Coaching Staff – Ignite Volleyball Club

Club Director / Head Coach

Shawn Covely

Dedicated to providing the best volleyball club experience in town!

Volleyball Coaching / Administrative Experience:

2013 – present: Ignite Volleyball Club, Club Director
2013 – present: Ignite Volleyball Club, Head Coach (12’s – 18’s)
2014 – present: USA Volleyball Safesport Director, Ignite Volleyball Club
2016 – present: North Phoenix Prep Volleyball Director, Varsity Head Coach
2015: Fountain Hills JV Head Coach
2011 – 2013: AGAF Volleyball Head Coach (ages 7 – 18)

Volleyball Education / Certifications:

2013 – present: Gold Medal Squared Coaches Clinics
2018: Gold Medal Squared Camp Coach
2017: AIA 1 East Region Coach of the Year
2017: USAV CAP II Certification
2015: USAV Beach IMPACT Certification
2014: USAV CAP I Certification
2013 – present: USAV IMPACT Certification
2014 – present: Safesport Certification
2013 – present: CDC and NFHS Concussion Certification

Volleyball Playing Experience:

2014 – present: Men’s/ C0-ed Indoor, Sand & Grass
1990 – 2000: Men’s/ C0-ed Indoor, Sand & Grass
1996 – 1999: Men’s California Beach Volleyball

Ignite Experience

2017/18 Season: 13's Premiere Assistant Coach 2017/18 Season: 18's Elite Head Coach 2016/17 Season: 12's Premiere Head Coach 2016/17 Season: 17's Premiere Head Coach 2015/16 Season: 14's Black Head Coach 2015/16 Season: 17's Premiere Head Coach 2014/15 Season: 17's Premiere Head Coach 2013/14 Season: 16's Premiere Head Coach

Head Coach: 18's Premier

Zach Davis

Citius, Altius, Fortius…Faster, Higher, Stronger

Volleyball Coaching / Administrative Experience:

Ignite Volleyball Club, Head Coach: Present
Cactus Shadows High School Varsity Head Coach: 2014 – present
Club VOS Desert Foothills, Co-director: 2012-2016
Club VOS Desert Foothills, Head Coach (12’s – 18’s): 2011-2016
Club VOS Desert Foothills Safesport Director: 2014-2016

Volleyball Education / Certifications:

2014: USAV CAP II Certification
2011: USAV CAP I Certification
2011: USAV IMPACT Certification
2014: Safesport Certification
2014: NFHS Concussion Certification

Volleyball Playing Experience:

AVP Junior Beach Tournaments – 1992 to 1994
Mesa JO Club, setter – 1993 to 1994
Arizona State University, intramural, setter – 1994 to 1995

Head Coach: 16's Premier

Clare Gersh

If you can't excel with talent, triumph with effort!

Clare attended and played volleyball at Cactus Shadows High School and was part of the 2005 State Championship team. She went on to attend the University of Arizona and received her degree in Economics and Math. In 2013, Clare received her Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification. Most recently, she received her Master of Science degree in Health Science with an emphasis in sports performance from Rocky Mountain University.

Clare has been coaching club for four years, previously at Club VOS and now at Ignite Volleyball Club. Last season, she coached Club VOS Desert Foothills 12s and finished 13^th in the AZ region and tied for 3^rd at Festival Fiesta. She is the freshman coach at Cactus Shadow High School and the strength and conditioning coach for the high school’s volleyball program. Clare is also USA Volleyball CAP I certified.

Volleyball Coaching Experience:

Ignite Volleyball Club, Head Coach: 2015-present
Club VOS Desert Foothills, Head Coach (12’s): 2012-2015
Cactus Shadows High School Freshman Head Coach: 2014-15 seasons

Volleyball Education / Certifications:

2016 – Present: Gold Medal Squared Coaches Clinic
USAV CAP I Certification
USAV CAP II Certification (pending)
USAV IMPACT Certification
Safesport Certification
CDC and NFHS Concussion Certification
C.S.C.S (Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist)
Pro Fitness Jump Training Certified

Volleyball Playing Experience:

2007-2011: University of Arizona Intramurals (Co-ed)
2003-2007: Cactus Shadows High School
2003-2006: Black Mountain Juniors Club

Head Coach - 17's Premier

William Mendietta

Not everyone who works hard succeeds, but everyone that succeeded worked hard.

Volleyball Coaching / Administrative Experience:

2018-Present: Ignite Volleyball Club, Head Coach 17 Premier
2017 – Present: Foothills Academy College Prep, Head Coach (Varsity)
2017 – 2018: SVA, Head Coach (16)
2014 – 2017: Arizona Sky, Head Coach (12-16)

Volleyball Education / Certifications:

CAP I Certified
Impact Certified
NFHS Certified Interscholastic Coach (2017)
Art of Coaching Clinic (2016)
Gold Medal Squared Trained (2015)

Volleyball Playing Experience:

Adult leagues Indoor/Outdoor

Head Coach - 17's Elite

Christina Rakovitis

Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard enough.

Volleyball Coaching / Administrative Experience:

2018-Present: Ignite Volleyball Club, Head Coach 17’s Elite / Assistant 15 Premier
2018-Present: Desert Mountain High School Varsity Volunteer Coach
2017-2018: Avalanche Volleyball Club, Assistant Coach 16’s
2016-2017: AZ Kings Volleyball Club, Assistant/Head Coach 14’s and 15’s

Volleyball Education / Certifications:

Gold Medal Squared Trained
2018-Present: NFHS Concussion Certification
2016-Present: USAV IMPACT Certification
2016-Present: Safesport Certification

Volleyball Playing Experience:

2013-2015: Western Michigan University
2009: Plymouth High School
2008-2013: Club volleyball
2007-2008: Middle School

Head Coach - 15's Premier

Alyssa Showers

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!

Volleyball Coaching / Administrative Experience:

2018-Present: Ignite Volleyball Club, Head Coach 15 Premier
2018-Present: Desert Mountain High School, Varsity Head Coach
2017-2018: Avalanche Volleyball Club, Head Coach/Assistant Coach (15’s)
2016-2017: AZ Kings Volleyball Club, Head Coach (13’s)
2011-2013: Parkway Lightning Volleyball Club (STL), Head Coach (12’s-14’s)
2010-2012: Momentum Volleyball Club (STL), Head Coach (14’s, 17’s)

Volleyball Education / Certifications:

2018- Present: Gold Medal Squared Coaches Clinics (pending)
2018- Present: CDC and NFHS Concussion Certification
2016- Present: USAV IMPACT Certification
2016-Present: Safesport Certification
2014- Present: First Aid and CPR
2012: BS in Exercise Science with a minor in Strength and Conditioning and Coaching

Volleyball Playing Experience:

2007-2010: Lindenwood University, (St, Charles, MO)- Starting Libero
2003-2007: Black Forest Volleyball Club, Sportsbridge Volleyball Club (Won Colorado Crossroads in 2006 and qualified for Nationals)- Libero
2003-2007: Grandview High School (Aurora, CO)- Defensive Specialist

Head Coach - 14's Premier

Corey Davis

Wearing the same uniform doesn’t make you a team; coming together is the start, playing together is progress, working together is success and winning together is the result.

Volleyball Coaching / Administrative Experience:

Ignite Volleyball Club, Head Coach: Present
Sonoran Trails middle school 8th Grade Head coach, 2014 – present
Club Vos Desert Foothills, Head Coach 2012-2016 (14s, 16s, 17s)
2010-2011 YMCA Competitive Teams

Volleyball Education / Certifications:

2016 Gold Medal Squared Coaching Clinic
2015 Arizona Region Coaching Clinic
2014 USAV Cap 1 Certification
2014 – USAV Safesport Certification
2012-Current Impact Certified
2011-2013 NFHS Concussion Certification

Volleyball Playing Experience:

1990-Current recreational sand and court
1992-1996 ASU Intramurals (Co-ed)
1988-1992 Coronado High School

Head Coach - 14's Elite

Kate Janson

Teaching student-athletes that volleyball is for life!

Volleyball Coaching / Administrative Experience:

2015-present: Scottsdale Unified School District, Summer Volleyball Camp Director
2018: Cheyenne Traditional School, Varsity Coach
2016-2017: Desert Mountain High School, Freshman Coach
2012-2015: Cheyenne Traditional School, Varsity Coach
1999: Mountain Pointe High School, Assistant Coach

Volleyball Education / Certifications:

2018: Positive Coaching Alliance Certification
2017: USAV CAP I Certification
2017: SafeSport Certification
2017: NFHS-AIA Certified Interscholastic Coach
2017: Elite Coaches & Winning Ways Clinics
2016: Art of Coaching Volleyball Clinic
2014: USAV IMPACT Certification
2014: NFHS-AIA Accredited Interscholastic Coach
2013: NFHS Volleyball and Concussion Certification

Volleyball Playing Experience:

NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball – Columbia University
1st Team All-Region – Red Mountain High School Varsity
Arizona Juniors Volleyball Club

Head Coach - 13's Premier

Summer Anderson

Volleyball Coaching / Administrative Experience:

2017 – Present: Ignite Volleyball Head & Assistant Coach
2017 – Present: North Phoenix Prep Assistant Varsity Coach and Head Junior Varsity Coach
2012-2014: Northern Arizona Juniors Assistant Coach 15’s
2010-2011: Revolution Volleyball Academy Assistant Coach 15’s

Volleyball Education / Certifications:

USAV IMPACT Certification

Volleyball Playing Experience:

2007-2011: Cactus Shadows High School Volleyball
2005-2010: Arizona Volleyball Academy Club
2004-2005: Black Mountain Juniors Volleyball Club

Head Coach - 15 Elite/13 Elite

Kat Janssen

Coaching Experience:

2017-present: Ignite Volleyball Club, Head Coach: 14’s Black
2014-2017- UK Women’s Base Varsity volleyball team: Head coach and captain
2014-2015: Lakenheath High School, Lakenheath UK Head Varsity Coach
2013-2014: WAVE Volleyball: Head Coach: 12s and 15s Nationals
2012-2013: OKC Jrs Volleyball Academy: Head Coach: 14 Nationals

Playing Experience:

2016-2017: Team Essex Trinity-Semi-pro team based in UK
2014-present: RAF Lakeneath Women’s Base team
2013-OKC Women’s National Team
2008-2012: Southern Nazarene University NCAA D2-libero

Head Coach

Erika Marlatt

There is no substitute for hard work!

Volleyball Coaching / Administrative Experience:

2016-present BASIS Scottsdale Head Coach & Program Director
2009 Pewamo-Westphalia Freshman Coach

Volleyball Education / Certifications:

2018 NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching
2018 NFHS Concussion in Sports

Volleyball Playing Experience:

All State 2 years Sheridan High School, Sheridan, Wyoming
Michigan State University Club Volleyball 2 years
Recreational sand volleyball in Scottsdale, AZ

Head Coach

LeeShay Flemons

The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.

Volleyball Coaching / Administrative Experience:

2018 – present: Ignite volleyball club, Head Coach
2015-2016: Ignite volleyball club, Assistant Coach

Volleyball Education / Certifications:

2015-2016: IMPACT Certification

Volleyball Playing Experience:

2012-2014: Westview volleyball
2012-2014: Club View/ White Tanks Volleyball Clubs

Head Coach

Ed Cortes

The best team isn't the team with the best players, but the team that plays the best together!

Volleyball Coaching / Administrative Experience:

2018 – present: Ignite Volleyball Club, Academy
2018 – present: AZ Spikes, Head Coach (13U)
2017-2018: Scottsdale/Paradise Valley YMCA 4th-6th Grade Competitive, Head Coach
2016 :National Youth Sports (NYS), Girls 10-12’s, Head Coach
2016: National Youth Sports (NYS), Girls 7-9’s, Head Coach

Volleyball Education / Certifications:

Impact Certified
Gold Medal Squared

Volleyball Playing Experience:

2011-present: Men’s/ Co-ed Indoor & Sand
1995 -1997: Men’s/ Co-ed Indoor & Sand
1993 -1994: California Junior Beach Doubles Tournaments
1989 -1991: St. Anastasia Boys Varsity, outside hitter, back row

Head Coach

Michael Ortiz

Teaching student-athletes that volleyball is for life!

Volleyball Coaching / Administrative Experience:

2016-2018: Club VOS – East Valley, Club Co-Director
2016-2018: Club VOS – East Valley, Head Coach (12s)
2017-2018: Club VOS – East Valley, Assistant Coach (16s)
2014: Higley High School Freshman Assistant Coach
2011-present: YMCA Volleyball Head Coach (ages 7-15)

Volleyball Education / Certifications:

2016-present: USAV IMPACT Certification
2016-present: Gold Medal Squared Coaches Clinics

Head Coach

Pearl Alvarez

Can’t Stop The Rise

Volleyball Coaching / Administrative Experience:

2016-2017: Coached Starling Volleyball 15’s 14’s Head Coach/Assistant Coach
2017- Cheatham Elementary School Assistant

Volleyball Education / Certifications:

2016-present: USAV IMPACT Certification
2018-present: Gold Medal Squared Coaches Clinics

Volleyball Playing Experience:

2018: Mesa Community College VB Setter
2016: South mountain College VB
2014-2015: South mountain high school Volleyball Setter/Captain/ Champions
2013: Betty H. Fairfax high school Volleyball Captain
2009-2010: Cheetham elementary Champions 2 years Captain
2008: Bush elementary Runner up

Volleyball Club Experience:

2015: Kroc Center Volleyball Club Captain
2015: Sand Volleyball Club Team Az/Wave
2014: South mountain Starlings Captain Champions
2012-2013: Central Phoenix Starlings Setter/Captain Sliver In USAA
2006-2011: Team Az Starlings USAA Champions

Head Coach

Jon Bellevue

Bio coming soon!

Assistant Coach

Heather Fisher

Bio Coming Soon

Head Coach Scottsdale Prep MS A Team

Assistant Coach

Randi Reader

Bio coming soon!

Assistant Coach

Nathan Janssen

Volleyball Coaching Experience:

WAVE VB club 11’s and 15’s girls nationals Assistant Coach
USAFE Men’s coach/captain

Volleyball Playing Experience:

Played club at USAFA in Colorado Springs
Oklahoma men’s national team
USAFE Men’s team-UK

Assistant Coach - 17's Premier

Marissa Scheeler

Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.

Volleyball Coaching / Administrative Experience:

2018-Present: Ignite Volleyball Club, Assistant Coach 17 Premier
2014-2015: Ignite Volleyball Club
2010-2014: NHS Volleyball

Volleyball Education / Certifications:

Impact Certified
Gold Medal Squared Coaches Clinics

Volleyball Playing Experience:

2014-2018: The University of Arizona Women’s/ C0-ed Indoor/ Sand intramural volleyball; Indoor Wallyball
2010– 2014: Horizon High School Volleyball, State Champions 2012; Club teams played on: AZU, AZ Sky, AZ Storm
2009-2010: Club season: Arizona Volleyball Academy

Assistant Coach - 12's

Amy Flores

Play with passion or not at all.

Volleyball Coaching / Administrative Experience:

2018-Present: Ignite Volleyball Club Assistant Coach, Academy

Volleyball Education / Certifications:

Impact Certified
Gold Medal Squared Coaches Clinics

Volleyball Playing Experience:

2014-18: Ignite Volleyball Club
2008-13: Club VOS
2015-16, 2017-18: North Canyon HS Varsity

Assistant Coach

Madison Witzman

Good teams become great ones when the members trust each other enough to surrender the Me for the We.

Volleyball Coaching / Administrative Experience:

2018 – present: Ignite Volleyball Club Assistant Coach

Volleyball Education / Certifications:

IMPACT
Gold Medal Squared

Volleyball Playing Experience:

2010: Surprise Volleyball Academy 14’s N -MB/OH
– 2011: Surprise Volleyball Academy 14’s N -MB
– 2012: Surprise Volleyball Academy 18’s N -OH
– 2013: Surprise Volleyball Academy 16’s N -MB/S
– 2014: Surprise Volleyball Academy 18’s N -MB/OH
– 2015: Sparks Volleyball Club 18’s N – MB/OH/S

Assistant Coach

Michelle Betsinger

If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.

Volleyball Coaching / Administrative Experience:

2008-2013: Alexander Dawson School, Summer volleyball coach (ages 10-16)

Volleyball Education / Certifications:

Medal Squared Coaches Clinics
IMPACT certified

Volleyball Playing Experience

2011-2013: Luther College, NCAA athlete
2007-2010: Alexander Dawson School, 4 year Varsity starter, 1 year Captain
2005-2010: Extensive club experience. Most recently, Premier Volleyball Club in Windsor, Colorado

Assistant Coach

Elise Meath

Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.

Volleyball Coaching / Administrative Experience:

2015-2017: Lil’ Cougars Volleyball Camp
2017-2018: Capital Boys Volleyball Club

Volleyball Education / Certifications:

Gold Medal Squared Coaches Clinics
IMPACT certified

Volleyball Playing Experience:

2014-2017: Capital High School Varsity Volleyball
2009-2014: Lake Tapps Volleyball Club
2015-2017: Capital Ice Volleyball Club

Assistant Coach

Brandon Naranjo

Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.

BIO COMING SOON!

Assistant Coach

Marisa Stewart

Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.

Coaching experience:

2018 season: Head coach for 8th grade team at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School
2015 season: Head coach for freshmen team at Arcadia high school | volunteer assistant for JV team, statistician for varsity team
2014 season: Assistant coach for freshmen team at Arcadia High School

Playing experience:

2009-2011: Shenu volleyball club
2010-2014: Arcadia High School (team captain freshmen-senior year)

Assistant Coach

Robert Kuo

Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.

Bio Coming Soon!

Recruiting Coordinator

Alexyss Nelson

Alexyss will be managing our recruiting program this season.

Volleyball Coaching / Administrative Experience:

2017-present: Ignite Volleyball Club
2014-2016: High School / Middle School Head Coach
2014-2016: High School Volleyball Trainer

Volleyball Education / Certifications:

CPR
USAV IMPACT Certification
Safesport Certification
CDC and NFHS Concussion Certification

Volleyball Playing Experience:

2017: Sand Volleyball Intramural
2009-2015: Club volleyball in WA and CA
2014: Cedar Park Christian HS
2011-2013: Valley Christian HS

Head Trainer - Forge

Robert Branch

Coach Robert Branch is a Master trainer with great emphasis in developing youth, collegiate and professional athletes in sports training. Not only has he worked successfully with elite volleyball players Coach Branch also has an extensive background and success in developing football, basketball, tennis, and track athletes making the jump to the collegiate and professional levels. This also includes swimmers going for gold in the upcoming 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo!

Head Trainer - Forge

Oscar Corona

My name is Oscar Corona. I have 10+ years training experience witch includes volleyball, baseball, college and professional football, as well as general population. I have a Bachelors of Science in Exercise and Wellness from Arizona State University. After graduating I became a certified strength and conditioning specialist. I love seeing the athletic improvements of the athletes along with the strength and confidence that comes with that.