“Coaching is releasing a person’s potential to maximize their own performance. It is helping them to learn rather than teaching them.”
~Unknown
The JVA is pleased to announce the 23 individuals honored with the 2024 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 or more years. Seven recipients have coached for thirty or more years! We are incredibly grateful to these individuals for their service to junior volleyball.
“We are proud to honor this year’s honorees whose love of our sport and long time dedication, leadership, and passion have inspired countless athletes. They have contributed significantly to the growth and success of junior volleyball. We celebrate their achievements and thank them for their service.“ said JVA Executive Director Jenny Hahn.
The honorees will be celebrated during the JVA Annual Gathering on Friday, December 20th in Louisville, Kentucky in conjunction with the AVCA Convention. Click here to RSVP for this event.
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 the JVA store on behalf of 431 Sports.
Congratulations to the 2024 JVA Junior Club Service Award Recipients!
Nebraska Elite Volleyball
Elkhorn, NE
34 years of service
“Tony is a trailblazer in youth volleyball in Nebraska, recognized for their dedication, leadership, and positive influence. They inspire athletes through mentorship, fostering respect, resilience, and teamwork, while elevating peers and strengthening the volleyball community. Their integrity, passion, and commitment to excellence make them a deserving candidate for this award.”
Elkhorn, NE
34 years of service
“Tony is a trailblazer in youth volleyball in Nebraska, recognized for their dedication, leadership, and positive influence. They inspire athletes through mentorship, fostering respect, resilience, and teamwork, while elevating peers and strengthening the volleyball community. Their integrity, passion, and commitment to excellence make them a deserving candidate for this award.”
Athena/Ajax
Hillsboro, OR
25 years of service
“Lena Chan, founder of ATHENAVB and co-founder of LOVB, has transformed volleyball with clubs in three locations, prioritizing athlete well-being through elite training, mental health support, and empowerment. Her leadership has impacted thousands, setting a gold standard in the sport.”
Hillsboro, OR
25 years of service
“Lena Chan, founder of ATHENAVB and co-founder of LOVB, has transformed volleyball with clubs in three locations, prioritizing athlete well-being through elite training, mental health support, and empowerment. Her leadership has impacted thousands, setting a gold standard in the sport.”
Gameday Sports Academy (GSA)
Bakersfield, CA
40 years of service
“Johnitta Clemons is a retired peace officer, USMC veteran, educator, and long-time youth sports coach. She began coaching in the 1980s and founded several youth sports programs and also created affordable volleyball opportunities for youth. she launched the Gameday Sports Academy (GSA) Volleyball program and founded the Saving Destiny Youth Foundation, helping young people stay engaged in sports and academics to avoid high-risk behaviors.”
Bakersfield, CA
40 years of service
“Johnitta Clemons is a retired peace officer, USMC veteran, educator, and long-time youth sports coach. She began coaching in the 1980s and founded several youth sports programs and also created affordable volleyball opportunities for youth. she launched the Gameday Sports Academy (GSA) Volleyball program and founded the Saving Destiny Youth Foundation, helping young people stay engaged in sports and academics to avoid high-risk behaviors.”
Cleveland Wave Volleyball Club
Brunswick, OH
25 years of service
“Coach Karol is a respected club coach known for prioritizing player well-being while emphasizing fundamentals, strategy, and teamwork. She pushes players to excel, fosters team mentality, and mentors young coaches in both technical and personal growth, earning admiration across the OVR region for her fairness and dedication.”
Brunswick, OH
25 years of service
“Coach Karol is a respected club coach known for prioritizing player well-being while emphasizing fundamentals, strategy, and teamwork. She pushes players to excel, fosters team mentality, and mentors young coaches in both technical and personal growth, earning admiration across the OVR region for her fairness and dedication.”
Tri-State Elite Volleyball
Cincinnati, OH
25 years of service
“Kelly has been instrumental in growing volleyball in greater Cincinnati for 25 years. Under his leadership, Tri-State Elite expanded from 7 teams in 2013 to 22, with consistent national ranking improvements. As recruiting coordinator, he has guided 114 athletes to collegiate volleyball opportunities.”
Cincinnati, OH
25 years of service
“Kelly has been instrumental in growing volleyball in greater Cincinnati for 25 years. Under his leadership, Tri-State Elite expanded from 7 teams in 2013 to 22, with consistent national ranking improvements. As recruiting coordinator, he has guided 114 athletes to collegiate volleyball opportunities.”
East Coast Volleyball Club
Virginia Beach, VA
30 years of service
“Coach Craig Dooren, a volleyball leader for over 30 years, has over 400 wins, two state titles, and an undefeated season at Princess Anne High School. He grew East Coast Volleyball Club to 17 teams, earning national and regional accolades, and is renowned for his dedication to athlete development and the sport’s growth.”
Virginia Beach, VA
30 years of service
“Coach Craig Dooren, a volleyball leader for over 30 years, has over 400 wins, two state titles, and an undefeated season at Princess Anne High School. He grew East Coast Volleyball Club to 17 teams, earning national and regional accolades, and is renowned for his dedication to athlete development and the sport’s growth.”
1st Alliance/Lions VBC
Forest Park, IL
29 years of service
“Rachell coaches, mentors coaches and works with players aged 6-14, teaching both volleyball skills and how to connect with young athletes. Rachell handles much of the behind-the-scenes work, from setting up events to reffing matches and assisting parents. She is dedicated to providing a positive introduction to volleyball for young players and creating a supportive environment.”
Forest Park, IL
29 years of service
“Rachell coaches, mentors coaches and works with players aged 6-14, teaching both volleyball skills and how to connect with young athletes. Rachell handles much of the behind-the-scenes work, from setting up events to reffing matches and assisting parents. She is dedicated to providing a positive introduction to volleyball for young players and creating a supportive environment.”
Force Volleyball Club
Eastlake, OH
20 years of service
“Jeff, a leader in Northeast Ohio volleyball for 20 years, founded NEOVC and grew it to 24 teams before joining Force Volleyball Club, expanding it to 30 teams and launching training programs. Known for his expertise and compassion, he develops players of all levels while advancing youth volleyball in the region.”
Eastlake, OH
20 years of service
“Jeff, a leader in Northeast Ohio volleyball for 20 years, founded NEOVC and grew it to 24 teams before joining Force Volleyball Club, expanding it to 30 teams and launching training programs. Known for his expertise and compassion, he develops players of all levels while advancing youth volleyball in the region.”
Top Flight Volleyball Club
Yorkville, IL
25 years of service
“Bob Jones is beloved by his players for prioritizing their personal growth. A skilled coach and mentor, he invests countless hours supporting athletes, including traveling long distances to attend matches. His impact spans youth, adult, and collegiate volleyball, making him a passionate leader and deserving of this award.”
Yorkville, IL
25 years of service
“Bob Jones is beloved by his players for prioritizing their personal growth. A skilled coach and mentor, he invests countless hours supporting athletes, including traveling long distances to attend matches. His impact spans youth, adult, and collegiate volleyball, making him a passionate leader and deserving of this award.”
MN Attack Volleyball Club
Cleveland, MN
20 years of service
“Sarah founded MN Attack Volleyball and built two successful clubs in Mankato, focusing on player development and creating opportunities for all skill levels. Known for her hands-on leadership, organization, and support for players and coaches, she also mentors other club directors to grow the sport across Southern Minnesota. Her impact on the volleyball community is profound, though she remains humble.”
Cleveland, MN
20 years of service
“Sarah founded MN Attack Volleyball and built two successful clubs in Mankato, focusing on player development and creating opportunities for all skill levels. Known for her hands-on leadership, organization, and support for players and coaches, she also mentors other club directors to grow the sport across Southern Minnesota. Her impact on the volleyball community is profound, though she remains humble.”
Wisconsin Juniors
Pleasant Prairie, WI
30 years of service
“Kelly Lehman directs tournament operations and oversees registration and scheduling for over 120 teams annually. He hosts tournaments for all skill levels, ensuring they are competitive and enjoyable for participants. He advocates for rule changes to enhance the sport and maximize playing time. He has held roles as Practice Coordinator, Recruiting Coordinator, Summer Camp Director, and Youth Clinic Director for Wisconsin Juniors, and has also served as Tournament Director for the Badger Region.”
Pleasant Prairie, WI
30 years of service
“Kelly Lehman directs tournament operations and oversees registration and scheduling for over 120 teams annually. He hosts tournaments for all skill levels, ensuring they are competitive and enjoyable for participants. He advocates for rule changes to enhance the sport and maximize playing time. He has held roles as Practice Coordinator, Recruiting Coordinator, Summer Camp Director, and Youth Clinic Director for Wisconsin Juniors, and has also served as Tournament Director for the Badger Region.”
Grayhawk Beach
Scottsdale, AZ
35 years of service
“Tim McHale is a legendary Arizona beach volleyball coach with six state titles at Xavier College Preparatory since 2012 and multiple AAU appearances with Fortitude Club Volleyball. A former indoor coach with 400+ wins and three Coach of the Year awards, he’s helped over 20 athletes earn college scholarships. A middle school teacher and family man, Tim’s impact on volleyball and education is profound.”
Scottsdale, AZ
35 years of service
“Tim McHale is a legendary Arizona beach volleyball coach with six state titles at Xavier College Preparatory since 2012 and multiple AAU appearances with Fortitude Club Volleyball. A former indoor coach with 400+ wins and three Coach of the Year awards, he’s helped over 20 athletes earn college scholarships. A middle school teacher and family man, Tim’s impact on volleyball and education is profound.”
Academy Volleyball Cleveland
Independence, OH
21 years of service
“Paul has coached JO club volleyball for 21 years, now continuing his career at AVC, where he shares his expertise and fosters values like sportsmanship, teamwork, and perseverance. He’s coached hundreds of athletes, led teams to USAV Nationals, and won six CYO city championships as a volunteer coach. Beyond coaching, Paul is a certified official, organizes charity tournaments, and spearheaded the Liberty Playground project, demonstrating his dedication to volleyball and his community.”
Independence, OH
21 years of service
“Paul has coached JO club volleyball for 21 years, now continuing his career at AVC, where he shares his expertise and fosters values like sportsmanship, teamwork, and perseverance. He’s coached hundreds of athletes, led teams to USAV Nationals, and won six CYO city championships as a volunteer coach. Beyond coaching, Paul is a certified official, organizes charity tournaments, and spearheaded the Liberty Playground project, demonstrating his dedication to volleyball and his community.”
MOJO Volleyball Academy
Potomac, MD
20 years of service
“Coach Mahrya has been a leader in youth volleyball for over 20 years, transforming MOJO from a 5-team club in 2011 into a thriving program with 17 teams for players aged 10 to 18. Her dedication fosters both skill development and a strong sense of community, inspiring a lifelong love for the sport. Many former players return as adults to support the program, a testament to her lasting impact.”
Potomac, MD
20 years of service
“Coach Mahrya has been a leader in youth volleyball for over 20 years, transforming MOJO from a 5-team club in 2011 into a thriving program with 17 teams for players aged 10 to 18. Her dedication fosters both skill development and a strong sense of community, inspiring a lifelong love for the sport. Many former players return as adults to support the program, a testament to her lasting impact.”
630 Volleyball
Lisle, IL
20 years of service
“Bryan Paliza is a dedicated leader who has transformed 630’s boys program, creating a supportive environment for athletes, coaches, and staff to thrive. His tireless efforts inspire growth, teamwork, and pride, making him a valued mentor and an outstanding candidate for this award.”
Lisle, IL
20 years of service
“Bryan Paliza is a dedicated leader who has transformed 630’s boys program, creating a supportive environment for athletes, coaches, and staff to thrive. His tireless efforts inspire growth, teamwork, and pride, making him a valued mentor and an outstanding candidate for this award.”
603 United Volleyball Club
Portsmouth, NH
31 years of service
“George Pendleton, a 30-year volleyball veteran in New Hampshire, is a dedicated coach and mentor who inspires athletes both on and off the court. Known for his emphasis on fundamentals, teamwork, and life skills, he fosters personal growth and connection through creative practices and community-building activities. A respected leader in the Seacoast region, George’s passion has shaped countless players and inspired many to return as coaches, making him highly deserving of the JVA Junior Club Service Award.”
Portsmouth, NH
31 years of service
“George Pendleton, a 30-year volleyball veteran in New Hampshire, is a dedicated coach and mentor who inspires athletes both on and off the court. Known for his emphasis on fundamentals, teamwork, and life skills, he fosters personal growth and connection through creative practices and community-building activities. A respected leader in the Seacoast region, George’s passion has shaped countless players and inspired many to return as coaches, making him highly deserving of the JVA Junior Club Service Award.”
CMASS Juniors
Milford, MA
32 years of service
“Chris, with over 30 years of dedication to volleyball, is a mentor and inspiration to athletes, coaches, and peers. His unique ability to connect with players fosters a culture of respect, teamwork, and growth. Chris’s passion and tireless efforts have elevated his teams’ performance while motivating others to surpass their limits, making him highly deserving of this award.”
Milford, MA
32 years of service
“Chris, with over 30 years of dedication to volleyball, is a mentor and inspiration to athletes, coaches, and peers. His unique ability to connect with players fosters a culture of respect, teamwork, and growth. Chris’s passion and tireless efforts have elevated his teams’ performance while motivating others to surpass their limits, making him highly deserving of this award.”
Legacy Volleyball Club
Bronx, NY
24 years of service
“Dr. Joel Sanchez, Founder of Legacy Volleyball Club, has transformed NYC’s volleyball community by fostering inclusivity, resilience, and leadership. Through innovative fundraising, mentorship, and financial aid, he ensures opportunities for all athletes. His leadership has driven team success, collegiate pathways for players, and a culture of excellence, making him highly deserving of this award.”
Bronx, NY
24 years of service
“Dr. Joel Sanchez, Founder of Legacy Volleyball Club, has transformed NYC’s volleyball community by fostering inclusivity, resilience, and leadership. Through innovative fundraising, mentorship, and financial aid, he ensures opportunities for all athletes. His leadership has driven team success, collegiate pathways for players, and a culture of excellence, making him highly deserving of this award.”
Academy Volleyball Cleveland
Aurora, OH
22 years of service
“Paul has dedicated 22 years to coaching and advancing volleyball, starting as a CYO assistant coach and later co-founding AVC, Ohio’s largest and a top 25 national club. Passionate about inclusivity and development, he has supported over 500 athletes annually across 50 teams while mentoring coaches and peers. Paul has contributed through training resources and initiatives, such as a JVA budget video, to expand opportunities in volleyball. His lasting impact on the sport and its community is profound and enduring.”
Aurora, OH
22 years of service
“Paul has dedicated 22 years to coaching and advancing volleyball, starting as a CYO assistant coach and later co-founding AVC, Ohio’s largest and a top 25 national club. Passionate about inclusivity and development, he has supported over 500 athletes annually across 50 teams while mentoring coaches and peers. Paul has contributed through training resources and initiatives, such as a JVA budget video, to expand opportunities in volleyball. His lasting impact on the sport and its community is profound and enduring.”
CYVBC Surge
Cincinnati, OH
20 years of service
“Tim is a passionate coach and role model with over 20 years in volleyball. He prioritizes mental health, helping players manage stress, and has shared his love for the game with his family. Tim runs Surge Volleyball Club alongside his daughters, who are also coaches, continuing his legacy of fostering growth on and off the court.”
Cincinnati, OH
20 years of service
“Tim is a passionate coach and role model with over 20 years in volleyball. He prioritizes mental health, helping players manage stress, and has shared his love for the game with his family. Tim runs Surge Volleyball Club alongside his daughters, who are also coaches, continuing his legacy of fostering growth on and off the court.”
Country Fire Volleyball
Liberty Hill, TX
22 years of service
“Mrs. Tuggle, co-founder of a volleyball club with her husband, creates a competitive yet supportive environment that focuses on developing both volleyball skills and strong character. Known as Coach Morgan, she prioritizes faith, teamwork, and life lessons, inspiring players, peers, and staff alike. Her compassion and dedication make every player feel valued, fostering a culture of hard work and competitiveness.”
Liberty Hill, TX
22 years of service
“Mrs. Tuggle, co-founder of a volleyball club with her husband, creates a competitive yet supportive environment that focuses on developing both volleyball skills and strong character. Known as Coach Morgan, she prioritizes faith, teamwork, and life lessons, inspiring players, peers, and staff alike. Her compassion and dedication make every player feel valued, fostering a culture of hard work and competitiveness.”
M1 Volleyball
Elko, MN
22 years of service
“Coach Terry is deeply passionate about his team and dedicated to shaping both players and individuals. During the 2024 Nationals, despite the loss of his brother, he chose to stay with his team rather than attend the funeral, demonstrating his selflessness. Known for his kindness and encouragement, he supports his players through challenges, always putting them first. Coach Terry’s commitment and positive impact make him highly deserving of recognition.”
Elko, MN
22 years of service
“Coach Terry is deeply passionate about his team and dedicated to shaping both players and individuals. During the 2024 Nationals, despite the loss of his brother, he chose to stay with his team rather than attend the funeral, demonstrating his selflessness. Known for his kindness and encouragement, he supports his players through challenges, always putting them first. Coach Terry’s commitment and positive impact make him highly deserving of recognition.”
Carolina ICE
Rock Hill, SC
20 years of service
“She just goes above and beyond. I could go on and on and list everything but it’s too much. This is a person deserving of good things in life. She gives all she has.”
Rock Hill, SC
20 years of service
“She just goes above and beyond. I could go on and on and list everything but it’s too much. This is a person deserving of good things in life. She gives all she has.”
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.
