PO Box 7129 Redwood City, CA 94063
2010 Coaches
12 Blue 12 Gold
13 Blue
14 White 14 Blue 14 Gold
15 Gold
16 White 16 Blue 16 Gold
Coaching Consultant & Mentor - Don Shaw
Strength and Conditioning Coach - Shelly Signori
Setting Clinics Coach - Katie Goldhaun
Hitting Clinics Coach - Kim Oden
Coaching Consultant & Mentor -
Don Shaw
www.donshawsports.com
One of the top coaches in collegiate volleyball history, Don Shaw established Stanford University as a national powerhouse in his 26 seasons coaching both men & women's teams.
Shaw played a major role in helping Stanford women's volleyball achieve the national prominence it now holds. In 16 seasons as women's head coach, he led the Cardinal to 10 Final Fours, eight Championship Matches and four NCAA Championships (1992, 1994, 1996, 1997), including an NCAA tournament record of 50-12. He compiled an all-time record of 440-70 (.863), the top all-time winning percentage among Division I women's volleyball coaches. In Pac-10 Conference matches, Shaw was an amazing 229-23 (.909) while winning 10 conference championships. His overall collegiate record (including 7 years coaching the Stanford men's team) is 523-154.
A charter member of the American Volleyball Coaches Association, he was inducted into the AVCA Hall of Fame on December 18, 2008 . Shaw was named AVCA National Coach of the Year (1991), Volleyball Magazine Coach of the Year (1997), Regional/District Coach of the Year (‘92, ‘94, ‘97) & Conference Coach of the Year ('85, '87, '91, '97).
Shaw has coached some of the top players in collegiate volleyball history, including 9 Olympians, 44 All-Americans and 20 USA National Team members. The impressive list includes, on the men's side, '88 Gold Medalists Jon Root and Scott Fortune, as well as current National Team setter and '08 Gold Medalist Kevin Hansen. Five of his Stanford women's players earned 7 National Player of the Year honors: Kim Oden (1984, 1985), Bev Oden (1990), Kristin Klein (1991), Cary Wendell (1994, 1995) and current Olympic Beach Gold Medalist Kerri Walsh (1999).
An outstanding clinician and ambassador of the game of volleyball, Shaw was the co-founder of the Stanford Volleyball Camps and served as Director for over two decades. He has conducted clinics and camps all over the U.S. and in Canada .
As a player, Shaw was a member of the U.S. National Team in 1979 and also earned All-America honors in leading Chuck's Steak House to the USVBA open national championship in both 1977 and 1978. He was also a USVBA All-American in 1986, as his team captured the senior division national title. He played professionally in the International Volleyball Association in 1979 and 1980 and was a top-rated beach player throughout the ‘70s. Shaw continues to compete in the sand and has won the championship of the Motherlode Volleyball Classic in Aspen , CO (Masters Division) three times.
Strength and Conditioning Coach -
Shelly Signori
This is Shelley's first year as a coach with the Peninsula Juniors. Shelley is a certified personal trainer (through the National Academy of Sports Medicine ) and the founder of Beyond Fitness. She is a graduate and volleyball alumnus of Notre Dame, Belmont and Santa Clara University . While in high school she also played for four years at PJV. Shelley graduated from Santa Clara with a degree in marketing in 2007 and has worked in sales for the past two years. She recently started her own business as a health and fitness coach, providing in home personalized training and nutritional consultation.
Setting Clinic Coach -
Katie Goldhahn
Katie Goldhahn is a Stanford graduate and was a member of the Stanford Women's Volleyball team from 2002 - 2006, winning the NCAA Division I National Championship in 2004. Katie has coached for a number of clubs in Northern California including Delta Valley Volleyball Club, Palo Alto Elite, and Vision Volleyball Club. In 2008, Katie served as the club director for Palo Alto Elite. Katie has offered private and group training for the past six years and has assisted in various ways training players at UCSD, San Jose State University, Stanford University, and Santa Clara University. Katie also still plays volleyball at a competitive level, participating in Adult Open Nationals in 2007 and 2009.
Hitting Clinic Coach -
Kim Oden
Kim Oden is a Stanford graduate and a 3-time NCAA Division 1 All American. She is a two-time Olympian ('88 & '92) and a bronze medalist. Coach Kim played professionally overseas in Italy, Turkey, China and Brazil. She was a member of the 4-woman professional beach tour from 1993-1997. Coach Kim is the former head varsity girl's volleyball coach at St. Francis High School (2002-2008) at which her team won the California State Championship in 2002 and 2003. She was an assistant coach at Stanford University and was a contributing staff member for the 2001 National Championship Team.
12 Blue -
Karen Varley
This is Karen's first year with Peninsula Juniors. Karen coached for ten years at Crocker Junior High School and loves working with younger players. She has also coached for Quake City and started her own club, Hillsborough Volleyball Club to service the needs of girls living in the Hillsborough area. Karen is an active volleyball player as well, playing recreationally at least twice a week. She also enjoys playing softball.
Stephanie Ward
This is Stephanie's first year coaching with Peninsula Juniors. Stephanie has been coaching since 1994, when she worked as the boys' varsity assistant coach at Abraham Lincoln High School in Los Angeles. She helped coach the Lincoln girls and boys teams to a number of championships and then coached for Peninsula Volleyball Club in the south bay of Southern California. Currently, Stephanie works as a real estate agent. Stephanie is an avid volleyball player who grew up on the beaches of Southern California playing volleyball. She also plays indoors, including playing for NCVA women's teams.
12 Gold -
Amy Hoffman
This is Amy's first year with Peninsula Juniors Volleyball Club. Amy was born and raised in Washington and played for Puget Sound Volleyball Club. As a player, she played three years of varsity volleyball, earning 1 st Team All-League honors in 2003 as well as serving as team captain. Amy went on to play club volleyball for Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo , and graduated with a degree in Biological Sciences in 2009.
As a coach, Amy coached club volleyball for Narrows Volleyball Club in Tacoma , Washington in 2004 and then at Laguna Lake Middle School in 2007 and 2008. For the 2009 season, Amy was hired at perennial state tournament contender Mission College Preparatory School , where she served as assistant coach to a varsity team that ultimately won the CIF Central Section Championship.
Amy will be pursuing a doctorate of Physical Therapy in the fall, 2011.
Ali Van Rixel
This is Ali's first 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 1 st 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.
13 Blue -
Chantel Ross
Chantel was a PJV coach in the past and is returning to Peninsula Juniors this season after spending some time on personal projects. Chantel attended St. Gregory's School and earned Most Valuable Player honors in her final year. She played four years of volleyball at Mercy High School in Burlingame, earning her varsity letter in her sophomore through senior year. 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, in May of 2008, 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.
Ashley Dolezal
This is Ashley's first year with Peninsula Juniors. Ashley is a graduate of Mercy High School in Burlingame, where she played volleyball for four years with 13 blue 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 five years. She is excited to be back in the bay area coaching with her old teammate.
14 White -
Stephanie Burbank
This is Stephanie's fifth year of coaching club volleyball and her third year with PJV, having previously worked as head coach for the 12 power team and assistant coach for the16 area team. In addition to coaching girls club volleyball she has also coached several elementary school teams in the area. Stephanie is also currently entering her third year as head coach of the JV team at Junipero Serra High School and her second year as assistant coach for the 16 and under team for Peninsula Tribe. Stephanie prides herself on her ability to teach the fundamentals and instill a love of volleyball into every player she coaches. Stephanie is certified in the Fundamentals of Coaching with the National Federation of State High Schools Associations (NFHS).
Timothy Wood
Tim is in his second season as a coach for Peninsula Juniors. Last year, Tim served as an assistant coach for the 12 power team. In addition to coaching club, Tim has coached at elementary schools along the peninsula including Taylor Middle School and St. Robert's. Along with coaching, Tim is currently a senior attending Serra High School where he has played volleyball for the past three years. He has experience played numerous positions including setter and outside hitter. Tim has also played club volleyball for the past two years for Peninsula Tribe, which is the boys division of PJV where he currently serves as the team captain of the 18-1 team.
14 Blue -
Samisoni Latu
This is Soni's (also known as Sami) first year 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 playing, Soni started coaching at the freshman level and then served as the assistant varsity 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. When he is not coaching, Soni enjoys playing volleyball and relaxing at home with his family. Soni is also an international level rugby player.
Tony Knudsen
This is Tony's first year with Peninsula Juniors. He has played volleyball recreationally for much of his life and is also a basketball player. Tony enjoys working with kids and teaching volleyball, particularly to the 14 and under age group. He also owns his own business out of Santa Cruz. Tony's daughter, Tahra, is also a member of the Peninsula Juniors 13 and under team.
14 Gold -
Eric Ballelos
Eric Ballelos is in his second season working with Peninsula Juniors. In 2009, Eric coached the 14 Blue team to an Area League Championship and 18th place finish at Far Westerns. He is currently the head varsity coach at Junipero Serra in San Mateo and this spring will be his fourth season with the Padres. Eric also serves Peninsula Juniors as the head coach to the 16 and under Peninsula Tribe boy's team. He also coaches at San Francisco State University as an assistant coach, providing on-court training.
Before Eric fell in love with coaching, he enjoyed a successful playing career starting with high school. A three year varsity starter at St. Ignatius in San Francisco, Eric earned 1 st 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. His career with the Aggies included a DIII National Championship in 2001.
When he is not coaching, Eric also finds time to continue playing volleyball, on NCVA men's teams and recreational leagues in the area. Jessica Dragotto
This is Jessica's first year with Peninsula Juniors, as Jessica recently graduated from the University of San Francisco . She is a graduate and volleyball alumnus of Notre Dame High School in Belmont and also played for PJV as a high school student. Throughout college, Jessica continued playing volleyball in college intramurals and local competitive volleyball leagues. Jessica is a strong all-around volleyball player, but focused primarily on her talents as a setter in her career. Off the court, Jessica is a freelance graphic designer. She enjoys camping, hiking, surfing and other outdoor activities.
Nicole Wickstrom
Nicole played for Peninsula Juniors for five years and is a proud graduate of Sacred Heart Prep. Nicole began coaching volleyball in 2003 and coached at the elementary school level for four years. In 2007, she coached the PJV 12 Gold team. Last year, Nicole worked as the assistant coach for the Burlingame Sports Center 13 and under team. Nicole is currently a sophomore at the University of San Francisco where she is majoring in English Literature and Education. After graduation, Nicole plans on becoming an elementary school teacher and coaching high school volleyball.
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15 Gold -
Nicole Rathman - Co Head Coach
Nicole is in her second year coaching with Peninsula Juniors, having coached the 14 and under power team in 2009. Nicole has been playing volleyball since junior high school, 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 two years as the varsity assistant coach at Sacred Heart Preparatory High School in Atherton.
Chris Balestrieri - Co Head Coach
Chris is in his fourth 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 . Chris has now been coaching for eight years, and also serves the volleyball community as a certified volleyball referee.
16 White -
Ashley Combs
This is Ashley's first year with Peninsula Juniors. Ashley comes to PJV from Idaho, where she coached for Club Idaho's 16 and under team. She also coached for the North Idaho Volleyball Club, where she coached their 17 and under team. Most recently, Ashley was coaching the 13 and under and 16 and under team for Hang Ten Volleyball Club, which closed its doors this year. Ashley is passionate about playing and coaching volleyball.
Tony Johnson
This is Tony's first year with Peninsula Juniors. Tony is a personal trainer, volleyball player and coach who played in junior high school and high school. At the same time, Tony was competing in track and field, where he was a three-time state champion in the high jump. Tony was also invited to try out for the 1996 Olympic trials, which he describes as the most exciting moment of his life. Tony competed in track and field at West Valley College, where he still holds the record for the high jump. Tony attended the National Academy of Sports Medicine where he earned his personal training certification, and has studied physical therapy and sports injury prevention and management. He has also coached track and field at Del Mar High School, but is excited to turn his focus to his passion of volleyball.
16 Blue -
Juliana Hernandez
This is Juliana's first year with Peninsula Juniors. “Juli” is an alumna of Mercy High School in San Francisco . Juli 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.
Juli is the head varsity and junior varsity volleyball coach at Mid-Peninsula High School in Menlo Park , where she has developed the teams into a viable Division V program. She was recently married to her high school sweetheart.
Robert Flemming
Robert returns to Peninsula Juniors for his third consecutive season. He is currently the junior varsity coach at Notre Dame High School. He has coached 14 and under teams for PJV at the area and power levels. He is also an avid volleyball player, participating on IVL teams and City Beach Adult League teams.
16 Gold -
Denise Sheldon
Denise is in her sixteenth year coaching volleyball and her first year at Peninsula Juniors, serving as director and 16 and under power league head coach.
Denise coached for Peninsula Juniors (formally Belmont Volleyball Club) in 2000 while recovering from surgery and training to return to intercollegiate volleyball. Denise resigned from PJV to attend the University of Nevada and graduated with degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice. After finishing her playing eligibility, she worked as an undergraduate assistant coach
for the Wolf Pack volleyball program. Following graduation, Denise worked for the University's Department of Athletics as the Coordinator of Marketing and Promotions while also running the volleyball program at Truckee Meadows Community College and helping with club teams for Sierra Nevada Volleyball Club.
In 2004, Denise moved to Capitola and accepted a position working in Development and Admissions at St. Francis Central Coast Catholic High School in Watsonville . Denise founded the volleyball program at St. Francis, taking her team to the CIF State Tournament in its second year as a varsity program, progressing through the CIF Tournament to become Northern California runner-up in 2006 and 2008, and winning the CCS Championship in 2008. Denise was honored as the 2006 Santa Cruz Athletic League Coach of the Year and with a 2008 CCS Championship Coach Award. In 2006 Denise also founded and coached for the non-profit organization, Pacific Performance Volleyball Club, serving the southern Santa Cruz County community.
In the summer of 2006, Denise was chosen as a coach for TourneySport USA , a two week invitation-only tournament program for all-star athletes in Honolulu , Hawaii . In 2007, Denise became involved in the NCVA High Performance program, and was chosen as a coach to the High Performance International Junior team to compete in the Global Challenge Tournament in Pula , Croatia . In 2008, she coached the NCVA High Performance International Youth team in Ft. Lauderdale , Florida.
Denise is also involved with USA Volleyball's High Performance Program, assisting with tryouts and helping to run High Performance camps throughout the country over the summer. She is also a USA Volleyball CAP I certified coach, and will complete her CAP II training before the start of the club season.
As a player, Denise was a prep standout at Sacred Heart Preparatory in Atherton where she played with fellow PJV coach, Anne Marr. Denise's junior and senior year of high school, she lead the squad to back-to-back CIF State Championships, and was honored as the Most Valuable Player in the League, CCS Section, and State of California in Division V in those years.
Denise played her freshman year in college on a volleyball scholarship at Fordham University in New York . After a severe knee injury, Denise returned to California , endured a number of knee surgeries and rehabilitation, and eventually played a season of volleyball for Cabrillo College , where she earned 1 st Team All-America honors for the Seahawks. She finished her intercollegiate volleyball career playing at the University of Nevada , Reno , where Denise earned 1 st Team Academic All-Conference honors and her team enjoyed a Top 25 season that ended in a loss to Stanford in the NCAA Tournament in 2001. Following the completion of her eligibility, Denise played volleyball in Europe with Bring It Promotions, playing in Germany , Czech Republic , and the Netherlands . Denise continues to play volleyball, participating in the NCVA women's program, playing on IVL (Industrial Volleyball League) teams, and playing recreationally in grass and sand tournaments.
Anne Marr
This is Anne's first year with Peninsula Juniors. Anne was a prep standout at Sacred Heart Preparatory in Atherton, and was the sole setter on the 1995 CIF State Championship squad alongside teammate and current PJV director, Denise Sheldon. She also earned 1 st Team All-League honors in her senior year.
Anne graduated from University of California at Davis with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. After graduation, Anne moved back to the Bay Area and worked in the Development Office at Sacred Heart Prep, while also working as the assistant varsity volleyball coach. Anne has also coached at City Beach Volleyball Club.