Ashley Bjorge
12-1 Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: I started playing volleyball in middle school and continued at Eastview High School up in the cities. I played JO for Eastview for 3 seasons and had a great time learning the game and forming friendships with teammates. In college I played intramurals and took every opportunity to play. I have had little experience coaching in the past with various clinics during high school but this is my first time coaching for ryva.
I am a RYVA coach because: I wanted to coach volleyball to share my love of the game with young girls and be a postitive influence. I love to teach/coach and I thought this would be a great opportunity to share what I have learned
about volleyball and at the same time be able to learn from the athletes and watch them grow and evolve into not only great players but great people as well.

Michelle Dezelar
12-1 Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:
I am a RYVA coach because:

Susan Maas
12-1 and 12-2 Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:
I am a RYVA coach because:

Larry Priestly
12-2 Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:

I am a RYVA coach because:

Julie Fink
12-2 Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:
I am a RYVA coach because:

Lee Jameson
14-1 Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: Prior to graduating from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1992, my experience with volleyball only involved an occasional jungle ball game. After marrying a college volleyball player and moving to Minnesota, I began regularly playing both indoor and outdoor volleyball. Roadkill, an indoor mens A/AA USAV team out of Rochester, opened up my eyes to the world of volleyball and honed my skills. In 1994, a friend convinced me to coach the 'B' squad at Pine Island HS. I did that for two years followed by 3 years
at the varsity level. After my kids arrived, I gave up coaching for several years but I continued to play indoor 6s, reverse coed 2s on grass and mens sand 2s. In 2001, I joined SMV as a 12U coach and have coached at that level every year since. Additionally, during that time I have become CAP
certified, coached the JV at Century HS, coached a fall 7th grade RYVA team and am currently coaching a SMV 17U team.
Beyond coaching and playing, I have been on the RYVA board for the last 5 years and have been president for the last 3 years. I have been a USAV juniors referee clinician for the last 6 years along with a provisional or regional referee. I also refereed for 2 years for the MSHSL.
I am a RYVA coach because: I love the sport of volleyball. As a coach, there is something very appealing with taking a group of players and not only improving their individual skills but also molding these players into a cohesive and competitive unit. I believe that I have a lot to offer, and what I teach applies both on and off the court. Why am I an RYVA coach? I am a big believer in the tenets of the RYVA organization and have invested a lot of my time in this organization because of these reasons. If a player wants to
play, RYVA tries very hard to find a spot for that player. All players are welcome in RYVA regardless of their high school affiliation. Additionally, RYVA players play with teammates of the same age and level of ability.

Sarah Duxbury
14-1 Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: I have enjoyed playing and watching volleyball since I was in high school.  In college along with my teaching degree I decided to get my coaching degree, so that I was able to introduce the sport to others who wanted to be competitive in volleyball.  I had been a head coach at Dover-Eyota from 1986-1988 and was an assistant coach at Mayo in 1989.  In 1990-2001 I was the head coach at Chatfield finishing my career with over 300 varsity wins.  In 1996 I was selected the Section One Volleyball Coach of the Year.   Even though I stepped down as a varsity coach to raise my family I continue to be active in the Minnesota State High School League by being the Section One Representative.  In 2007 I attended the Final Four NCAA Volleyball Championship matches which inspired me and excited me about getting back  into coaching the sport. 
I am a RYVA coach because: I enjoy working with kids who have a strong desire to be the best they can be.   It is fun to work with kids as they demonstrate their hard work and dedication in practice and games so they are successful with their own individual goals.  I look forward to being a part of the SMV program this year.

Matt Schroeder
14-2 Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: I first started playing volleyball in grade school thru the YMCA (I still have my first pair of knee pads...)  I've played intramurals for about six years, and I also played for UW La Crosse (2003) for one
season.  I began coaching when my sister's middle school volleyball coach was looking for an assistant to help in practice (back in 2001.) Since then I have coached at a few other clubs including West Bend Power and Sparta Sparks.  I coached JV and Varsity Reserve at Aquinas High School in La Crosse during college.   
I am a RYVA coach because: I enjoy working with children and young adults because I like to see them evolve as players and as a team throughout the season.  Along with
me coaching the players, the players have taught me a few lessons as well.  I've appreciated watching the players succeed-not only through winning, but through personal achievements and reaching goals as well.  I believe that if you come to practice with a good attitude, hard work ethic, and always try your best, you will do well in volleyball.
It's one of the toughest sports out there, but it's also the best-the players should feel very lucky that they have such supportive parents and fans, and its been great getting to know the families of the players.

Laura Otto
14-2 Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:
I am a RYVA coach because:

Matt Durski
14-2 Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: My "core" interest in volleyball stems mainly from watching my father play as a child. As he always told me, "Volleyball is a sport you can
enjoy for most of your life if you play it right." When I was 12
years old I joined a private club team, and upon entering high school, I played back row specialist and setter for the school team. I have also played collegiate volleyball as a libero and a setter. I have years of experience traveling and playing in all sorts of indoor, grass, and sand tournaments and have been a volleyball ref.
I am a RYVA coach because: Education is something that is of the utmost importance to me as it is this alone which separates human beings from every other member of the animal kingdom. The adage holds true, "Give a (wo)man a fish, feed her/him for a day, teach a (wo)man how to fish, feed her/him for a lifetime." This is why I coach volleyball.

Kayla Tlusty
14-3 Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:

I am a RYVA coach because:

Tiff Tlusty
14-3 Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:
I am a RYVA coach because:

Rachel Korinek
14-3 Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:
I am a RYVA coach because:

Mark Ziemann
15-1 Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: I just completed my 12th season coaching girls. I have coached at every level from grade school to varsity with most of those years coming in Illinois. I also coached boys volleyball for 8 years in Illinois. My club experience consists of 3 years at Sky High, coaching both boys and girls, and 1 year as an assistant coach at the 18-2 level with SMV.
I am a RYVA coach because: I love to coach and teach which is my other passion. I have been a math teacher for 16 years and enjoy working with athletes/students to help them realize their full potential and develop an appreciation for the sport/subject area. I also appreciate the opportunity to pass on my knowledge and excitement for the game to dedicated players and be able to work with them in achieving success in one of the ultimate team games. Lastly, I love to compete on any level and coaching is a great outlet for that.

Rick Lane
15-1 Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: I coached club volleyball in St. Charles before joining SMV.  I have been coaching SMV since 2003-2004 season.
I am a RYVA coach because: I first became a coach at SMV when my daughter was playing.  She has since gone on to play at the college level.  I continue to coach because I enjoy working with the girls and seeing them advance their volleyball skills

Randy Ayshford
16-1 Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: I have been involved in many aspects of volleyball since 1972, as a BB, A and AA level player indoors and on the beach in doubles, a player in
the USA Open National Championships at the A, AA, 35's, 45's and 50's levels of play, a Junior National and Collegiate Official, an editor, writer and publisher of the NCR Region Newsletter, organized and directed volleyball events from local Juniors and adult events to regional and international events with USA, Japan, USSR, Russia, and Korean National Teams. I was a B & JV coach for Mayo HS in the 80's, and have been a Juniors Coach and Club Director for the Rochester Volleyball Club from '87 to '93,  Northern Lights Coach in the mid '90's, a Coach and Board member for Rochester Youth Volleyball Assn., (SMV) from 1998 to present.  I have received a variety of awards from North Country Region and USA Volleyball over the years, the most recent was the USAV North Country Region Founders Award in 2006 for many years of support of volleyball in the region.
I am a RYVA coach because: Coaching is a blast.  I truly enjoy the opportunities to pass on the thrills and excitement of playing a very competitive and unique sport to young players who are willing to explore the challenges of volleyball.  And to see their growth and the development of their passion for the game, that is the reward for my efforts.  I want to provide the opportunity for volleyball athletes to achieve the highest level of training here in SE Minnesota and provide each athlete the skills and tools necessary for them to continue on with the sport of volleyball when they leave the SMV program.  SMV is the beginning.

Brad Brech
16-1 Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:
I am a RYVA coach because:

Amir Dzamalija
16-1 Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: I started playing volleyball when I was 15 years old in Foca, Bosnia Hercegovina former Yugoslavia. Three years later I was selected to play for the Junior National team of Yugoslavia.
Right after that I was offered to play for the top team in Sarajevo where I spent most of my career. During that period we took the Cup championship of Yugoslavia, Vice championship in the league, and qualified for European Cups every year. Shortly before the war started, I moved to Germany and continued playing for VFB Friedrichshafen in Friedrichshafen. This was a great club, and we took Vice championship in the league and third place in the finale Cup CEV in Padova, Italy.
After a few years, I went to play in the third league in Germany with a team called TSV Saulgau in Saulgau. The following season we were able to jump up in the second league. After one year playing Saulgau, we reached the top league in Germany. The same year, I moved to Rochester, Minnesota. I joined a club team in Rochester and played many tournaments in Minnesota. My first job as assistant coach was at Stewartville High School where the team finished twice in 2nd place at the State tournament. I was selected to be an assistant coach for the Minnesota Chill in Rochester, but the league was cancelled.
I am a RYVA coach because: I think my experience in volleyball can benefit young players to develop their skills.
I love to help young athletes to win and to be succesfull in life.

Greg Herbert
16-2 Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: I have been playing Volleyball for around 20 years. I began playing after I got burned out playing Hockey. Once my Daughter became interested in playing, I helped teach and coach her.  This is my third year coaching with SMV.  My first year I coached and assisted with three SMV 14’s teams (14-2, 14-4, and 14-5).  Last year I coached the 15-2’s and this year I am coaching the 16-2’s.  Last fall I assisted with coaching the Lourdes Eighth grade volleyball team.  In the past I have also coached multiple Soccer and Hockey teams.
I am a RYVA coach because:My Daughter wanted to focus on just playing volleyball and RYVA was where she wanted to go to further develop her skills.  After meeting the RYVA staff I was impressed with the organization, its focus, and talented coaching staff.  I decided to join on as well.  For me the rewards are seeing the players that I have coached play in the fall for their respective school teams and succeed both on an individual and team level.  Plus, it’s fun!!

Jessica Nokleby
16-2 Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:
I am a RYVA coach because:

Deb Hegerle
17-1 Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: I played volleyball at Osseo High School and the University of Minnesota – 4 years. I was one of the original 6 founders of MVI Camps
and played many years with USVBA. My coaching experience includes B-Squad Coach – Wayzata HS, Varsity Coach – Cretin Derham Hall HS, Northern Lights – 16-1’s, 18-1’s (6 years), and 9th Grade Coach – Kasson Mantorville HS.
I am a RYVA coach because: I love working with young ladies, not only on the court teaching them the game, but also the off court time when I can get to know them on a personal level. I enjoy watching the hard work in practice pay off when a team plays together and succeeds…which is not always measured by wins. I enjoy the conflicts that arise amongst members of a team because that’s an opportunity to help them learn how to deal with conflict which is a part of everyday life.

Theresa Crance
17-1 Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:
I am a RYVA coach because:

Melanie Lane
17-2 Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:I grew up in St. Charles, and put more hours into the Saints volleyball and Junior Olympic programs there, than I probably put into my homework. I had the opportunity to be a part of the SMV program my senior year of high school, as part of the 18 Elite team. I then went to Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa and played collegiate ball there for two years. After graduation, I returned to southeastern Minnesota and have just completed my second season as the assistant coach for the RCTC Yellowjackets. This is also my second year as part of the SMV staff, coaching at the 17s level. I also still play whenever I get the chance.
I am a RYVA coach because:Volleyball is usually the best part of my day. I love it because not only am I able to foster successful athletes, but the best (and most rewarding) challenge is to create dynamics that turn a group of girls who haven't played together into a team. Growing up, the best mentors I had were a few special volleyball coaches. I only hope to be as much a positive influence in young women’s lives as I’ve had coaches in the past make a difference in mine.

Laura Holt
17-2 Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:
I am a RYVA coach because:

John Geske
17-2 Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:
I am a RYVA coach because:

Carolyn Bell
18-1 Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: For the past nine years, I have coached the SMV 18-1 program. I was also the head coach of the John Marshall high school volleyball program during the 2006 & 2007 season.  I am currently a 3rd year head coach at Rochester Community and Technical College with a 45 and 20 match record.  Overall, I have been coaching for approximately 12 years at a highly competitive level.  My passion for volleyball has come from being a player. I played four years of college volleyball in New York where I earned most valuable player and was named to the NCAA Division III All-American team.
I am a RYVA coach because: I have a passion for teaching and passion for volleyball as a sport.  As well, my graduate degrees are in exercise science and sport psychology so I get a kick out of being able to use what I’ve learned to positively influence both the psychological and physical health of young women who play volleyball.

Jim Bell
18-1 Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: My volleyball playing experience is that I have played since 1989, I have played on a collegiate club team division II as well as USA volleyball.  I started coaching 12 and under from 1993-1994, then assisted with the college team at Genesee Community College in 1994-1995.  My wife and I began coaching together here in MN in 2000 and have done so since then.
I am a RYVA coach because: I decided to coach for RYVA because I wanted to do more activities with my wife, who was interested in coaching.  I keep doing it because I love to teach and to learn from the athletes.

Veasana Sok
18-1 Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:
I am a RYVA coach because:

Sherry Looker
18-2 Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: Hi my name is Sherry Looker. I have coached at SMV for 8 seasons, primarily at the 14's level, with some 12's experience as well. I have always had a passion for sports, especially volleyball and
basketball, playing both during high school, college, and a major portion of my adult life. My oldest daughter got me interested in coaching back when she was in 6th grade.  She played in the USYVL which was a beginner's volleyball league.  Parents were welcome to join in, learn the basics and develop a sound fundamental instructor perspective of the game.  I then began to be involved in Rochester Youth Volleyball the same year in the winter.  Again the scenario was similar, we have kids, we could sure use some parents to help with the programs. So under leadership of Bob Koerner and Randy Ayshford, I gained experience as a coach for 12's and then I settled into coaching the 14's for the past 7
years. The game of volleyball has transitioned into a game of positions, defensive and offensive strategies.  There has been Olympic and European and Japanese influence into much of our game as it is played today.  It is incredible and so exciting to watch professional and aggressive volleyball from 14 years old and up thru the ranks, to college and Olympic volleyball. As I was out there in my early years as a coach, I was inspired to learn more of the game today to become a better coach, so I have a rather sophisticated library, and have attended many volleyball clinics regionally, including clinics by Dennis Amundsen(ex Gopher setter coach,
and Twins pitching coach), Pat Powers(Olympian player), and Walt Weavers MVI clinic in Apple Valley.  My aspirations are to continue teaching the game of volleyball, and keep learning.
I am a RYVA coach because: As I continue to grow as a coach, I realize that there is more than one way to do it, and be successful at most volleyball skills, and when you watch others play or watch others coach, you can gain an appreciation for all the unique ways.  So as a coach, it is so important to be open-minded, to enjoy doing what you do, to like the players, and be yourself, and hopefully impart some of your wisdom and leadership skills onto them, as well as role modeling. Over the years, I did coach both my daughters, but of the years coaching, I have had more teams where neither of my girls played on my team.  I felt fulfilled to be able to accomplish teaching young lady athletes about the game of volleyball and about life lessons.  It's not always winning, but how you played the game, or being honest on that call, paying attention reffing or doing the scorebook, representing your team, your town, and your club are more important.  It's also not always about winning, but sometimes about losing gracefully. Coaching is challenging when you have a full time job.  My full time job is working with cancer patients and giving chemotherapy.  There it is about life or death. The days are fulfilling at work as well. So sometimes I come to volleyball to get away from my work, to have an
outlet, to exercise, to just be me, outside of work. Volleyball has provided that for me. Also, I have some of the nicest friends through our club.  It's an awesome thing to have coaches that are experiencing the same sort of issues as yourself, or the ups and downs that go with coaching. So if you ask me why I coach, it's because I love it, I love the girls,
the gym, the lessons that you learn every day to be a better person.  

Rich Anderson
18-2 Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:

I am a RYVA coach because:

Andrew Warmuth
Strength and Conditioning Assistant

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:
I am a RYVA coach because: