Lisa Swenson
12-1 Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: I have been playing or coaching volleyball for many years.  I have been coaching at LeRoy-Ostrander for the past 8 years - starting out at C-squad and moving thru the years .  I have been the varsity coach for the past 4 years.  I have held camps for the younger players for the past 4 years.
I am a RYVA coach because: I enjoy helping kids learn the game of volleyball.  I find it very rewarding to watch the young ladies improve over the year and watch the success that they make.  Volleyball is a game that can be played for the rest of your life so why not learn it when you are young!

Susan Maas
12-1 Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: I ran in cross country and track all through high school and college, I have competed in State competion in high school as well as National competition in college. I ran in Germany on an American track team and I held the high school record in the mile for 22 yrs at a 5:08. I have run 7 marathons, before and after having four kids. I have been the assistant coach for cross country at Mayo HS in the early 90's and again in 2005. As for volleyball... my two girls have play with SMV for the last four years.
I am a RYVA coach because: I can't talk my girls into running.... This is my second year as an assistant coach to the 12-1 team. I am coaching  because I enjoy being part of a team, watching them learn individual skills, and improve as a group. So many life skills can be learned by being part of a team. Exercise is a life style choice that I want to encourage by example.

Teresa Kruisselbrink
12-1 Assistant Coach

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

Chelsie Peterson
12 Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: This is my first year as an assistant coach, but I have been playing volleyball for 5 years.
I am a RYVA coach because: I'm coaching RYVA because I wanted to gain coaching experience, and I thought it would be great to see the game from a different perspective.

Brian Lund
12-2 Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: I have been playing volleyball around 20 years and am still an active player in the USVBA.  I have coached at various levels of high school ball for the last 13 years. The first 7 years at John Marshall (1 year as a volunteer, 2 years Junior Varsity and 4 years Varsity) and now my current home of Lourdes for the last 6 years.  (1 year of 9th grade, 1 year of 10th grade and just finished my 4th year as Varsity coach)  I have run 4-6th and 7-8th grade camps for the Lourdes school system the last 4-5 years and last year was part of the RYVA camp run by Carolyn Bell.  This is my first year with SMV, but knowing many of the people involved, this is a great group to be with.
I am a RYVA coach because: I really enjoy teaching and coaching volleyball.  It never gets old to see players advance their skills and confidence over the course of the season/high.  That makes all the time and effort well worth it.

Alyssa Guzek
12-2 Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: I played at the varsity level in high school for four years and was also on four Junior Olympic teams.  I played intramural volleyball at La Crosse for three years.  I have volunteered in coaching for younger teams in the past, and I am excited to be a part of teaching girls the fundamentals of the game.
I am a RYVA coach because: I enjoy working with kids and love playing volleyball.  I am excited to be a part of teaching girls the fundamentals of the game.

Cassandra Otte
12-2 Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: played volleyball all throughout high school, including three years on the varsity squad.  During those years I received awards and honors from my teammates and conference competition both.  I continued playing on intramural teams through my four years of college.  Currently I play for two adult womens' leagues in the area.  I also am always up for a little fun competition with friends and family.  As far as coaching experience goes, I have helped out on many teams and clinics throughout the years for all different sports and age groups.  This is my first time coaching a 12U volleyball team on a regular basis, and I could not be more excited about it.
I am a RYVA coach because: I love being active and what better way of showing it than coaching kids in the sport I love.

Greg Herbert
14-1 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 fourth year coaching with SMV.  In previous years I coached and assisted with three SMV 14’s teams (14-2, 14-4, and 14-5), coached the 15-2’s and 16-2’s. This year I am coaching the 14-1’s.  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.

Kourtnee Vehrenkamp
14-1 Manager

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: This is my first year Coaching Volleyball, so I don't have a lot of experience but I am trying my best. I am using some of the skills that I have learned through my other coaches to try and be a good coach.
I am a RYVA coach because: I wanted to still do something with volleyball. I just couldn't give up volleyball. So I decided to help coach.

Julian Holtstiege
14-1 Manager

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: I played the last eight years in Münster, Germany. I got my first volleyball experience while I was a little kid. I started playing when I was eight years old. In 2007 I was chosen to play for the state team of North-Rhine Westphalia. In 2008 I got involved in the more professional way of playing volleyball and would play then in the third highest league of Germany.
In Germany I also completed a coaching education of the German Volleyball Association (GVV) and coached about two years. When I got to the United States, I assisted Brian Lund coaching the Lourdes varsity volleyball team.
I am a RYVA coach because: I don’t have the chance to play volleyball in Minnesota while I am staying here. Volleyball is a very big part of my life, and I would like to share my experiences and help younger players with their skills.

Larry Priestly
14-2 Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: After years of coaching other youth sports such as baseball, basketball and soccer for years, I decided to coach something I know more about.  I have been playing at all levels in the Rochester volleyball leagues for many years - both indoor and outdoor.  I am currently a CAP I certified coach.  This is my sixth year of coaching with SMV/RYVA.  I have been embracing the challenge of bringing young players into the sport by coaching 12's and 14's during this time with our program.  I have also been coaching in the Lourdes Junior High program for the past three years.
I am a RYVA coach because: I have always loved the sport of volleyball.  I started coaching volleyball as an assistant when my daughter started playing.  Since then I have enjoyed teaching our young girls not only the fundamental skills of the game, but also life experience.  My goal is to spread the love of the game, the team work, ethics, and attitude.  My hope is that every player can take away a personal appreciation of the game and continue to enjoy volleyball for life.  I try to teach winning - not always measured by points on the scoreboard, but by personal accomplishment and growth as well as interpersonal skill development.  The most rewarding part of coaching is seeing the growth of each individual as well as growth of the team as a unit.  As an extra bonus, the athletes I coach always teaching me a great deal too. 

Leslie Elvert
14-2 Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: I began playing volleyball in 5th grade. I played on school teams through high school. Playing at the MN State Tournament was a highlight my senior year. I played intramurals during college and have played in Rochester leagues nearly every year since.
I am a RYVA coach because: My daughter has been in SMV for the past couple of years, and I've seen how terrific this club is and have much respect for the SMV program, philosophy and coaches. Being an assistant coach is an opportunity for me to share my passion for volleyball with young players while being mentored by a great coach.  I am excited to help the players develop as individuals and as a team.

Brad Brech
15-1 Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: 5 Seasons of Junior High, 4 with Holy Spirit and 1 with RYVA. 7 Seasons of Junior Olympics with SMV.
I am a RYVA coach because: I love the sport and enjoy the opportunity to pass on my skills and love of the game to junior players from our area. Even though my daughters are finished playing with SMV,  SMV is my volleyball family and what is better than being around a sport you love with your friends!! 

Rebekah Fitzgerald
15-1 Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: I graduated from Faribault High School in 2003 where I played volleyball, basketball, and fastpitch softball. I was All American in volleyball and basketball at RCTC and also played volleyball and basketball at the University of Minnesota-Crookston.
I graduated with a degree in Sport and Recreation Management and a minor in Business Management. Currently I am pursuing a Masters Degree in Business Administration through Augsburg College.
I am a RYVA coach because: I am an RYVA coach because I have a passion for volleyball.  I want to use the skills and knowledge that I have learned throughout my years of experience to help young players excel on and off the court.  

Deb Hegerle
16-1 Elite 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.

Darci Heikes
16-1 Elite Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: I have played volleyball since I was eight years old. I played my JO years with Lourdes, Southside, and RYVA/SMV. I started varsity at Mayo High School for 5 years. I then went and played a year at RCTC. As for coaching, I have worked several camps and clinics through RYVA and have volunteer coached at Mayo.
I am a RYVA coach because: RYVA is my alma mater. I played majority of my club years here. It is also a good, respected club with awesome coaches that I have the opportunity to learn from so that one day I can become a head coach of my own.

Laura Otto
16-1 Elite Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: This is my second year as an assistant coach for SMV.  I have played volleyball for 12 years, first at Park High School in Cottage Grove and later intramurals and city rec leagues in La Crosse and in Rochester.
I am a RYVA coach because: I am an RYVA coach because I feel like there is always something to learn when playing volleyball and coaching gives me another perspective on the sport I love.  I have continued to learn new things about the game and about myself in my short experience coaching and I hope to continue to expand my knowledge this year.  I also enjoy the mentoring aspect of coaching.  Some of my volleyball coaches and teammates were the of the most influential people in my youth and I hope to give back what I have gained from knowing these people. 

Jessica Stellmaker
16-2 Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: I have been coaching volleyball since I played volleyball at NDSU back in the mid 90's.  While at NDSU, I played under the likes of Janet Cobbs Mullholland, a former volleyball Olympian.  I also coached for the Junior Olympic program in Fargo, ND in 1995-1996.   After returning home,  I took over as the head volleyball coach at Plainview High School from 1998-2001 where we built a successful 64-41 four year record and 1st all-state player since the 70’s.  I then went on to coach at Winona State University for 2 years from 2002-2003 under Connie Mettille to help build that program back up and finish school.  After graduation from WSU I coached with Lynn Nelson at St.Charles for 2 years from 2004-2005 where we took the Saints to the section finals – which oddly enough the last time they were in the section finals was 1993 which was my senior year at St.Charles High School.  Unfortunately both times losing to Stewartville.  After taking a few years off from coaching, last year I took over as head coach at Dover-Eyota High School.  Again, rebuilding a program.  And this is my 1st year as a coach for SMV.
I am a RYVA coach because: I decided to join the SMV team because not only do I love the game of volleyball but I get to work with individuals who want to make volleyball a serious part of their life.  I want to help make volleyball in Southeast Minnesota stronger and develop a program that produces successful athletes and individuals. 

Sara Heim
16-2 Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: I've played volleyball since I was in 5th grade.  I played for Wabasha-Kellogg Highschool then at Ripon College.  I've coached the younger clubs at Wabasha-Kellogg while I was a player myself.  Then, while attending college in Ripon, I was the head coach for the 16's and 15's division.  I've decided to join SMV because I know how great of a program it was when I was a player.  I will be assisting the 16-2.
I am a RYVA coach because: I am an RYVA coach because I want to share my love of the sport with current athletes.  I've also been a player learning from many different coaches.  I want to combine the strengths from each coach to become the best coach and mentor that I can be for these younger athletes to help them grow as a player and a person as well.  Coaching SMV will be a great start as I hope to climb and be a college coach some day.

Sherry Looker
17-1 Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: Hi my name is Sherry Looker. I have coached at SMV for 9 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.  

Glen Huntoon
17-1 Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: I started coaching volleyball in the early 80's at Wabasha-Kellogg High School.  I continued to coach there until I retired in 2000. During that time I started the Wabasha-Kellogg Volleyball Club. I took off a few years then decided to get involved again.  I  coached again for SMV for four years;  coaching the 14's, 15's and 16's.  Took off a few more years and decided to help out SMV again.  I have coached at the 18's level as well with a team made up of Three Rivers players.  I have also coached for Mabel-Canton. I am currently Varsity Coach at Alma High School in Wisconsin.
I am a RYVA coach because: I love to teach the game of volleyball to young girls.  I enjoy getting them to work as a unit which ultimately helps them to win matches and tournaments.

Amber Zitzow
18-1 Elite Head Coach

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

Courtney Lermon
18-1 Elite Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: This is my first year as an assistant coach. But i have been playing volleyball for about 10 years now, so I've got a great feel for the game. 
I am a RYVA coach because: I am on RYVA because I wanted to get some coaching experience, and I thought it was a great opportunity to fufill.

Tori Ristau
18-1 Elite Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: Even though this is my first year with SMV, I am very excited to be joining the family.  I'm 19 years old and currently play volleyball for the RCTC Yellowjackets as a defensive specialist.  I graduated from Fillmore Central High School in 2008 and was a Pioneer for a year with the UW-Platteville Volleyball Team.
I am a RYVA coach because: I have had experience coaching the Falcon Fire 14's and Kenyon-Wanamingo 16's.  I'm very excited about this upcoming JO season and am hoping to bring something a little extra to the table.

Melanie Lane
18-2 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.

Rick Lane
18-2 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