DC Coaches

Audrey Batcheller

Coach

Coaching Philosophy: I believe that is important to develop each players individual skills, volleyball IQ, and competency as competitors and teammates each season. I do this by simultaneously working on individual skills to improve each player, as well as focus a large amount of our time on building systems that work for the whole team. I don’t think that having fun and working hard to get better are mutually exclusive, so I oscillate between intense and goofy often. I pour my heart into these girls and learn more from them than they ever could from me.

Best Volleyball Moment: In 2018, my club team at the University of Virginia won NCVF’s Club Nationals! I feel so grateful that my last competitive game played at a high level for a team I loved fiercely was a win. 

My Life in Sports: I started playing volleyball my freshman year of high school and quickly fell in love and dropped all other sports. I played for Washington-Lee High School and Arlington Volleyball Club for the next four years, and helped bring W-L it’s first ever district championship. I went on to play club volleyball at the University of Virginia where I made lifelong friends and brought home some previously mentioned hardware at our last trip to Nationals. Since graduating, I play as much pick-up as I can, but feel very privileged to stay engaged in volleyball in a new capacity as a coach. I’m also an avid hockey and college basketball fan – go Caps, go Hoos!

When I’m not Coaching Volleyball… I work in data analytics and recently started a role with Capital One. I have a big, fat, pandemic cat named Yukon and my partner recently adopted the sweetest rescue dog named Theo. Taking care of those two nuggets is one of my greatest joys alongside coaching.

Favorite Subject in School: My psychology courses back in college were my favorites!

Favorite Book: Normal People

Favorite Movie: Bohemian Rhapsody

Favorite Quote: “Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our most accurate measure of courage.” – Brené Brown

Person I’d Like to Have Dinner With: Ariana Grande

Something You Probably Don’t Know About Me: This year I raised over $100,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to attach my mom’s name to two research portfolios after losing her to blood cancer in November of 2019.

Alexis Deconcilis

Coach

Alexis Deconcilis: 14 Peake

Coaching Philosophy: My Coaching philosophy is to create a positive environment for athletes to grow on and off the court. 

Best Volleyball Moment: Setting

My Life in Sports: I played volleyball from ages 13-20 including: club, high school, beach and grass. I also played soccer from ages 6-13. While in high school I also ran varsity track for 3 years.

When I’m not coaching volleyball: I’m either at work or hanging out with friends.

Favorite subject in school: Philosophy

Last Book I Read: The Harry Potter series

Favorite Movie: Marvel movies

Favorite Quote: “Does anyone have any orange slices” – Ant-Man

The person I’d Like to Have Dinner With: Billie Eilish or Dolly Parton

Something You Probably Don’t Know About Me: I played a huge beach tournament in Hermosa Beach California 

John Delaney

Coach

Team: 12 Eagle and 12 Raven

Coaching Philosophy: I want my players to work hard and learn more each practice and tournament.

Best Volleyball Moment: Met Mahrya.

My Life in Sports: I was a D1 swimmer but fell in love with coaching specifically volleyball.

When I’m not coaching volleyball: Golf, ice hockey, watch sports with my daughters.

Favorite subject in school: History

Last Book I Read: I read books about Star Wars, James Bond, and coaching philosophy. 

Favorite Movie: Meatballs

Favorite Quote: “I drank what?” – Socrates

The person I’d Like to Have Dinner With: Arnold Palmer

Something You Probably Don’t Know About Me: At one point in my life…. I had hair!

Kaitlyn Doyle

Coach

Kaitlyn Doyle: 12 Wizard

Coaching Philosophy: Teach the younger generation about the sport I love. Get kids back to loving sports for the competitive and team aspect of it. 

Best Volleyball Moment: Winning the ACCC NJCAA Division I Championship in 2018

My Life in Sports: Sports were my life – soccer, softball, cross country, basketball or volleyball; you name it I played it. As a little girl playing sports, it was always my dream to play a sport in college, it was basketball but soon transitioned to volleyball. Won the Eagle Award at “The Program” Volleyball Camp (2014); Best Offense High School Team 9-12th Nominated Best of Preps (2015); Second Team All-County (2015); First Team All-County (2016); Mississippi All-Star Team (2016-17); Desoto County MVP (2017); 2017 District MVP; NJCAA Academic All-American 1st Team (2018 & 2019); NJCAA All-Tournament Team (2018 & 2019); 2019 NJCAA ACCC All-Region 22 Second Team, Marymount Co-Captain 2021, AEC Player of the week 2021, AEC First Team 2021.

When I’m not coaching volleyball: I am working out, running, baking, chugging coffee, cooking, working on my latest Interior Design project or enjoying a night out with friends.

Favorite subject in school: Math

Last Book I Read: Harry Potter series (only made it through the first four still working)

Favorite Movie: 8 Below, get your tissue ready

Favorite Quote: Not a quote but a verse: 1 Corinthians 15:10

The person I’d Like to Have Dinner With: Harry Styles, Brenda Frese, and Matthew McCaughnehey

Something You Probably Don’t Know About Me: 

1. I am gluten and dairy free because of allergy reasons
2. Nearly cut my index finger off in an accident with a shower handle

Jennifer Forbes

Coach

Coaching Philosophy: Ball is life. Volleyball is a huge part of my life, and I am so passionate about the game. I try to embody and radiate this passion when teaching the game to the girls. I am energetic and enthusiastic in practices and games and I push the girls and teach them to be the best volleyball player that they can be, not the one I want them to be. Fundamentals are an impossible part of the game. You cannot build anything strong with a weak foundation.  Winning is great, and is fun but it is obviously not everything. Winning comes from within and is achieved when all the moving parts are working in sync.

Best Volleyball Moment: Playing in adult CHRVA nationals this year. Also following my dream and trying out for women’s national team a few years ago!

My Life in Sports: I started playing volleyball in middle school, I played throughout high school and played in college at Marymount university. I’ve been coaching high school and club for about 6 years since I’ve graduated and I love it! I still play probably 2-3 times a week in leagues and tournaments if I can

When I’m not coaching volleyball… I am playing volleyball or at work 

Favorite subject in school: Psychology 

Last Book I Read: A Simplified Life: Tactical Tools for Intentional Living by Emily Ley

Favorite Movie: Remember the Titans 

Favorite Quote: “what if I fail? my darling what if you fly?”  

Person I’d Like to Have Dinner With: April Ross or Simone biles 

Something You Probably Don’t Know About Me: My birthday is on Halloween

Caroline Hanson

Coach

Coaching Philosophy: I strive to provide players with the best technical and mental training I can. I want to help players grow as athletes and non-athletes and hope they leave me with life skills that they can provide other people to. Volleyball has provided me with many skills in my career, but also life and I hope it can make an impact on others as I did for me. 

Best Volleyball Moment: Winning the first conference championship for Marymount University along with being named an All American Honorable Mention for 2018. 

My Life in Sports: My Mom and Dad started coaching the year I was born, 1997, so I started playing in 3rd grade, but have been around it my whole life. 

When I’m not coaching volleyball… I am working in a Dermatology clinic and spending time with my friends. 

Favorite subject in school: Anything science related

Favorite Book: To Kill a Mockingbird 

Favorite Movie: Hairspray cause I can sing along 

Favorite Quote: “Get comfortable being uncomfortable.”

Person I’d Like to Have Dinner With: Joe Paterno; Big Penn State Fan 

Something You Probably Don’t Know About Me: I have an obsession with pineapples

Mahrya O’Connor Delaney

Coach

Mahrya O’Connor Delaney: 14 Peake

Coaching Philosophy: Teach them to love the game. I believe that if you bring quality feedback that allows the athlete to experience improvement, they will always be hungry for more.  The best teacher of the game is the ball and quality repetitions.  I instill passion and drive into my athletes to be their absolute best for both themselves and their teammates.

Best Volleyball Moment: 4A MD State Champions and being named MVP

My Life in Sports: Grew up playing volleyball and setting for MVSA from the age of 12.  Went onto college at Ohio University and graduated with a degree in Sociology and Business.  After college, I volunteered for a local club as an assistant and officially got the coaching bug.  10 years later I left corporate America as a Real Estate Title Insurance Controller to run my own club, MOJO Volleyball full time.  MOJO Volleyball has one of the most prominent youth development programs in the DMV.  Most of the collegiate athletes in the McLean area got their start with MOJO youth programming.  This past year I was approached by ECP leadership, Brian McCann to partner up and bring the knowledge and programming I developed at MOJO to ECP.  I’m excited to be on board!

When I’m not coaching volleyball: I enjoy spending time with my husband, daughters, and puppies. I love to go hiking, cook, drink wine, and go out to dinner. I’m also a Real Housewives and trash TV lover, much to my husband’s chagrin.

Favorite subject in school: Business, accounting, and math

Last Book I Read: A woman of independent means

Favorite Movie: Bad Boys II or Dirty Dancing

Favorite Quote: “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”

The person I’d Like to Have Dinner With: Dolly Parton or Lady Gaga

Something You Probably Don’t Know About Me: I love to country line dance and couples dance, my mom is a fiddler and I spent a lot of time at the Cancun Cantina 🙂

Amy Skidmore

Coach

Coaching Experience: I have coached at the high school and club level for the past ?? years. Highlights include coaching the Arlington Elite14 team to a 9th overall finish at the Capitol Hill Classic in the Open division. My West Potomac High School freshman team finished 14-0 in its second season. I’m currently coaching the Varsity team, winners of the Gunston District Conference championship in 2017 and 2018! I’ve received certifications from USA Volleyball Impact, Gold Medal Squared and Art of Coaching.

Coaching Philosophy: Strive to reach academic and athletic excellence by creating an environment that is challenging, supportive, encouraging and collaborative: all to promote the love of the game and be the best we can be.

Best Volleyball Moment: Best volleyball moment was my senior year of high school at Horseheads, our varsity team beat Sweet Home, ending their winning streak of 294 straight games. At the time it was the longest winning streak in high school sports. It was so exciting and such a great memory that we still talk about today.

My Life in Sports: I grew up in a sports-focused community with great coaches that included my mom and dad. Played volleyball throughout high school winning the Sullivan Trail Conference 4 years in a row, NY State Regional Titles, First Team All STC all 4 years, Kiwanis Female Athlete of the Year. Silver and bronze medals in the Empire State Games. Continued on to play 4 years Division I at the University of South Carolina, Captain Senior Yr

When I’m not coaching volleyball… I love to spend free time hiking and playing fetch with my dog Lovie the Labradoodle

Favorite Subject in School: Recess!

Last Book I Read: The Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

Favorite Movie: Love the movies, see a lot of them and have many favorites

Favorite Quote: “To excel at the highest level- or any level really- you have to believe in yourself” – Stephen Curry

Person I’d Like to Have Dinner With: James Corden, after carpool karaoke

Something You Probably Don’t Know About Me: Love to travel, one of my favorite adventures was bungee jumping off a bridge in New Zealand

Eliott Sledd

Coach

Eliott Sledd: 18 Capital

Coaching Philosophy: Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.

Best Volleyball Moment: Finishing second in the state my senior year of high school

My Life in Sports: I mainly played baseball through high school and college. I was recruited by my JV baseball coach freshman year of high school to tryout for the volleyball team, and the rest is history. I still dedicated the majority of my time to baseball and continued to play collegiately at Christopher Newport University. In the off-season I played on the men’s club volleyball team since CNU does not have a varsity men’s team. Upon graduation I took on a brief coaching stint as the 15-2 head coach at Evolution volleyball club in 2019. More recently I was one of the volunteer assistant coaches for the Marymount University women’s team during their 2021 season.

When I’m not coaching volleyball: I am a huge fitness and nutrition junkie and spend a lot of my free time in the gym or learning more about the science behind working out and proper dieting. I also enjoy hunting waterfowl and snowboarding.

Favorite subject in school: Government

Last Book I Read: Can’t Hurt Me – David Goggins

Favorite Movie: Avengers Infinity War 

Favorite Quote: “Without memories of the past, the future means so little.”

The person I’d Like to Have Dinner With: Joe Rogan 

Something You Probably Don’t Know About Me: Was a part of my school’s band for 7 years through middle and high school. 

Chris Smith

Coach

Chris Smith is the Director of East Coast Power Chesapeake.

He helped start East Coast Power Delaware and fielded 10 teams in the inaugural season. Two teams qualified, and both of the teams were head coached by Chris. The 16 Delaware and the 17 Granite team posted excellent results the entire season. 17 granite finished among the best of the best at every tournament they went to, including nationals in which they received the bronze medal for a 3rd place finish in the 17 national division.

The club then expanded with the addition of a branch in D.C. becoming East Coast Power Chesapeake. Prior to this season Chris has qualified 11 teams in 6 seasons including an open bid being Delaware’s first ever open bid recipient as well as a 5th in 13 national division, the highest finish of a Delaware team ever until the 3rd place finish with 17 Granite in 2019. 

Chris has coached for Delaware juniors, Brandywine and East Coast Power. Across all three of these clubs his teams have always demonstrated the competitiveness needed to be relevant on the national scale as well as the regional scale.

He has spent two seasons as a Division II college coach where his team went from last place in the conference to making the conference tournament in just two seasons.

He also spent two seasons at Delaware Military Academy leading them to a 32-1 record over 2 seasons and a state title. During that time DMA fielded one of only 12 athletes to ever be named a 3 time Gatorade player of the year in setter Sydney Fulton.

A constant student of the game, Chris has participated in the sport at every level as a coach, player, and official. He’s attended numerous coaching clinics including Gold Medal Squared, Art of coaching and several others.

Cailyn Thomas

Coach

Coaching Philosophy:  Every time you step on to a court, whether you’re in practice or a game you’re competing against yourself to be better then the day before and to help others around you become better as well.

Best Volleyball Moment: One of my favorite volleyball moments would be winning against Mary Washington at home for the first time in regular season conference play during my Senior year of college at Marymount University

My life in sports: I started playing volleyball my freshman year at Friendly High School. I fell in love and started playing club volleyball for Evolution Volleyball Club. Being a student athlete helped me do well in school, develop a number of relationships with people on the east coast. After high school, I started my college career at Marymount University in 2013. I played as a middle hitter all four years and finished my senior year as an All Region, All american honorable mention, All conference first team, and All state 2nd team. I was also nominated by Marymount as female athlete of the year. After graduating in 2017, I began my coaching career with Arlington Elite Volleyball club.  I am currently coaching at Henry E. Lackey High School as the assistant varsity coach 

When I’m Not Coaching, I am … working and taking care of my son. If I can find time to sleep I try to do that LOL

Favorite Subject in School: Psychology 

Favorite Book: I’m honestly a child at heart, so I would have to say the Twilight Series was my favorite series of books LOL

Favorite Movie: The Color Purple ( I have an old soul)

Favorite Quote: “Give me strength when I stand and faith when I fall”

Person I’d Like to have dinner with: Shonda Rhimes…. I would have to ask her why she likes to make me cry ALL the time in some of my favorite shows like Greys Anatomy, Scandal, and How to get away with murder LOL 

Something you don’t know about me:  All of my mom’s daughters were born on the same day; June 21st 

Victor Troyan

Coach