2026 November LOVB Coaches of the Month

Great coaches have a way of making everyone around them better. They push athletes past what they thought they could do, lift up the coaches beside them, and turn a group of teams into one connected club. This month, we’re recognizing coaches who bring that kind of heart to the gym every day.

November’s LOVB Coaches of the Month go all in, no matter the age group or level. They challenge players to step outside their comfort zones, make every athlete feel welcome while they grow, and build communities where teammates cheer for each other long after their own match is over.

Here’s what their clubs had to say about the impact they’re making.

Adam Bavuso - JJVA
Adam is always there, making our girls come back each practice with a smile on their faces and he leads our development programs for all the right reasons. He makes everyone around him better. He makes everyone around him LOVB each other and he LOVB's the game.

Brian Schultz - AJAX Volleyball Academy
Brian is always there to help, always shows up and asks what we need. He will be the first one to run to grab a scoreboard or a noodle when they are needed, all for the good of the kids and the club. Brian is so dedicated to his young players and commits a lot of his time and energy for his boys. He has attended every coaches training religiously, showing how he truly wants to learn and grow.

Brian Wagner - Aspire Volleyball
Brian is living this value each week as he designs these practices through direct collaboration with our 1s coaches to make sure they are tailored to what the boys need each week. Brian pairs the boys with different age groups and position groups to create community amongst our boys. We started these practices as a way to improve our level of play. The unintended, but best part is the community it creates between teams. At tournaments, you will always see boys from other teams supporting one another when their team is not playing. Brian is the reason the Alpha program has been such an amazing success.

Leslie Bermudez - Gainesville Juniors
Leslie is always All In! It doesn't matter the age group or the level of play she is prepared to teach, she is energetic and gives excellent feedback both positive and constructive. She is a great team player. She finds the good in other coaches and encourages them and builds them up. She is excellent with athletes she makes them feel welcome and a part of the entire club even when they are developing and growing as athletes and people.

Michelle Buttars - Houston Skyline The Woodlands
Michelle embodies the type of coach we want at The Woodlands Skyline: friendly, passionate, dependable, knowledgeable, and always willing to help. She genuinely cares about her athletes and consistently looks for ways to support their growth. Along with being an excellent coach, she is an amazing wife, mom, and person. We wanted to recognize the care, effort, and heart she brings to our club every day.

Shannon Hext - Madtown Volleyball
Shannon has a natural ability to bring every player outside of their comfort zone - especially the youth players. Whether they're a returning athlete or a beginner in our gym, Shannon creates an atmosphere where every player is willing to challenge themselves and give their best effort.