive specialist/lib. She was district defense MVP, had a record 718 season digs, All Conference, and named an All State player her senior year as she led her team to the State Championship game.
Melissa credits a lot of her athletic success in both play and coaching style to her parents and varsity volleyball coach who was inducted into the Minnesota state coaches Hall of Fame, and who was ranked in the top 30 high school volleyball coaches in the nation.
Her love for the sport has been fueled over the last couple years with now having daughters who play the sport. Melissa has coached most recently Boss Frogs Pro (having a 2nd place finish) and 5-6th grade volleyball and elite summer camps in Colorado. She invests time private coaching young athletes 1 on 1 and small group as she specializes in training skill and technique, motivating them to success.
Melissa has a passion for young people as she has had years training and developing them on and off the court. Leading hundreds of teenagers overseas on mission trips, impacting both the students lives and the lives of those in the most rural parts of the world – impacting them for life.
Melissa, her husband, and three kids live here in Leander Texas where she owns a business of 12yrs – a women’s apparel company Grace and Lace.
USAV safe sport certified, IMPACT, and Gold Medal Squared Certified
COACH TAWNY
2024-2025 TBD
Tawny grew up in Allen, Texas and moved to Austin 6 years ago with her family. She found the love of coaching volleyball when her daughter started playing for Spike Frog 5 years ago. Tawny was an assistant coach for her daughter’s team for 7 seasons. When she’s not coaching, she enjoys teaching local group fitness classes or playing with my great Danes. She is very excited for this new chapter of coaching club volleyball for Velocity and look forward to the games ahead!
Tawny is IMPACT, SafeSport certified.
COACH SAVANNAH
2024-2025 TBD
Savannah is from Euless, Texas. She played high school volleyball at Colleyville Heritage HS where she earned All-District honorable mention, Academic All-District, Academic All-State, and the Heart and Hustle award in her 2020 season. She began playing volleyball at the age of 8 and began club volleyball at the age of 12 at Texas Image in Grand Prairie. She played on National Teams becoming an all-around player and team captain. She finished her club career at Texas Image.
This will be her second year living in Austin and she is currently playing collegiate volleyball at Concordia University Texas as an outside/defensive specialist. She is working towards getting a degree in nursing and becoming an RN.
This is Savannah’s second year coaching with Velocity, and third year coaching overall. She is super excited to leave a positive impact on the young athletes who come in to play volleyball and wishes to help them create good habits and work ethics both on and off the court. She believes that young athletes make amazing leaders in the real world and hopes to implement respect and responsibility into their lives. She is ready to grow her love for the sport and continue to learn about the game as a coach.
COACH MEGAN
2024-2025 TBD
COACH LAUREN
2024-2025 TBD
COACH NATALIE
COACH GEORGIA