Coaching Philosophy: My ultimate goal as a coach is to help the athletes find the same love and passion for volleyball that I have. I believe that providing a positive environment for the athletes to learn in, where they are getting positive feedback and constructive ways for them to improve on their skills is extremely important. I want to provide them with the best way to succeed in the sport so physical skills are trained and mental skills are developed at each practice and tournament. Each athlete is working on all skills so that they can be a well-rounded player. I believe that focusing on each of these things will provide the best experience possible for the athletes.
Best Volleyball Moment: My best high school moments were winning three state championships with Ursuline Academy, two as a player and one as a coach. The win from my senior year is my favorite because I got to play with my sister, we were both on the court for the final point. The win as a coach was awesome as well because I got to watch my cousin help bring the championship back to UA. The coolest experience I had was playing against Penn State my freshman year of college. I got to play against them when they were winning multiple national championships and had world class players. It was amazing.
My Life in Sports: Both of my parents were multiple sport athletes their entire lives so I started in sports really early. I started playing soccer when I was 3 years old and from there I played every kind of sport, volleyball, basketball, softball, track, lacrosse. I tried everything that I could. I started playing volleyball in 4th grade at IHM and started playing club when I was 10 years old. I played at a few different clubs and went to nationals twice, 14s and 17s. I started coaching when I was a freshman in college and have been coaching every year since.
When I’m not Coaching Volleyball… I am a teacher at Immaculate Heart of Mary School. I teach 5th and 6th grade science. I love teaching. It is my dream job. I also love going to concerts and sporting events whenever I can!
Favorite Subject in School: I always loved history and literature when I was a student, but my love for science has grown tremendously since I started teaching it.
Favorite Book: Hands down the Harry Potter series. I am a HUGE Potter fan.
Favorite Movie: Mean Girls
Favorite Quote: You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. – Wayne Gretzky – Michael Scott
Person I’d Like to Have Dinner With: Anyone from the US Women’s National Soccer Team
Something You Probably Don’t Know About Me: I have some pretty awesome siblings. My brother and sister were also huge volleyball people. My sister played at Radford University where she was the Big South Player of the Year and led her team to the NCAA tournament her junior year. They lost to Minnesota in the first round. My brother played at Marymount University where he was a two-time All-American.