“Coaching is something that takes place only when learning does. No matter what you are doing in your practices, if your players are not learning something significant, you’re really not coaching. If a player fails in a game, the coach may have failed in practice.”
~John Kessel
The JVA is pleased to announce the 15 individuals honored with the 2021 JVA Junior Club Service Award. This award recognizes the dedication and loyalty of the coaches, club directors and administrators of JVA member clubs who have been active in junior volleyball for at least 20 years. This year we are pleased to honor two individuals who have dedicated over thirty years of service to junior volleyball. We are grateful to honor this year’s recipients for their dedication to growing our sport.
“Coaches are the lifeblood of our sport. They put in endless hours that often go unrecognized, so we are proud to be able to shine a light on these individuals who have dedicated not only their time, but their heart as well. It is impossible to tally the number of young people they have had an impact on. A huge ‘thank you’ from the JVA for your service.”
The honorees will be celebrated and presented with an award during the JVA Annual Gathering on Thursday, December 16th at 3:00 pm ET at the AVCA Convention in Columbus, Ohio. The location is the Greater Columbus Convention Center Union Station Ballroom A.
This award is presented by 431 Sports, the Official Team Dealer of the JVA that offers the best product selection, customer service and exclusive benefits and rewards to volleyball clubs. Recipients will receive a $75 gift card plus free shipping to shop the 431 Store.
Congratulations to the 2021 JVA Junior Club Service Award Recipients!
Yorktown, IN
20 years of service
Notable Accomplishments: Placed 3rd place in 17 Open at the AAU National Championships in 2013 and 2016.In 2013 Pancho coached Cowan High School to a class 1A state championship. He coached the Scooby Doo training team with Dr. Don Shondell from 2003-2010. He has been a head coach in all age divisions with the exception of 18U at Munciana Volleyball Club.
Glenville, NY
22 years of service
Notable Accomplishments: He is an 8-time New York State High School Champion and Founder of Lakeside Volleyball Club. Gary is the Director of the Great NorEaster volleyball tournament, which is one of the largest tournaments in the Northeast. He has over 75 IREVA Regional Championships in ages 12-18. He reached 800 career high school wins.
Grand Rapids, MI
25 years of service
Notable Accomplishments: Kelly coached his team to a MHSAA State Championship in 2011, and MHSAA State Runner-Up finishes in 2016 and 2018. His teams have won the Bronze at AAU Nationals three times.
Yorktown, IN
20 years of service
Notable Accomplishments: Mike has been instrumental in the development of Munciana’s younger athletes for the last 20 years. He has coached the 11 Open team from 2019-2021. Previous 8 years he coached the 10 Open team. Currently he is an assistant coach at Yorktown High School. He was on the 2020 YHS undefeated 4A state championship coaching staff. He was the head coach at Muncie Burris as well as served as an assistant coach for Steve Shondell on numerous state championship teams.
Morrisville, NC
25 years of service
Notable Accomplishments: 2018 AVCA 12s Club Coach of the Year, 2008 USAV Robert L. Lindsay Meritorious Service Award. 2013 USAV Outstanding Program Director of the Year. Triangle VBC Sam Casey Caram Excellence in Coaching Award – Inaugural Recipient. Qualified first-ever 15s team in NC in the Open division of USAV. Led the development of Triangle’s Sitting VB program including a close interface with the USA Sitting’s team and their staff. Sitting Volleyball Sport Chair for the Southeast Valor Games since its inception. Head of Triangle’s Youth Development Program and Head Coach of Triangle 12 Black. Oversees Triangle Serves – Triangle’s in-house service and outreach program.
Ewa Beach, HI
21 years of service
Notable Accomplishments: Silver Medal 18U – Global Challenge Croatia 2021. Bronze Medal – Rebisco Challenge – 2019 ( Philippines). High Performance Championship – Tulsa. High School Coach of the Year. High School State Championship DIV 2 Runner up – 2015 and 2018. High School State Championship DIV 2 – 2016 and 2017. 8 times at National Championships (12 gold, 2 silver, 4 bronze).
Brooklyn, NY
29 years of service
Notable Accomplishments: Doug played at the University of Maryland from 1983-87. His team won the Boys PSAL Championship at Hunter High School 2004. He coached at the University of New Mexico and his program was ranked as high as 9th. Doug helped create the GEVA High Performance Program in 2004. He coached The Brearley School to a NY State Independent School Championship in 2005 and 2010. Doug also led numerous teams to Junior Olympics, AAU Nationals, and USAV Girls Junior National Championships since 1993. He is USA Volleyball CAP Level II certified.
Santa Rosa, CA
26 years of service
Notable Accomplishments: At 78 years old and the veteran coach of several girls’ and boys’ sports, Bob has had a multi-generational impact on Sonoma County athletes. Bob selflessly gives his time and attention to mentor new coaches as they develop their coaching styles and philosophies. Bob is the one who gets the calls from the alumni athletes when they need advice or an ear as they are adjusting to the new demands of college programs. Bob has been a pillar of the volleyball community for many years, and, in addition to his service to Empire Volleyball Club, over the past three decades he has volunteered his time, at four different high schools and two different junior highs as they were building successful volleyball programs.
Charlotte, NC
25 years of service
Notable Accomplishments: Carrie is the Founder of Union Volleyball Club (later Carolina Union Volleyball Club). She has multiple State Regional Final appearances as the Head Coach of Weddington High School.
North Sioux City, SD
29 years of service
Notable Accomplishments: AAU 18U National Championship in 1995. Board Member at Great Plains Volleyball Region. Average of 30 wins/season for the 29 years he has coached. Has been an integral part in growing the current club from 9 teams to 20 teams. 5 Top 10 finishes at AAU Nationals. Drives 170 miles 2-4 times per week to coach club! Current Head Volleyball Coach at the College of St Mary in Omaha, NE. Ranked in Top 10 in the country for NAIA. Has helped 83 Club athletes to date continue to play volleyball at the Collegiate Level. Led Dakota Valley High School team to South Dakota State Championships in 2013 and 2016. Has a 479-308 record as a high school and college coach.
Huntsville, AL
25 years of service
Notable Accomplishments: Holly has multiple Regional Championships. She also has coached her team to top 5 finishes in qualifiers, and has earned two High School State finishes.
Emsworth, PA
35 years of service
Notable Accomplishments: Qualified teams in 9 USAV National Championships from 1998 – 2021. 8 Year Term as a Pittsburgh Elite Volleyball Board Member. . 20 Year PA High School Volleyball Coach leading teams into the Western PA and PA State Championships. 1995 PA State Champion Runner-Up. Boys Head Coach Baldwin HS, 1994 PA State 3rd Place. 1989 Founded the Boys High School VB program at Baldwin High School. 1980-1987 Commissioner/Player of the Human Services VB League organizing and scheduling a 24 adult co-ed team Volleyball league.
Niles, IL
32 years of service
Notable Accomplishments: Great Lakes Region Board Member. Windy City Power League Board Member. Co-Founder of ChiCity Cup Volleyball League . Junior National Volleyball official IHSA Volleyball Clinician. Past member of USA officials rating team.
Macomb, MI
26 years of service
Notable Accomplishments: 26 years as a High School Coach. 20 years as a club coach. 13 MHSAA District Championships. 7 MHSAA “Sweet 16 appearances”. 1 MHSAA Regional Championship. Over 900 coaching victories in Club and High School. 7-time MAC/MCVCA Coach of the year. 1-time OAA coach of the year. 20 MHSAA All State academic team awards. Had multiple former players go on to play in college. Current lead trainer at Monsters Volleyball.
Grand Rapids, MI
21 years of service
Notable Accomplishments: MHSAA State Runner-Up in 2007. 10 NJCAA Regional Championships. Led team to a NJCAA 2012 National Championship.
About the Junior Volleyball Association
The Junior Volleyball Association (JVA) is a non-profit organization that promotes the growth of youth and junior volleyball through program and resource development, education and events. The organization was formed in 2006 with a primary focus of being a voice for junior volleyball club directors and coaches, and to this day is the only organization that is focused entirely on youth and junior volleyball.
