Bio

Welcome to Westcliff!  26/27 is my fourth season with Westcliff.  This will be my second season as a head coach after squeezing out a winning 15-14 record in 25/26.

We overcame a lot of challenges last season: small size, small quantity of players, shifting positions, and a little belief.  It reminded me of the scene in Princess Bride where Inigo, Fezzik, and Wesley were discussing their liabilities and assets before storming Humperdink’s castle to save Princess Buttercup.

A lack of true eager Middle Blockers was the most glaring liability.  Fortunately, the team assets included the attacking of Offensive Player of the Year, Sam Carelock, and Stacy Folas, the incredible passing and defense of Defensive Player of the Year, Dani Sandoval, Renee Lepage, Jolianys Roman, and Lex Quintero, and the serving, setting, and fierce competitive nature of Amanda Audry, Amaya Keolvilaysane Ruiz, and Lauren Phinnessee  We had a great training camp / team building up in Mammoth Lakes that set the foundation to a group of committed players with a tremendous team buy-in.  This delivered great performances against D3 and NAIA teams throughout the season.   These games were great preparation for the end-of-the-year Continental Conference.  “We came in as the 6th seed, earned wins against top-seeded Florida National and #3 Carolina before falling to our conference rival Simpson in five and coming out in 3rd place. I am very proud of our girls. There was absolutely nothing left for the girls to give, which is the best way to end the season.”

During my first 2 years with Westcliff, I assisted Andy Cole and Hannah Matt for the indoor and beach teams, respectively.  During this time, I learned the Westcliff ropes of scheduling, recruiting, and team management.  I also saw how miuch work goes into a holding a single match, let alone 29 matches.  Our athletic department, led by Cesar Rivas makes sure our practice facilities are safe with trainers on site.  They make sure our matches are fun productions in which to spectate and compete. They handle the travel logistics - WE LOVE ROADTRIPS!!!  And don’t forget our Sports Information Department - they publicize and promote, and keep track of all the statistical details!         

I’ve also seen first hand that the biggest challenge of playing college volleyball in Orange County is being in Orange County.  Our student athletes enjoy the opportunities of living in the most dynamic place on earth.  There’s a huge variety of opportunities here, and even when combined with OC rent and other expenses, taking full advantage of these opportunities creates an outstanding value!   

We don’t have the resources of the Power 5 conferences, nor do we have the ‘employee/employer’ relationship dynamic that comes with full-rides and NIL, so it’s a humbling honor when I see how much our team manages outside the gym,  and then how hard they work together inside.  The result is a team where we all lock in to create an authentic humbling experience that everyone can enjoy!

I grew up in Irvine attending Irvine High School playing volleyball and basketball. I earned my Bachelor's in Business Administration at the University of the Pacific while helping the volleyball program reach the NCAA Division I playoffs in the 4th year of the program.  I led the country in kills per game earning All-American Honors and eventually being inducted into the University of the Pacific Hall of Fame.  During this time in Stockton, I learned how fun coaching can be at the Amos Alonzo Stagg Girls Varsity Volleyball team.  

After a brief tryout with the US national team, I went to play professionally in Europe.  First, Switzerland and then Holland where I met my wife, Laura.  The classic European love story ensued.  I chased Laura to Michigan, where she coached Michigan State Women’s Volleyball team.  And, I coached the East Lansing Girls Varsity Volleyball team - league championship!  We married in 2000 and then moved back to Southern California in 2001.  At this point, my volleyball career paused to start a sales career in real estate and grow a family.  

25 years later, we live in Tustin with 4 kids: Jack, Tommy, Will, and Louise, and a little dog, Snoopy.  I also enjoy the beach, biking, ultimate frisbee,  skiing, dog walking, BBQ, gardening, reading, and watching Indie movies!