Deb Hegerle
18-1 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.

Laura Otto
18-1 Black Assistant 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.

Rich Anderson
18-2 Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:
Playing Experience:
2 years for South Dakota State University club team (setter)
5 years with a Sioux Falls based men's A/BB level team (setter)
6 years with a Rochester based men's team (middle blocker/setter/outside hitter)

Officiating experience:
12 years as a PAVO state rated official and USAV regional official. I work NCAA Div.II and Div. III colleges around the area.

Coaching experience:
6 years with SMV. I have been both an assistant coach and head coach throughout those seasons.

Coaching philosophy: Volleyball is a game we can enjoy throughout our lifetime. I hope to share my passion for the game with my players, with hope that they will enjoy this game throughout their lives. 

Jon Wold
18-2 Maroon Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:
While having enjoyed recreational volleyball as a youth, I first experienced the technical side of the game in college, playing middle on a club team that competed in the former USVBA. Upon moving to Rochester I played for City Rec teams and in local YMCA tournaments, as well as with various B/BB/A teams in what became USAV at tournaments in Minnesota and Wisconsin. For the three years my son and daughter were eligible I coached the co-ed VB team at Rochester Central Lutheran. In SMV I assisted with 14s one year, and head-coached 15s the next, while also helping with a boys JO team.

I am a RYVA coach because: Volleyball is a fascinating blend of power and finesse, and sharing that with the players is rewarding. It's truly a pleasure to work with the dedicated athletes of SMV on skills and techniques, and to see practice lessons turn into improved play on the court.

Amber Zitzow
16-1 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
16-1 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.

Randy Ayshford
16-2 Maroon Head Coach

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.

Kelly Barnes
16-2 Maroon Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:
I started playing volleyball when I was in fifth grade. I grew to love the sport the more I developed my skills and realized what I can do with them. I was starter for Simley High School's varsity team for five consecutive years. I played with our school's club team, Spartan Wave, for a few years then as a junior I played with Northern Lights. As a senior I decided to play with Eden Prairie's club team. My freshman year of college I went to Des Moines Area Community College and played for them as a defensive specialist. As a sophmore I transfered to Rochester Community and Technical College and played libero. I have coached numerous camps in my short years but this is my first coaching experience with a club team.

I am a RYVA coach because: I decided to coach SMV because I want to inspire girls to find love in the sport as I did when I was younger. This is a great time in these girl's lives to know if this is something they want to do for as long as they can. I hope to be apart of that decision. Since this is my first time coaching, there is much to learn and that is another reason why I decided to join SMV. I have a lot of experience on the court and now it is time for me to share advice off the court.

Dave Bowman
16-3 Maroon Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:
I am a RYVA coach because: It's now my 2nd year at SMV, my first as an assistant for 17-1's, which was a real eye-opening and enriching experience. My family moved to Roch this past July from Savage.  My wife, Lisa, is a midwife at The Mayo Clinic, and we have two hopefully aspiring volleyball players Adrian(4) and Natalie(3).Power volleyball runs in my family.  In college, I was introduced to the game by my older brother, Bob, whose daughters both played on the UofM women's team, and whose son is also a very skilled player.  Transitioning from playing to refereeing to coaching has been a goal of mine for quite a while and I'm grateful to RYVA for giving me this opportunity. 

I am a RYVA coach because: I love the game. I enjoy sharing what I know and learn from it- both on and off the court. Seeing the girls mature and grow through a season is a great reward in itself. Although this will be my last year of this short engagement with the program, it's been an amazing and fulfilling journey. I've made friends here that I may not have met not given this opportunity and re-established ties with those I haven't seen in years. I relish this role.

Mike Vetsch
16-3 Maroon Assistant 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

Greg Herbert
14-1 Black 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 third year coaching the 14-1’s and I thoroughly enjoy 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!!!!

Becca Langworthy
14-1 Black Assistant 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!

Larry Priestly
14-2 Maroon Head 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
14-2 Maroon 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.

Kayla Moehnke
14-3 Maroon Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:
I played for SMV starting when I was 11. In high school, I played at John Marshall. My accomplishments there are 3-year starter, All-conference, Big 9 Scholar Athlete, and team captain. I continue to play in park and rec leagues. I coached the Junior Varsity team for six years at Lourdes High School and I have coached a few off season teams including SMV.

I am a RYVA coach because: As a player I always had a lot of fun. Now as a coach I am building on experience and sharing my knowledge of the game. It is a real reward to coach athletes at a younger age and see them improve throughout the years and grow into competitive volleyball players. I like coaching at SMV because the program produces competitive volleyball players.

Kristie Tessmer
14-3 Maroon Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:
I grew up in Saint Michael which is about 2 hours north of Rochester. There I played volleyball for 7 years as a setter and sometimes back row passing as well. My first year of college I attended Anoka Ramsey Community College. As the setter, our team took second in state and second in regionals along with carrying a national rank all through the season. In my second year of college I transfered to Rochester Community and Technical College where many more volleyball opportunities came. I was again setting for the volleyball team, and took second in Regionals along with being nationally ranked. I plan on continuing my volleyball career for the next another two years at a University as well as attending Nursing School. Throughout this past year of living in Rochester, I have had the chance to help out assistant coaching for Mini Tots as well as numerous RYVA camps and clinics.

I am a RYVA coach because: I decided to coach SMV because I love experiencing new things. Volleyball is very important to me as it has taught me many life lessons and helped me reached so many goals that I never imagined. I know this is a crucial time for the girls as they are growing into adults, and I would love to be one of many to help them through this time as a fun yet serious coach and friend just as my previous coaches have helped me in that way. This will also be a great experience to see the different perspectives of being off the court rather than on the court playing, I believe it will help me to grow and become a better person and player as well.

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.

Sara Duxbury
12-2 Gold Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience: 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 was an assistant coach for the 14 Elite Southern Minnesota Volleyball Team in 2008-2009. I am coaching the 12-2's for the second year in a row and am currently the assistant coach at Chatfield High School. 

I am a RYVA coach because:   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.

Brad Brech
12-3 Gold Head 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.

Jill Oftedahl
12-3 Gold Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:
I have been playing volleyball for 10 years now and even before I actually played I loved to watch the high school team play. I have reffed and helped coach a few times before. I like to see players improve and help out as much as possible. Outside of playing volleyball I work, go to school full time at RCTC, and also like to do some fun things like ride and show my horse, play any other sports, ride four-wheelers and be outside on our farm.

Sherry Looker
11-1 Gold 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.  

Kylie Grant
11-1 Gold Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:
I was introduced to the sport, volleyball, almost over 11 years ago. I played on Community Ed, high school teams, several leagues, a lot of summer outdoor tournaments, one year of SMV, and also one year at RCTC, where I am also returning for 2012 season.

I am a RYVA coach because: I chose to be a part of RYVA because I someday I would like to coach for a high school team. I know that this experience and years after this will help me obtain the knowledge of what a coach does and should know. Also, getting to help others get to know the sport better as an individual and also as a team would be a huge accomplishment.

Taylor Mikkalson
11-2 Gold Head Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:
I am currently a senior at Kasson-Mantorville High School, and I am involved in volleyball and track. I have played volleyball ever since I was in seventh grade, and I've always had a passion for this unique sport! I was one of the captains this year for the varsity volleyball team, and it was a phenomenal experience for me because I learned many leadership skills. I enjoy helping players develop their skills and not only grow as players but also as more mature people. I've only had one coaching experience when I helped coach the 5th-8th grade volleyball camp this past summer, which was a lot of fun! I plan on attending the University of Minnesota next fall to major in biology and run cross-country and track there!

Franzi Metge
11-2 Gold Assistant Coach

Volleyball/Coaching Experience:
I started playing Volleyball when I was an exchange student in Ottertail MN seven years ago. I had a great team and an awesome Coach. That's why I decided to keep playing when I had to go back to Germany. After I finished school I joined a Volleyball-Club. In Germany are many competitive leagues even for adults. We had practice twice a week and games or tournaments on weekends. I learned a lot from my Coach, about Volleyball and about good coaching. I came to Rochester in August 2011 and started to play at Open-Volleyball. Nevertheless I missed being on a Team and going to Tournaments!  That's when I decided to become an assistant coach for RYVA.

I am a RYVA coach because:  I like children a lot. They are so joyful and excited to learn new things! I would like to pass on some of the things I learned from my coach about team-spirit and volleyball to new players.