Randy Ayshford
Club President

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:
USAV Player 1974-2009men’s indoor starting at the “B” level, to men’s AA level and into the age groups divisions at USAV Nationals in the 35’s through 55’s divisions. I have been a setter through all of my player experience. I have been a high school coach in the late 70s and 80’s, including 6 years at Mayo HS. I have been active at all levels of organization for the NCR USAV region from reffing and scoring official, to tournament director, newsletter editor and international event organizer. I have coached boys and girls junior programs since the mid 1980’s with Rochester Area Volleyball Club, Northern Lights and with SMV since 1998.I am currently President of RYVA and have coached for SMV for 10 of the last 12 years at all age levels, 15s/16s for the past 4 years. My real job is an Architect. 

I am a RYVA coach because: Volleyball has provided me with many unique opportunities and experiences and I enjoy sharing what I have learned with new players just starting their path in volleyball. I am passionate about having fun at playing volleyball while learning skills, training your body and mind to play the game, developing teamwork, teaching the importance of work ethic and the enjoyment of competition. If you enjoy the game and hard work, you are welcome on my court.

Amber Zitzow
18-1 Black Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:
I am currently the Head Volleyball Coach at Rochester Community and Technical College Yellowjackets. I have served as an assistant coach with the Yellowjackets since 2009. I have diverse coaching experiences at the college and high school levels at St. Charles, Mayo, and Wabasha-Kellogg. I have been very involved in Junior Olympic volleyball at many age levels. I am also the RYVA Volley Tot and Mini Volleyball Director. This is my 3rd Season with SMV. 

I am a RYVA coach because:
I enjoy coaching SMV: I have a strong passion for the sport and enjoy teaching and coaching volleyball. I view volleyball coaching as team instruction as well as individual skill improvement. I love the application of sports tactics and strategies during the game but also, more importantly, nurturing athletes to grow and reach their full potential. I believe that you need to create a positive environment where athletes feel that they have independence and decision-making capabilities. My goal here at SMV is to create a fun and exciting environment, and winning will then come.

Tori Ristau
18-1 Black Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: This is my second year with SMV 18-1s, and I am very excited to be back. I am a 2008 graduate of Fillmore Central High School where I had the privilege of playing on the varsity squad for four years. After high school I went on to play at the University of Wisconsin Platteville. However, suffering from a knee injury I was unable to play and transferred closer to home where I then played for the Rochester Yellowjackets for two seasons. I have experience both at the setting and defensive specialist positions. As well as playing I have also had experience coaching with the Fillmore Central and Kenyon-Wanamingo JO Programs with the 14's and 16's age divisions.

I am a RYVA coach because: I am a RYVA coach because I absolutely love the sport of volleyball. It's one thing to have played it for many years, but to be able to help and see young women grow on the volleyball court is amazing. Also, having recently been through many of the same goals and obstacles as the young ladies I coach, I am able to offer a sense of mentorship that I hope has a long lasting affect. If I can only be half as successful as some of my previous coaches, I am guaranteed to make a difference in the lives of the players I coach.

Cindy Schmidt
 18-2 Marron Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:

I am a RYVA coach because:

Sam Hanley
18-2 Maroon Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:

I am a RYVA coach because:

Deb Hegerle
16-1 Black 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. This is my 6th season with SMV and I’ve enjoyed working with all the great people and promoting VB in SE Minnesota.

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.

Daisy Jo Robinson
16-1 Black Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:

I am a RYVA coach because:

Becca Langworthy
16-2 Maroon Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: I played 4 years of varsity volleyball in high school in Washington state and began coaching in Washington in 2008 at the 8th grade level. I coached 8th grade for 2 years before moving into a high school assistant position, and took over the head high school coaching job for the fall of 2011. I coached U14 club ball for Team Yakima in Yakima, Washington in the spring of 2011 and fell in love with the club volleyball world.

I am a RYVA coach because: When my husband got a job in Minnesota I knew I wanted to find a club to coach with, and after doing some research I was impressed with the organization and reputation of SMV. I am new to the club, but everyone has been friendly and helpful, and extremely knowledgeable and passionate about volleyball, which makes it a great fit for me!

Amanda Schroeder
16-2 Maroon Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:

I am a RYVA coach because:

Sara Fetchelkotter
16-3 Maroon Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:

I am a RYVA coach because:

Mary Sanderfoot
16-3 Maroon Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:

I am a RYVA coach because:

Brook Murphy
14-1 Black Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:

I am a RYVA coach because:

Rick Lane
14-1 Black Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:

I am a RYVA coach because:

Greg Herbert
14-2 Maroon Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: I have been playing volleyball for around 20+ years. I began playing after I got burned out playing and coaching hockey.  This is my sixth year coaching with SMV.  I began coaching with RYVA when my daughter decided that volleyball was the sport she wanted to focus on and chose to play for RYVA.    In prior years I have coached teams at the 14’s, 15’s, and 16’s age levels. This is my fourth straight year coaching the in the 14’s.  I coached the 14 Black team the prior three years and this season with my son graduating and with his final season of Tennis I needed to stay closer to home hence I am coaching the Maroon 1 team...and I looking very forward to it!!

I am a RYVA coach because:  I love volleyball and coaching…To the point that even though my daughter is now done with her high school and JO volleyball career, I continue to coach.  The reward for me is seeing the players that I have coached in the past play every fall for their respective school teams and succeed both on an individual and team level.  Volleyball at RYVA has made such a positive impact on so many girls through the years and I am so proud to be a continuing part of it…That, and it’s just plain fun and exciting!!!!

Kourtnee Vehrenkamp
14-2 Maroon Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:

I am a RYVA coach because:

Andi Elvert
14-2 Maroon Volunteer Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:

I am a RYVA coach because:

Melissa Montgomery
14-3 Maroon Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:

I am a RYVA coach because:

Michelle Braem
14-3 Maroon Assistant Coach

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I am a RYVA coach because:

Brian Lund
12-1 Maroon Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: Volleyball/Coaching Experience: I have been playing volleyball around 20 years and am still an active player in the USAV. I have coached at various levels of high school ball for the last 15 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 8 years. (1 year of 9th grade, 1 year of 10th grade and just finished my 6th year as Varsity coach) I have run 4-6th and 7-8th grade camps for the Lourdes school system. This is my third year with SMV and second with the 12-1 group. I am looking forward to another great year. 

I am a RYVA coach because: 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. That makes all the time and effort well worth it.

Kristin Stier
12-1 Maroon Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:
I have been playing volleyball for over 20 years. I grew up in Stewartville and was fortunate enough to play at the National level during the JO seasons and the State Level during High School Volleyball. I played a couple years at college and continue to play on a Women’s team today. This is my first year as an Assistant Coach with SMV.

I am a RYVA coach because: I love volleyball!! I would be on the court everyday if life would allow. My family got started with SMV in 2009 when my oldest daughter played at the 12’s level. I was so impressed by the club and her coach, Brian Lund (who we’ve been lucky enough to have for 3 seasons now), that I just had to be part of it. I am looking forward to sharing my love and knowledge of the game with the girls and for the opportunity to learn from a great head coach.

Sherry Looker
12-2 Maroon Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: Hi my name is Sherry Looker. I have coached at SMV for 10 seasons at the 14's 15's, 17'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.  

Emily Maas
12-2 Maroon Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:

I am a RYVA coach because:

Andi Ayers
12 Apples Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:

I am a RYVA coach because:

Tori Brech
12 Apples Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:

I am a RYVA coach because:

Rebecca Rudlong
12 Bananas Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:

I am a RYVA coach because:

DeJay Leang
12 Bananas Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:

I am a RYVA coach because:

Gretchen Forbes
12 Grapes Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:

I am a RYVA coach because:

Samantha Sobolik
12 Grapes Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:

I am a RYVA coach because:

Sara Herrick
12 Oranges Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:

I am a RYVA coach because:

Jessie Masson
12 Oranges Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:

I am a RYVA coach because:

Mike Vetsch
Skills Training Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:
I am a RYVA coach because: I started playing competitive volleyball in 1979 for the University of Minnesota men’s club team, making all conference both years. I then played on a men’s AA/Open team for several years, before taking some time off when I started seminary in 1986. I played on a AA team from Madison WI in 1988. When I moved back to the Twin Cities, I played A for a few years. Moving back to Wisconsin, I didn’t play much locally, but played at the US Open Volleyball Championships with several different teams, winning several gold medals over the years. My most recent play has been in the senior tournaments, including representing the USA at the Global Cup. I started coaching volleyball in 1982, as soon as my college career was done. I started with men’s and women’s college clubs. Then I was asked to coach a women’s team in 1984. They eventually went to the US Open Volleyball Championship tournament in 1986. Once I started seminary, I spent several years helping local colleges and high schools. In the 1990s I started my own JO’s program that covered several local schools. After ending that I have continued to help local teams with camps, clinics, and coaching.

I am a RYVA coach because: Besides loving to coach, and knowing the quality of the SMV program, my Daughter played on an SMV team last year. Since I needed to drive here, I wanted to do something. I helped with the 14-2 last year for a bit, and enjoyed it, so I wanted to come back. I am looking forward to helping kids grow

Larry Priestly
Skills Training Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: I coached youth baseball, basketball and soccer for several years while my kids were growing up.  This is the seventh year I have been coaching volleyball with SMV/RYVA and am a CAP I certified coach.  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 coached for the Lourdes Junior High program for four years and last season for Century High School.  I have been playing at all levels in the Rochester volleyball leagues for many years - both indoor and outdoor. 

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 teach me a great deal too.  

Leslie Elvert
Skills Training 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
Skills Training Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:
I have been playing and otherwise involved with volleyball for many years. I have coached 4 years of Junior High and been involved with RYVA/SMV for 10 years, 8 years coaching. This includes 4 years with 14's, and 1 each with 15's,16's, and 17's, and adding 12's this year. I also am a High School Volleyball Referee. I also represent youth volleyball with the Rochester Amateur Sports Commission.

I am a RYVA coach because: I continue to coach because I love the sport and enjoy teaching others to play the game and learn to love the sport as well. My two daughters played several years with RYVA/SMV before graduating and moving off to college. I am looking forward to another great year with RYVA/SMV.

Laura Otto
Skills Training Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: Volleyball/Coaching Experience: This is my fourth year as an assistant coach for SMV. I played high school volleyball in Cottage Grove, MN and enjoyed playing intramural volleyball at the UW - La Crosse. Now I play for fun in rec leagues in Rochester and try to compete in adult tournaments throughout the year.

I am a 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 experience coaching and I hope to continue to expand my knowledge this year. I also enjoy mentoring the players of the teams I have coached. Some of my volleyball coaches and teammates were the most influential people in my youth and I hope to give back what I have gained from knowing these people.

Yvonne VanOort
Strength and Conditioning Coach

Experience: