In 11 years at Wisconsin, Kelly Sheffield has put the Badger volleyball program among the nation’s elite.
• 2021 NCAA Championship
• 2013, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023 NCAA Final Fours
• 11-straight NCAA Sweet 16-or-better tournament finishes
• 2014, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 Big Ten Champions
• Ended the last 11 seasons ranked in the top 12 nationally
• 42 All-America honors
• 43 All-Big Ten honors
• Ranked second nationally in attendance in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023
• Two Olympians (Lauren Carlini, Dana Rettke)
• Two AVCA National Players of the Year (Sarah Franklin, 2023; Dana Rettke, 2021)

Under Sheffield, Wisconsin has won on the NCAA level unrivaled by any other team. The Badgers are one of only three teams to compete in the Sweet 16 the last 11 years in a row, including four final four appearance

The Badgers won the 2021 NCAA Championship, the first in program history. UW also finished as the NCAA runner-up in 2019 and 2013 while advancing to the final four in 2020 and 2023. Wisconsin qualified for the Elite Eight in 2022, 2018, 2016 and 2014 and the Sweet 16 in 2017 and 2015.

Wisconsin is 39-10 in the last 11 years of NCAA play.

Maggie has an extensive volleyball background, competing 9 years for SPVB out of Aurora, IL. At the club level, Maggie won 2 Junior Olympic titles, was a 4-time AAU All-American, and 2-time JO MVP.

Rodrigo Gomes is a former professional volleyball player from Brazil who has transformed his passion for the game into a career as one of the leading voices in youth sports business management. As the CEO of Volleyball Brands, Rodrigo has spent over two decades helping volleyball organizations improve their operations through data-driven decision-making, automation, and best management practices. He founded Volleyball Academy, a structured training system to enhance player development while ensuring sustainable business growth for volleyball clubs.

Rodrigo’s expertise extends to facility management, financial strategy, and franchise-based volleyball programming, making him a sought-after consultant and speaker in the industry. His innovative approach bridges the gap between sports performance and business intelligence, helping clubs maximize their impact and profitability.

When he’s not reshaping the volleyball industry, Rodrigo is dedicated to his family and mission of making volleyball more accessible and sustainable worldwide.

Mike Lingenfelter is the Co-Director of Munciana Volleyball Club, with over 40 years of coaching experience. He has led Munciana Samurai teams to 9 national championships.  His Munciana Samurai teams have placed in the top 3 (JVA, AAU, and USA) since 2004. Lingenfelter is one of only two coaches to reach the 18 Open Championship match in all three major volleyball organizations (JVA, AAU, and USAV).

In high school volleyball, he led Wapahani High School to three state championships and was named State Coach of the Year three times.

At the collegiate level, Lingenfelter was a three-time Conference USA/Metro Conference Coach of the Year and earned over 200 career victories. He has also been honored with the prestigious Don Shondell Lifetime Achievement Award and was named AVCA 18’s Coach of the Year.

Lingenfelter is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati and Ball State University. He is a proud father of five children—Krew, Kaleb, Kody, Kory, and Kiley—and in his own words, “the best-paying job is being a father to my five children.”

Dennis Yu is the Chief Technology Officer of BlitzMetrics, where he combines a passion for mentorship with cutting-edge technology to empower young adults and organizations. His mission is to create one million jobs by training students and professionals in practical, hands-on digital marketing skills that drive real-world impact.

As a leader in the digital marketing space, Dennis has worked with global brands like the Golden State Warriors, Nike, and Rosetta Stone, managing over a billion dollars in Facebook ad spend. He’s also the co-author of the Amazon #1 best-seller The Definitive Guide to TikTok Ads. His expertise has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, NPR, and Fox News, but his greatest passion lies in helping organizations and communities thrive.

Dennis is deeply invested in leveraging AI and data-driven solutions to help amateur sports organizations manage memberships, grow their programs, and engage with their communities. He sees technology as a powerful tool for connecting people and creating sustainable systems that support youth development.

A globally recognized speaker, Dennis has delivered keynotes in 17 countries, sharing strategies to empower individuals and organizations with technology and education. His articles appear in top industry publications like Adweek and Social Media Examiner, where he provides actionable insights for driving growth through AI and digital marketing.

Dennis bridges the gap between data, technology, and education. He’s particularly excited to connect with organizations like the Junior Volleyball Association, whose mission to support youth development aligns with his own commitment to inspiring the next generation—on and off the court.

Chad is dedicated professional passionate about leadership, community building, and athlete development, currently serving as General Manager with a vision of growing our programs and offerings to the community they serve. He oversees league operations, fosters partnerships with schools and recreational leagues, and leads initiatives to grow participation, revenue, and accessibility. A cornerstone of his work is launching a scholarship initiative to support players from all backgrounds.

As Boys Club Director and head coach for the 18-Red team, as well as the head coach for the girls’ 18-Antare team, Chad takes pride in mentoring athletes and driving player development. His full-time focus is on sustainable growth, securing partnerships, and leading fundraising efforts to shape the future of the organization.

Previously, he served as Senior Development Officer at United Way of Greater Toledo, specializing in non-profit management, relationship building, and donor retention. With a strong background in operations, event management, and public speaking, Chad brings a blend of strategic leadership and hands-on experience. He holds a Master’s Degree in Sport and Fitness Administration/Management from Bowling Green State University.

Michael Garcia is the Senior Director of Austin Junior Volleyball overseeing operations of the club as well as volleyball programming.  He is also involved with the operations of multiple convention center events across the country including the adidas Lone Star Classic.  Michael has been working with Austin Juniors for over 25 years and has won two USA Junior Olympic National Championships.

Michael Garcia began his volleyball career playing on the University of Texas Men’s Club team in the early 1990’s as an outside hitter and defensive specialist. After college, he continued with beach volleyball. In 1998, Michael was hired by Austin Junior Volleyball to coach the 14 Red team. As the Head Coach for St. Stephen’s Episcopal he won 2 Southwest Preparatory Conference Division II titles in 3 years. Michael trained Marie Bruce Putman and Jena Pierson McFadden in sand volleyball. They became the 2002 USA Volleyball Junior Olympic Beach National Champions. It was the first National Championship for Austin Junior Volleyball. In 2007, he was the Head Coach for a group of AJV athletes selected to participate in the international Global Challenge event in Croatia. The extremely athletic team competed against professional clubs and and the A1 and A2 USA Junior National teams. They finished in the Gold division of the event. The following year, Michael won his first indoor National Championship in the 17 Open Division after going undefeated at Nationals. In 2010, his team finished 3rd overall in the 16 Open of the USA Junior Nationals.

16 Mizuno won the 2015 Junior National Championship in 16 American,  2013 16 Mizuno finished 3rd in the 16 USA division, Had teams Finish 5th in the Open division 3 times.

In 2006, he married his high school sweetheart, Daniela and they have two children, Gabriela and Christian.

Career Accomplishments to Date:
Freshman State Champion – 2021

Coaching Roles:
• Meraki Volleyball Director w/ LOVB – 2017-Present
• Amherst Middle School Coach – 2024-Present
• Bedford Freshman Coach – 2020-2021
• Goffstown Girls Varsity Coach – 2017-2019
• Gold Medal Squared Camp Coach – 2013-2019
• Jacksonville University Volunteer Assistant Coach – 2016-2017
• Dover Boys Varsity Coach – 2014-2016

What made you decide to get into coaching volleyball?
I fell in love with the sport as a player, as I grew up I fell in love with the community, and teaching life lessons through the sport I love so much.

What are your career goals in the sport?
To increase access to volleyball in my state, build NH’s first volleyball only building, and see our state’s athletes compete at the highest level.

Which coaches have influenced you the most?
• Kim Barron – Mom, thank you for teaching me that every athlete is different and modeling true care for each athlete.
• Jill Hirschinger – Thank you for teaching me a high level work ethic and modeling leadership.
• Stacey Cheney – Thank you for teaching me how to pay attention to details and modeling how to set standards.
• Eric Hodgson – Thank you for teaching and modeling a lifelong curiosity.

What do you enjoy most about your coaching job?
The growth, relationships, and building of community around coaches, parents, and players.