Dr. Jaime Gordon was introduced as the CEO of the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) on July 1st, 2023. In his first year of leadership, Gordon has demonstrated a visionary approach, successfully launching key initiatives that have significantly advanced the association’s mission and impact. Among his notable achievements, Gordon spearheaded the expansion of membership benefits and the enhancement of digital resources for members, ensuring that the AVCA remains at the forefront of providing valuable support to volleyball coaches nationwide.

A strong advocate for volleyball-specific legislation, Gordon has worked to promote policies that benefit the sport at all levels. He launched the AVCA First Serve Showcase, a premier event that has quickly become a highlight in the volleyball calendar. Under his guidance, the AVCA also saw a significant increase in membership and engagement, culminating in the successful execution of the largest annual convention in the association’s history.

Gordon’s leadership has been instrumental in elevating the AVCA Beach Pairs National Championship, rebranding the AVCA to better reflect its mission and values, and forging key partnerships with the international volleyball community. His efforts have led to significant growth in corporate engagement and revenue, enhancing the association’s financial stability and capacity to serve its members. Additionally, Gordon has worked closely with television networks to elevate the production and exposure of volleyball on national television, bringing greater visibility to the sport.

In addition to these accomplishments, Gordon created the Volleyball 4 All initiative, aimed at increasing access to the sport for diverse communities. He has increased the association’s commitment to philanthropic initiatives, including enhancements to the Diversity Awards Program, which recognizes and supports underrepresented groups within the volleyball community. Gordon has modernized the AVCA’s membership structure, making it more inclusive and accessible, and has committed to improving the association’s digital marketing and online presence to better engage with members and the broader volleyball community.

Prior to joining the AVCA, Gordon served as the Director of Athletics for Morehead State University from 2019 to 2023.  Before transitioning to an administrative role, Gordon enjoyed a distinguished coaching career. He spent 20 years as the head coach for Morehead State (2003-2023), becoming the University’s winningest coach in any sport. Under his leadership, MSU won 12 championships and made four postseason appearances. 

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.

Brian McBride, a native of Arlington Heights, Ill., is the former U.S. Men’s National Team striker and three-time World Cup veteran, who also served as the USMNT General Manager from 2020 to 2022. A 2014 inductee to the National Soccer Hall of Fame, McBride became the first USMNT player to score in multiple FIFA World Cups and is one of just 11 to play in three different tournaments. The striker also had a standout 17-year club career in the United States, Germany and England, with his time at English Premier League side Fulham serving as one of the most impressive tenures by a U.S. player with a European club. Brian, who has worked in tv analyst roles for ESPN and CBS, is also a proud volleyball sports parent.

Terry Liskevych has been a top coach in the collegiate and international game for more than 40 years as well as a leader and innovator in volleyball education. 

USA NATIONAL TEAM COACHING HIGHLIGHTS 

• USA National Women’s Volleyball Team – Head coach for three Olympics (1988, 1992, 1996). During his tenure, U.S. won a bronze medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, a bronze medal at the 1990 FIVB World Championship and a gold medal at the 1995 World Grand Prix.
• FIVB International Coach of the Year (1995)
• Won more than 300 international matches in 12 years as head coach.

COLLEGIATE COACHING HIGHLIGHTS

• Ohio State – Head coach of the men’s team (1975-1976). Guided the Buckeyes to a record of 45-7 (.865) and two consecutive Final Fours.
• University of Pacific – Head coach of the women’s team (1976-1985). Led team to six top-five finishes nationally (including the NCAA finals in 1980) and an overall record of 267-85 (.759). Named the Collegiate Volleyball Coaches Association’s National Coach of the Year (1983).
• Oregon State – Head coach of the women’s team (2005-2016). Guided the Beavers to the first NCAA volleyball tournament Sweet 16 appearance in the school’s history (2014) and was named PAC-12 Coach of the Year (2014).

NOTABLE FACTS

• Co-founder of The Art of Coaching Volleyball (2011), an international leader in coaching education via clinics and online tutorials.
• Founder of marketing companies Sports Associates, Inc., Paragon Marketing, Inc., and Total Sports, Inc. and a technology company – ARK Digital Technologies, Inc. – that was the first to use a portable digital platform (1997).
• Co-founder of the American Volleyball Coaches Association (1981, with former UCLA coach Andy Banachowski.) 

EDUCATION

• Loyola University (Illinois), bachelor’s degree in biology, 1970
• George Williams College (Illinois), Master of Science in Physical Education, 1973
• The Ohio State University, Ph.D in Physical Education, 1976

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.

Jasmine Fullove is in her 3rd year as the Director of Boiler Juniors and coaches the 16 Gold team.  Prior to Boiler Juniors, Jasmine served as an Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator under Steve Florio and Kelley Hartley Hutton at Purdue Fort Wayne and Mark Hardaway at Youngstown State.   

As a student-athlete, Fullove helped the Tennessee Lady Vols to four straight seasons of at least 20 wins and a Final Four appearance her senior year. Tennessee won the SEC Tournament, won 32 matches and advanced to the Sweet 16 her Fullove’s junior year. The Lady Vols then beat No. 17 Minnesota, No. 2 Penn State and No. 8 Missouri to reach the Final Four in the 2005 NCAA Tournament.

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.

Marti Reed grew up in Long Beach, California and played softball at UCLA from 2008-2012, where she graduated with a degree in Sociology and a minor in Global Studies. Marti won a National Championship with the Bruins in 2010 after scoring the tying run in the championship game to eventually beat the Arizona Wildcats in extra innings. Marti was able to leave her mark at UCLA as a highly decorated student-athlete; including the leader of the Bruin Athletic Council, Athletes in Action Christian Club, Afrikan Student Union, Alumni Scholarship Committee, Student-Athlete Mentors, and achieving UCLA Senior of the Year. 

Marti now serves as the Director of National Partnerships & DEI Programming Manager for Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA)—the leader  in youth sports, ensuring ALL kids have access to a positive sports experience and well-trained coaches who nurture them to be their best selves. Since joining PCA, Marti  has helped launch their Los Angeles Chapter, and facilitated partnerships with the major sports  franchises nation-wide including Little League Intl., MLB, NBA, and national governing bodies including  USA Gymnastics, USA Field Hockey & USA Swimming. Marti led the launch of PCA’s Sports Can Battle  Racism (SCBR) initiative—a focused effort to go beyond condemnation and develop solutions that work  to battle racism within the environment of sports. Marti has been featured on CBS, ESPN Around the  Horn, and ABC 7, using her voice to help educate coaches and leaders with the tools needed to foster a  culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion through sports. 

Marti is a National speaker, certified PCA trainer, and a published author. Her book is called Utility  Player Life—How to Purposefully Leverage Your Experience as an Athlete to Take You Where You Want  to go in Life.

Roy Collins, M.D. is a Board-Certified Attending Sports Psychiatrist & Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance Clinician-Scientist at the Stanford University School of Medicine.

Dr. Roy Collins practices Sports Psychiatry and conducts research in Human Performance. He works with elite collegiate, professional, and Olympic athletes at the Sports Psychiatry & Psychology Program at Stanford University and in private practice. Dr. Collins employs a holistic approach to assist individuals in reaching their highest potential.

A former Yale Varsity Football Letterman and All-Ivy award winner, Dr. Collins now combines both his experience as a collegiate athlete and as a mental health professional in the arena of sports psychiatry and the intersection of mental wellness and performance.

Dr. Collins works on diversity and social justice initiatives in order to recruit more future physicians of underrepresented backgrounds into medicine.  As a resident physician he serves as the Chair of the GME Diversity Committee at Stanford Health Care.

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.

Kara Pratt is the Houston Juniors VBC Full-Time Recruiting Director and was named in the 2019-2020 Season AVCA 18’s Club Coach of the Year. As the Recruiting Director, she has developed relationships and gained knowledge of the wants and needs for college athletic programs from all levels. Her passion and drive to make sure both the athletes/parents and college coaches are put in the best positions to be successful, both in the classroom and on the court. Previous successes are securing 100% of the last 4 senior classes into the next level of their volleyball careers either athletically and or academically. She assists our HJV members throughout the process and keeps them informed with the ever-changing recruiting rules.

The Junior Volleyball Recruiting Association (JVRA) was formed in the Fall of 2018. Kara Pratt was asked to be a part of the Executive Board as Vice President. In the Spring of 2022, she was asked to take the roll of President on the Executive Board. The JVRA was formed with vast experience of its Executive Board Members. With members providing experience over 50 years of college coaching and recruiting experience, 30 plus years of club coaching, programming, and recruiting plus over 20 years of club, collegiate, national team, and professional volleyball experience. Houston Juniors VBC is one of the founding clubs of the JVRA.

John Speraw is the President and CEO of USA Volleyball. Prior to this, he served as head coach of the United States men’s national volleyball team, the UCLA Bruins men’s volleyball team, and the UC Irvine Anteaters men’s volleyball team.

Ivan Tchatchouwo is the CEO & Co-Founder of The Zone, a digital health platform helping youth and college sports programs strengthen athlete mental wellness and performance. A former collegiate athlete, Ivan understands the mental pressures of competition and created The Zone to provide real-time insights, preventative tools, and on-demand support for athletes, coaches, and teams.

Under his leadership, The Zone has partnered with 200+ college teams and top youth organizations.

Maggie is the owner and director of VCNebraska.  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.  Maggie went on to compete for the University of Nebraska Husker Women’s Program, notably winning a National Championship in 2006 and also leading her team to a National Final in 2005.  After earning her degree from Nebraska, she traveled to Puerto Rico, Switzerland, and the Netherlands to play professionally for two years.  At the conclusion of her playing career, Maggie was offered the opportunity to join her alma mater and become the setting coach under the direction of Coach Cook within the Husker Program for the 2011 season while simultaneously getting the VCN program underway.    Maggie was awarded the 2017 AVCA 30 Under 30 award and is a current Board Member for the JVA, as well as Committee chair for the AVCA Club Awards.  She was a Club Director of the Year Finalist in 2020.   Maggie currently oversees and directs all age groups and programs.

Jeremy Goldberg is a serial entrepreneur and community builder who has built a career leading transformational change. 

As the President of LeagueApps, he oversees the strategic business development, communications, community, and impact functions. He also leads the NextUp platform, the professional home of the youth sports industry. 

Jeremy is also an operating partner at 212MEDIA, a venture development firm that produced LeagueApps, Begin, Saavn (exited to Reliance Jio), and LiftMetrix (exited to Hootsuite). Previously, he served in technology strategy roles at the Mitchell Madison Group and Generate Insights and was the Founder and CEO of poliVOICE. 

Jeremy is also passionate about his causes.  He is the Co-Founder, Co-Chairman, and Executive Board member of two youth sports nonprofits contributing to systemic change to increase access to amazing sports experiences for all: FundPlay Foundation and Play Sports Coalition. He has worked in various capacities for Obama for America and Seeds of Peace, and serving as an Executive Board members for Seeds of Peace and Search for Common Ground. 

Jeremy holds a bachelor’s degree with Honors from Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service, where he hosted a sports talk radio show and co-founded the Georgetown Journal of International Affairs. He received a masters degree in international affairs from Columbia University’s School of International & Public Affairs.

He and his wife Jenna live with their two children in Pennsylvania where as a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan his conflict resolution background comes in handy.

Dylan Haugen is a dynamic young athlete whose passion for sports innovation sets him apart in the world of amateur athletics. Standing 5’11” with an impressive 41.5-inch vertical jump, Dylan is not only a standout on the court but also a savvy adopter of modern technology. He has been using AI tools in the way BlitzMetrics teaches.

Best known among professional dunkers for his engaging podcast, Dylan has built a strong social media following that spans across YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Through his digital presence, he documents his journey as an athlete, content creator, and committed Christian, sharing insights on jump training and the fusion of athleticism with advanced data analytics.

His innovative approach has made him a trusted voice among amateur sports communities, where he continues to inspire both aspiring athletes and sports club leaders alike.

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.

Jason is the CEO of Positive Coaching Alliance. He joined the organization in April 2006 and has since served in a variety of capacities, including President, Chief Development Officer, EVP for Business Development & Philanthropy, Director of Partnership Development, and as Executive Director of PCA’s Chicago, IL chapter. Jason began his career at PCA as the Partner Development Associate for the New Jersey/Philadelphia region.

Most recently as PCA’s President, Jason led the organization’s growth of impact to millions of youth participating in youth sports and created innovative partnerships across all of youth sports, media outlets, leading brands, including Curry Brand/Under Armour, ESPN, National Women’s Soccer League, Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, Little League International, U.S. Soccer Federation, and many more. Under his leadership, PCA has successfully expanded its reach and impact through partnerships and attracting leading philanthropic organizations to support PCA’s commitment to ensuring youth sports are done right in all communities across the country.

A recognized national leader in the youth sports space, Jason has served on U.S. Soccer Federation’s New Participant Safety Taskforce, Mental Health Guidelines for Youth Sports taskforce, and the board of the PLAY Sports Coalition.

Prior to joining PCA, Jason worked in sports television production at International Management Group (IMG) and in the Basketball Operations Department for the New York Knicks. He has also served as an assistant coach for the Men’s Basketball Team at NYU and for Egg Harbor Township High School (NJ) and Perspectives Charter High School (Chicago). Jason has served as a mentor for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago and continues to volunteer as a youth sports coach. He currently serves as an adjunct instructor in Northwestern University’s Masters of Sports Administration program and as a member of the Chicago Regional Council of Syracuse University.

Jason grew up in Southern New Jersey. He holds an undergraduate degree in Broadcast Journalism from Syracuse University and a master’s degree in Sports Management from New York University. He and his wife live in the suburbs of Chicago with their twin son and daughter.

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.

David Newbery is a Director and Co-Owner of the Institute for Youth Sports Leaders (IYSL), where he leads the mission to advance leadership excellence in youth sports. As a seasoned expert in sports leadership development, David is committed to fostering innovation, collaboration, and best practices that elevate youth sports organizations worldwide.

IYSL connects high-performing executive leaders, providing access to performance assessments, best practices and a thriving professional network. David’s vision is for IYSL to set the gold standard for youth sports leadership by establishing model clubs, expanding best practice databases, and creating elite executive networks.

David is dedicated to leaving a lasting impact on young athletes by ensuring clubs are led with integrity, strategy, and a commitment to excellence. Through his work, IYSL is beginning to shape the future of youth sports, empowering leaders to create transformative experiences for athletes, coaches, and communities.

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.”