Each month, League One Volleyball recognizes the club coaches who go above and beyond for their junior athletes, their clubs, and the sport of volleyball. This month’s honorees embody what it means to lead with purpose, passion, and heart.
From building strong foundations in developmental programs to inspiring excellence on competitive travel teams, these coaches continue to make a lasting impact in their communities.
Meet the coaches making an impact across the country and discover what sets November’s standouts apart.
Caitlyn Smith - Iowa United
“Coach Caitlyn is a coach who is able to connect to each of her players. Not only does she work with the players on her team, but she also helps with players on all of Iowa United’s teams. She is able to make a connection with every single player in the club. She makes every person’s day better and is able to bring joy to a person’s life when they are having a bad day.”
Joao Oliveira - Boomers Volleyball Academy
“Coach Joao’s passion for the game, dedication to our club, and commitment to growth are truly inspiring, and we value having him as a coach in the BVA family. We believe coaching goes beyond training athletes—it’s about continuous learning, developing as a coach, and gaining insights from others to become the best version of yourself for the athletes. John exemplifies this philosophy through his consistent effort to learn, improve, and invest his time in being the best coach he can be.”
Nicole Hajka - Roots Volleyball
“Coach Nicole is the definition of consistency, care, and commitment. As a Roots Volleyball alumni and 12-season veteran club coach, she has poured her heart into growing our youth program and developing the next generation of players. Her dedication to teaching the fundamentals, and doing so with patience, clarity, and joy, makes her one of the most respected and loved figures in our gym. Every player knows Coach Nicole, and every parent trusts her with their child’s first volleyball experience.”
Terri Little - VC United
“Coach Terri is an instrumental piece of our Youth Elite program. Her commitment to holding every athlete accountable—never letting them take a rep off—is helping them grow into more consistent, focused, and resilient volleyball players. Her impact goes far beyond wins and losses; she’s shaping the foundation of our future athletes with purpose and passion.”
Ty Kiviniemi - Premier Nebraska
“Ty is truly valued as a coach because he’s not only skilled but also a great person who genuinely cares about his players. His teams feel that care and channel it into passionate play. He is someone who actively seeks feedback from his peers, thoughtfully absorbs all perspectives, and makes well-rounded, collaborative decisions. In addition, Ty practices with LOVB Nebraska and brings that valuable experience and knowledge back to our gym, enriching our entire program."
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