COACHES WANTED!

Have you played volleyball before or are interested in learning about volleyball? Are you interested in helping coach middle school aged students in a relaxed, local environment? Do you want to help us launch our new Next Gen Volleyball League?We’re looking for you!

Albany Berkeley Volleyball (ABV) is a nonprofit organization that promotes youth volleyball in our local area for ages 5th - 9th grade. We provide programs where kids can learn the basics of volleyball and sportsmanship, accessible to families at an affordable cost.

We are looking for up to 4 lead and/or assistant coaches for our inaugural Next Gen Volleyball League. Current and former volleyball players (high school, college) are welcome. Parents of youth participants are also invited to get trained to coach your child’s team!

Commitment: 2 hours per week (on Sundays), and 1-2 full day league tournaments from March 3 - May 3.
Compensation: $25/$20hour for lead/assistant coaches. Parents can be paid hourly or have their pay credited towards the payment for your child’s class and league fees.

Interested parties please send an email to clubdirector@abvolleyball.org with responses to the following questions:

Name (first and last)
Are you a current/former player, parent, or other?
Why do you want to coach at ABV’s local league?
What experience, if any, do you have coaching volleyball?
What is your experience coaching volleyball (or another sport)?
What do you hope to learn or gain from this experience?
Any other relevant information we should know about you?
Spread the word and help us grow the next generation of volleyball players in the East Bay!

COACHES, FLASH 2023-2024

Kat Sakazaki

Coach Kat is from Elk Grove, CA and started playing volleyball when she was 9. She played volleyball for her elementary, middle, and high school as well as for the clubs NCVC and Delta Valley. Now they play for fun with friends while attending UC Berkeley. Kat's coaches were some of the most supportive and influential people in her life, so she hopes to give that back to players now.

Mariah Sims

Hi everyone! My name is Mariah. I started playing volleyball 7 years ago at Albany Middle School. I have played for Hercules Dynamite and Infinite Volleyball Club. During my volleyball career I have played almost every single position. I’m excited to get to work with you all again this season!

Aliya Payongayong

Hi! My name is Aliya and I’ve been playing volleyball for 6 years. I started at Albany Middle School, then played at Albany High School. At AHS I played as a defensive specialist, and at Golden Bear Volleyball Club I was a setter. I have a passion for coaching because while I get to teach skills, I also find that I’m constantly learning new things too! I’m very excited to meet and work with everybody!

COACHES, SUMMER 2023

Jessica Ruiz

Hi, I’m Jessica! I’m currently attending Cal Poly SLO. I’ve played club and school volleyball for about 7 years where I’ve developed skills as a setter, but I’ve also learned a lot from playing other positions as well. The high school that I went to was Summit, located in El Cerrito, and a few club power teams that I’ve played for include Pacific Rim and Xceleration. I look forward to meeting and working with you all!

Alma Culverwell

I was a captain of the varsity volleyball team at Albany High School, where I was a setter. I have been playing volleyball for about seven years now. I played one year for Golden Bear and the past three years at Absolute Volleyball Club. Last year I went to Junior Nationals in Florida with my Absolute team. I started out in sixth grade playing at ABV and I am so excited to come back and coach at the place where I started.

Sophia Gladkevich

Hello! My name is Sophia. I began playing volleyball at Albany Middle School and just finished my final season at Albany High School. I have played at Golden Bear and Absolute, mostly as a defensive specialist/ libero, however I have played the outside/ right side position as well. I look forward to seeing you all soon!

Francesca Nicosia

Hi! I’m Francesca. I started playing volleyball eight years ago at ABV, then in middle and high school went on to play club volleyball at Golden Bear and Marin Juniors volleyball clubs, along with playing for Albany High School. I’ve played a lot of different positions, but have mainly been a setter for a few years now. I’m excited to work with all of you and return to ABV as a coach!

COACHES, FLASH 2022-2023

Theresa Esparrago Lieu

Theresa Esparrago Lieu grew up in Albany, CA and started playing volleyball in 7th grade at Albany Middle School. At Albany High, Theresa and the Cougars won multiple league and NCS first place titles, and in her senior year (as team captain and MVP), she helped lead the Cougars to the CIF NorCal finals - one game short of the state finals. Theresa enjoys working with middle school players and hopes to pass on her love for the sport. Outside of volleyball, Theresa works in philanthropy supporting efforts to make higher education more equitable and accessible for California’s students.