Mamba all started with a crazy dream: building a club that empowers young male athletes to become not just skilled players, but also incredible leaders on and off the court. Club Director Tony Jalan, his wife Danielle, the Director of Operations and Communications, and Evan Wolf, Technology Manager, decided to move forward with Mamba at the end of August 2023. Little did they know that their initial plan for just four teams would explode into eight teams and nearly 100 players in year one!
“It’s been a whirlwind, but the Mamba spirit never wavered. We faced challenges head-on (for instance our first practice facility changed availability one week before first week practices), learning and adapting to ensure everyone had a fantastic experience,” said Tony.
Mamba is about more than just winning games. The leaders and coaches are passionate about nurturing well-rounded individuals. That’s why they focus on three core pillars:
1. Skill Development
Mamba’s 18 coaches guide players through a structured development three phase plan with clear benchmarks, ensuring consistent and intentional skill improvement throughout the season. This strong foundation in skills is a crucial element in the club’s on-court success. Of those 18 coaches, three are floating coaches that assist where needed.
2. Leadership & Mindset Mastery
This is more than just a pillar, it’s a core value at Mamba. The club leaders and coaches go beyond volleyball, instilling Mamba core values like honoring the game, accountability, and do the right thing through weekly discussions, team-building activities, and leadership workshops. The club also invests in their coaches’ development through workshops, weekly Mamba Leadership Messages, and video learning, ensuring they can effectively equip players on off the court for life beyond the court. This focus on leadership and mindset mastery empowers Mamba players to not only excel on the court but also navigate challenges and embrace growth opportunities.
3. Recruiting Support
Mamba offers help with the complexities of college recruiting and offers guidance and support to their players navigating th process. A testament to their commitment is the fact that in their first year as a club, they have 7 players from Mamba 18 Black who will be playing collegiately next year.
“We understand the importance of keeping communication lines open between college coaches and players. We help those who ask by creating opportunities for exposure, facilitating communication, and providing guidance throughout the process,” shared Tony.
4. Unity and Collaboration
But what Tony and his staff feel truly sets their club apart is their unwavering sense of unity.
“Mamba isn’t just eight teams – it’s one Mamba family we say we are Mamba Strong. From our Parents who have earned Mamba Sportsmanship recognition by displaying sportsmanship on the sidelines. Our signature Mamba Nights brings the entire program together, fostering healthy competition with intra-squad scrimmages, while also nurturing connections through leadership training and development workshops with coaches and players. Topics we have covered have been how to play through mistakes as an individual and team, and identifying your leadership style as a player.”
This spirit extends beyond the court. Mamba coaches are shining examples of the Mamba spirit, actively collaborating through visits to each other’s practices and games to share knowledge and support. Take Head Coach Dan Gell of the 17 Black team, for instance; he recently went to a tournament where his team wasn’t even playing, simply to cheer on his fellow Mamba coaches and players.
This spirit of collaboration extends beyond Mamba’s walls. Mamba staff organize scrimmages with other clubs to promote camaraderie and growth in boys’ volleyball. They also celebrate their players’ achievements together, with events like the upcoming Mamba Nationals Send-off party in June organized by one of Mamba’s amazing families.
“We are really proud and grateful of our coaches. They have worked really hard, teams have won tournaments and consistently are now placing in top 5 at tournaments,” added Tony. “With a dedicated leadership team and a collaborative coaching staff, it’s no wonder we often say: we are stronger together.”
5. Advisory Council
Further enriching their support system, Mamba also benefits from the guidance and mentorship of an advisory council. These experienced individuals offer invaluable insights and support, helping Tony, Danielle, and Evan navigate various aspects of running the club and ensuring they continue to provide the best possible experience for our players.
Even with nearly 100 players, the Mamba family feels close-knit. Many of our coaches, through their willingness to help each other, know players throughout the entire club. This fosters a supportive and connected environment where everyone feels valued.
Ethan Hein, a player on Mamba 18 Black, perfectly captured the essence. “Mamba never gives up. It’s about coming together, supporting each other, and embracing challenges and triumphs as one Mamba family.”
“And most importantly, at Mamba Volleyball Academy, we share with our whole program the importance of striving to be better. This growth mindset fuels our passion for the sport, our dedication to each other, and our continuous pursuit of excellence, both on and off the court,” said Tony.
Looking ahead, Mamba is excited to continue growing and promoting boys’ volleyball. They’re launching a Little Mamba youth program and expanding their offerings to provide even more holistic training opportunities.
Mamba Volleyball Academy (Waukesha, WI) is a member of the Junior Volleyball Association, an organization committed to enhancing the junior volleyball experience for club directors, coaches, players, and fans.
For more information about joining the JVA click HERE. For more information about JVA Awards click HERE. To nominate your club for JVA Club of the Month click HERE.
