17 GOLD
Eric Ballelos – 17 Gold Head Coach
email: eric.ballelos@peninsulajuniors.org
Eric Ballelos is in his third year working with Peninsula Juniors and he simply can’t get enough of the game. This Fall, he expanded his coaching resume by becoming the varsity volleyball assistant at Mercy High School in Burlingame. Ever so dedicated to his craft, Eric also serves Peninsula Juniors as the head coach to the 18 and under Peninsula Tribe boys team. In the spring, he returns for his fifth year as the the head varsity coach for the boys volleyball program at Junipero Serra in San Mateo. In addition, Eric coaches at San Francisco State University as a volunteer assistant coach, providing on-court training and stat analysis.
Before Eric fell in love with coaching, he enjoyed a successful playing career. A three-year varsity starter at St. Ignatius in San Francisco, Eric earned 1st Team All-WCAL honors in 1999. He continued after high school to play on the men's team at the University of California at Davis. Eric also serves as the Peninsula Tribe Coaches’ Representative to the Board of Directors.
Favorite quote:
"You're only as good as your biggest challenge."
Kasey Tyler – 17 Gold Assistant Coach
email: kasey.tyler@peninsulajuniors.org
This is Kasey’s first year with Peninsula Juniors, but Kasey has been coaching volleyball as long as she has played the sport. Kasey is a graduate of St. Francis High School in Watsonville, where she was a four year varsity starter and earned numerous accolades for her performance as a setter and an outside hitter. In 2006, Kasey lead her St. Francis team to be the Division V CCS Runner-up and through the CIF State tournament, losing in the Northern California final match by three points in game 5. Throughout junior high and high school, she competed for Main Beach Volleyball Club in Aptos. Kasey is a senior at the University of San Francisco, where she is majoring in Peace and Justice Studies with an emphasis in African History. Kasey spent the spring of 2010 studying in Cape Town, Africa.
Favorite quote:
"If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place." – Nora Roberts
16 GOLD
Chris Balestrieri – 16 Gold Head Coach
email: chris.balestrieri@peninsulajuniors.org
Chris is in his fifth season at Peninsula Juniors as a head coach and has coached at a number of different levels for the club. As a prep player, Chris played on the St. Ignatius High School volleyball team as an outside hitter and a defensive specialist. He began his coaching career as an assistant coach for the boys program at St. Ignatius High School in San Francisco and then moved on to be the varsity boys volleyball coach at Serra High School. In 2008, Chris worked as the junior varsity coach at Notre Dame High School in Belmont. Last year, Chris coached the 15 Gold team for Peninsula Juniors and also serves as the Coaches’ Representative for PJV. Chris has now been coaching for eight years, and also serves the volleyball community as a certified volleyball referee.
Favorite quote:
"If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special." – Jim Valvano
Nicole Rathman – 16 Gold Assistant Coach
email: nicole.rathman@peninsulajuniors.org
Nicole is in her third year coaching with Peninsula Juniors, having coached the 14 Gold team in 2009 and the 15 Gold team in 2010. Nicole has been playing volleyball since junior high school at Notre Dame, when she played for PJV through high school until she moved to Michigan. After playing a successful career with Michigan Elite Volleyball Club, Nicole played at San Diego State University, but injuries forced her stop playing competitively. Although she could no longer play, Nicole's passion for volleyball led her into coaching. After a stint coaching the 13 and under team for Michigan Elite, she has been coaching for the past three years as the varsity assistant coach at Sacred Heart Preparatory High School in Atherton.
Favorite quote:
"The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that
whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand." – Vince Lombardi
15 GOLD
Ashley Combs – 15 Gold Head Coach
email: ashley.combs@peninsulajuniors.org
This is Ashley's second year with Peninsula Juniors. Ashley comes to PJV from Idaho, where she coached for Club Idaho's 16-1 team. She also coached for the North Idaho Volleyball Club, where she coached their 17 and under team. Ashley was also a coach for the Hang Ten Volleyball Club 13 and under and 16 and under teams, before Hang Ten closed its doors last year. In 2010, Ashley was the head coach for the PJV 16 White team and the Peninsula Tribe 14 and under boys team. Ashley is passionate about playing and coaching volleyball.
Elio Virvuetta -15 Gold Assistant Coach
email: elio.virvuetta@peninsulajuniors.org
This is Elio's first year coaching with Peninsula Juniors. Elio played volleyball a Fremont High School and returned to his alma mater to coach after graduation. He has been the junior varsity coach at Fremont for the past three years, coaching the team to progressively more successful seasons. Elio attends DeAnza College and frequently jumps into the practices with the women's team there to keep his skills fresh. He is also an active player, playing in adult leagues in the area.
14 GOLD
Chantel Ross – 14 Gold Head Coach
email: chantel.ross@peninsulajuniors.org
This is Chantel’s fourth year with Peninsula Juniors, and coached the 13 Blue team in 2010. Chantel attended St. Gregory's School and earned Most Valuable Player honors in her final year. Chantel earned three varsity letters in volleyball from Mercy High School in Burlingame. After graduation, Chantel attended Canada College and was one of nine players on Canada's inaugural volleyball team. Unfortunately after a successful rookie season, Chantel was sidelined with to a career-ending shoulder injury. She continued to attend Canada where she received her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education.
In addition to having coached for Peninsula Juniors, Chantel has coached teams at St. Gregory's School at the junior high school levels. When Chantel is not coaching or working with children she enjoys taking her two dogs to the beach, being outdoors, spending time with friends, and reading.
Favorite quote:
"Players must learn to give everything they have for today, whether it is in practice or a game. Anything they save has been lost forever." — Unknown
Ashley Dolezal – 14 Gold Assistant Coach
email: ashley.dolezal@peninsulajuniors.org
This is Ashley's second year with Peninsula Juniors. Ashley is a graduate of Mercy High School in Burlingame, where she played volleyball for four years with 14 Gold head coach, Chantel Ross. Ashley earned a scholarship to the University of the Pacific as a basketball player, where she competed for four years. Throughout her time in college, however, she continued to play and coach volleyball. Ashley has worked at summer volleyball camps for the past six years. She also plays volleyball recreationally with a number of Peninsula Juniors coaches.
Favorite quote:
"Never give up! Failure and rejection are only the first step to succeeding." - Jim Valvano
12 GOLD
Tim Wood – 12 Gold Head Coach
email: tim.wood@peninsulajuniors.org
Tim is in his third season as a coach for Peninsula Juniors. In addition to coaching club, Tim has coached at elementary schools along the peninsula including Taylor Middle School and St. Robert's. Tim is a graduate of Serra High School, where he played volleyball for four years and served as captain. He also played club volleyball for Peninsula Tribe for four years. Tim is an experienced setter and an outside hitter, but enjoys teaching all positions. He now attends San Jose State University.
Favorite quote:
"The question isn't how much more can you take but how much more you can give. Just when you're ready to quit your mind says push harder. You listen sensing an inner strength that wasn't there before, and suddenly you discover that you no longer feel the pain."
Kristen Ridout – 12 Gold Assistant Coach
email: kristen.ridout@peninsulajuniors.org
This is Kristen's first year of coaching for Peninsula Juniors. Kristen has worked at a number of volleyball and basketball camps, including the 2010 PAL camp with PJV this summer. She has played volleyball for seven years in Pacific Grove, California, where she played as a setter, opposite hitter, and defensive specialist. She was honored by the Mountain Trail League for her accomplishments at Pacific Grove, earning all-league accolades. Kristen is enrolled currently at San Jose State University where she is studying business administration.
Favorite quote:
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."- Wayne Gretzky
16 BLUE
Samisoni Latu – 16 Blue Head Coach
email: samisoni.latu@peninsulajuniors.org
This is Soni's second year coaching with Peninsula Juniors. Soni is originally from the Friendly Island of Tonga in the South Pacific, where he was a standout high school outside hitter and Division I men's club player at Tonga College. After finishing his playing career, Soni started coaching at the freshman level and then served as a varsity assistant coach for two seasons. Soni moved to the United States in 2004 and began coaching at JLS Middle School in Palo Alto, where he has served as the head coach for five years. Soni also works as the head volleyball coach at Mid Peninsula High School in Menlo Park. When he is not coaching, Soni enjoys playing volleyball and relaxing at home with his family. Soni is also an international level rugby player.
Favorite Quote:
"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear." – Nelson Mandela
Ashley Borba – 16 Blue Assistant Coach
email: ashley.borba@peninsulajuniors.org
This is Ashley's first year with Peninsula Juniors. Ashley is a graduate of St. Francis Central Coast Catholic High School, where she played three years on the varsity team as the team's libero. In 2008, Ashley was a key factor in the team's run through the post-season, winning the Division V CCS Championship and becoming a Northern California CIF finalist, missing the CIF State Finals by one match. Ashley also earned a number of All-Tournament awards as libero for St. Francis, and she played for three years for Pacific Performance Volleyball Club, both for PJV director, Denise Sheldon. Ashley is currently a student at University of San Francisco, where she is also playing intramural volleyball with fellow PJV coach, Kasey Tyler.
Lisa Cuellar – 16 Blue Assistant Coach
email: lisa.cuellar@peninsulajuniors.org
This is Lisa’s first year as a coach with Peninsula Juniors. A bay area native, Lisa played as a defensive specialist for Menlo School, helping her high school team win 3 CCS titles, 4 Norcal Championships and reach 4 California State finals. She began her club career with the Belmont Volleyball Club and also played for City Beach, Aloha, and San Francisco Juniors Volleyball Clubs. Lisa continued her career as a libero at the NCAA Division I level, earning 4 Varsity letters at Davidson College in North Carolina. Awarded “Most Inspirational Player” her senior year, Lisa’s energy and passion for the game constantly guided Davidson College. Most proud of her passing skills, she is also known for her strategizing and serving techniques. After graduation, Lisa continued to play on various New York City league teams. She is very excited and looking forward to sharing her enthusiasm and knowledge with the Peninsula Juniors players.
14 BLUE
Juliana Hernandez – 14 Blue Head Coach
email: juliana.hernandez@peninsulajuniors.org
This is Juliana's second year with Peninsula Juniors. “Juli” is an alumna of Mercy High School in San Francisco. She has been playing volleyball since the second grade and club volleyball since the third grade, for local clubs XLVB and SF Tremors. After many years of successful seasons playing competitive volleyball, Juli experienced a severe knee injury that required numerous surgeries and ended her playing career. She has since refocused her passion to coaching volleyball. In 2010, Juli coached the 16 Blue team that finished at the top of the NCVA Area League.
Favorite quote:
"The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand." -Vince Lombard
Alisa Vinokur – 14 Blue Co-Head Coach
email: alisa.vinokur@peninsulajuniors.org
This is Alisa's first year with Peninsula Juniors. Alisa played volleyball at De Anza College, where she earned 1st Team All-Conference honors both years. She transferred to San Jose State University, where she played for the school's club team and was honored as a 2nd Team All-League selection. Alisa has coached formally at HangTen Volleyball Club, working with the 14 Power team. She has also coached at Central Middle School, where she coached the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade teams. Currently, she is coaching the 7th and 8th grade girls at Harker Middle School in San Jose.
Favorite quote:
"One for all and all for one."
Ali Van Rixel – 14 Blue Assistant Coach
email: ali.vanrixel@peninsulajuniors.org
This is Ali's second year coaching with Peninsula Juniors. As a prep player, Ali played for Carlmont High School, where she was a key contributor to a PAL League Bay Division Championship as well as winning the CCS Championship that year. In Ali's senior year at Sequoia High School, she was awarded 1st Team All-League honors. Ali is an alumni of Peninsula Juniors and played club volleyball for 6 years. She is currently attending the College of San Mateo where she is studying to become a physical therapist. In her spare time, Ali enjoys going to the beach and going to watch Stanford volleyball matches.
Favorite quote:
"How much you get out of volleyball correlates with the risks you are willing to take, the exploring you are willing to do." - Unknown
13 BLUE
Stephany Swenson – 13 Blue Head Coach
email: stephany.swenson@peninsulajuniors.org
This is Stephany's first year as a coach with Peninsula Juniors. She has played volleyball locally for seven years, at Mount Carmel Grade School, Notre Dame High School, and three years for PJV. She has played a number of positions, but her passion lies in playing defensive specialist. During high school, Stephany discovered a love for theatre performance which limited the amount of time she had to play volleyball. However, the desire to be involved with the sport never left her, this past spring, she became involved with Peninsula Juniors.
Stephany worked as a volunteer assistant coach for the 14 White team for Peninsula Juniors in 2010 and has a new passion for coaching volleyball. Stephany is knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and excited to be working with PJV this year. She is currently coaching the 7th grade team at St. Charles while attending Foothill College.
Favorite quote:
"Nothing is accomplished with tears."
Antonio Romeo – 13 Blue Assistant Coach
email: antonio.romeo@peninsulajuniors.org
This is Antonio’s first year with Peninsula Juniors. Antonio has been an active supporter of volleyball and PJV his whole life as his cousin Stephanie Swenson was a player for PJV. He enjoys playing the game and he loves how volleyball requires players to work together and play as a team to be successful. Antonio is also active in martial arts and has been teaching karate since he was 14 at Twin Dragon Academy. Antonio loves working with young people and he really enjoys teaching and watching players develop. Most of all, Antonio understands that volleyball is a fantastic game and it should always be fun!
Favorite quote:
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." - Thomas Alva Edison
12 AND UNDER DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAM
Information coming in January!
Maddy DeTar
email: maddy.detar@peninsulajuniors.org
This is Maddy's first year with Peninsula Juniors but she has been playing volleyball her whole life. Maddy graduated from St. Thomas More, where she was a standout player on the varsity team for four years. Throughout high school, Maddy helped coach middle school volleyball teams and once she graduated, she started assisting the junior varsity and varsity teams at More, where her uncle, John DeTar is the head varsity coach. After high school, Maddy also played for San Jose City College for a year. Maddy is looking forward to teaching players to love the game of volleyball and giving other players the opportunities that she had playing volleyball.
Falicia Shaw
email: falicia.shaw@peninsulajuniors.org
This is Falicia's first year with Peninsula Juniors. Falicia was born and raised in San Jose and played volleyball at Gunderson High School, serving as captain on her junior varsity and varsity teams. After she graduated, she went on to play at San Jose City College, competing with the team there for two years. In addition, she has been coaching at Gunderson for the last 3 years, working with both the girls and boys programs there. This year, she served as the head coach for the freshman team. Falicia finds coaching volleyball to be an amazing experience and can't wait to get started at Peninsula Juniors.
