2025-2026 coaches
Our coaches are the backbone of our club! They are more than instructors, they are mentors, leaders, and role models who play a vital role in shaping each athlete’s experience. Our coaching lineup brings together a wide range of experience, training, and passion for the game, united by a shared commitment to athlete development. From building strong fundamentals to advancing game strategy, our coaches foster a positive, supportive environment that encourages confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong love of volleyball.
Girls Teams
womens jr kodiaks
head coach
derek usman
Bio
Coach Usman is one of Southern Alberta’s most experienced volleyball coaches. In addition to holding certifications that include NCCP Level 3 Theory and Technical, NCCP Level 2 Volleyball Certified, and USAV CAP Level 2, Coach Usman was named the Canadian Deaf Sports Association Coach of the Year in 2016 and the Southern Alberta High School Volleyball Coach of the Year in 2014 & 2022. He currently serves as Head Coach for the Canadian National Deaf Women’s Volleyball Team, a role he has held since 2014, as well as for the Varsity Girls Team at Lethbridge Collegiate High School, a role he has held since 2020. Before that, he was the Head Women’s volleyball coach at Lethbridge College from 2005 – 2011 and has served in a variety of other coaching roles throughout Southern Alberta since 1995. Derek has coached the LCI Clippers to win the South Zones the past 2 years and lead the 2024/25 LCI Clippers to win 4A Provincials last year! Last – but certainly not least – Coach Usman is one of the longest serving coaches for Lethbridge Volleyball Club, coaching various teams from 1993 – 2007, in 2012, in 2015, and from 2018 to the present.
womens jr kodiaks
assistant coach
sierra harms
Bio
womens jr kodiaks
assistant coach
kaitlyn byam
Bio
17u womens - blue
head coach
chris baxter
Bio
This will be Coach Baxter’s 5th year coaching with LVC, and brings many more years of coaching background with him. During his 16 years teaching, he has had the opportunity to coach many sports including Basketball, Track and Field, Badminton and Volleyball. He is currently in his 6th year coaching the Sr. High Girls Volleyball team at FP Walshe in Fort Macleod. Before that he had spent 4 years coaching volleyball at the middle school level. Coach Baxter brings great excitement for coaching and volleyball this year and looks forward to leading the LVC 17U Girls- Blue Team.
17u womens - blue
assistant coach
dakota doerksen
Bio
Dakota is currently a student at the University of Lethbridge taking a combined Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences and Science Education. She is very excited to be back with LVC as she grew up playing for LVC throughout her high school years. After graduating from Vauxhall she moved to Brampton, Ontario where she played out of Sheridan College for a year before moving back home. This is Dakota’s third year coaching, starting with being an assistant coach for Taber Wham U13 Girls, then moving to Medicine Hat and was the head coach for the U16 SEAVC Girls Black team where they brought home a provincial banner. She is very excited to be with LVC U17 Blue and looks forward to the upcoming season.
16u girls - blue
head coach
Keri Williamson
Bio
16u girls - blue
assistant coach
leon atwood
Bio
16u girls - white
head coach
Juliana Huel
Bio
16u girls - white
assistant coach
ryan myndio
Bio
Ryan has been coaching for many years, and feels very experienced being at LVC since 1993. He brings a strong understanding of athlete and coach development and is passionate about helping both reach their full potential in the sport. He is excited to serve as the assistant coach for the 16U Girls – White team this upcoming season. Go LVC!
16u girls - red
head coach
Alison Pilsner
Bio
Alison grew up in Southern Alberta and played many sports but volleyball was always her favorite! She played volleyball on scholarship at the University of South Carolina. In South Carolina she coached Club Volleyball for many years before moving back to Canada in 2007. She has just recently got back into coaching.
Alison has an Education Degree and a Masters degree in Exercise Physiology. She taught junior high in South Carolina for a few years. Once she moved back to Canada she worked at Lethbridge College managing the fitness and recreation programming. She currently works at the U of L as the Director of Student Wellness Services. She is excited to share her passion of teaching and health/wellness with the U16 LVC girls team for the 2026 season.
16u girls - red
assistant coach
Chantel Tillsley
Bio
Coach Chantel is excited to help Allison out with the 16U Girls – Red team. She has coached high school girls for 9 years between LCI and CCH. She has also coached the FLVT Hawks team for 3 years and had a blast. Chantel is looking forward to this upcoming season, with new experiences in Volleyball Alberta and the growth ahead.
15u girls - blue
head coach
Brielle Morin
Bio
Brielle grew up in Calgary where she played both soccer and volleyball throughout her childhood. She is currently a student at the University of Lethbridge, majoring in Chemistry. This will be her third season coaching with LVC, and over the past few years, she’s realized that while volleyball brought her in, it’s coaching that became her true passion.
She is deeply committed to helping young athletes grow in confidence, mindset, and skill, and brings a high-energy, supportive approach to every practice. Brielle is thrilled to be part of the LVC coaching team again for the 2025–2026 season.
15u girls - blue
assistant coach
camille morin
Bio
15u girls - white
head coach
brittany noble
Bio
15u girls - white
assistant coach
amy copegog
Bio
14u girls - blue
head coach
Michelle Tyslau
Bio
Coach Michelle grew up in Lethbridge. She has played and coached many different sports; however, volleyball has always held a special place in her heart! She is a dedicated and decorated athlete who played post-secondary volleyball with a scholarship till she was forced to stop to finish her degree. She graduated from the University of Lethbridge in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education degree and later returned to Gonzaga University to receive her Master of Education degree in 2014. While finishing her degrees and working as a K-12 teacher in Lethbridge, Michelle has coached and assistant coached various girls’ and boys’ teams with ages ranging from 8 – 20 years in school, club, and college levels of development. She took a break from coaching and playing while she had her children and, in the past 6 years, has recently re-invested in the coaching role and has greatly enjoyed stepping back onto the court. Michelle is very excited to share her knowledge and love of the game with the U14 girls’ team for the 2025-2026 season.
14u girls - blue
assistant coach
Tyler Keraiff
Bio
14u girls - white
head coach
Jen Coutts
Bio
Jen grew up watching her parents play co-ed before beginning to play mini-volleyball at school over lunch hour. By grade 6, she and her friends were playing club, being shuttled to tournaments across Alberta by parents and their coach, who she now deeply appreciates. This led to multiple high school provincial banners. As teaching was her passion and the University of Lethbridge was one of the top programs in the country, she accepted a basketball scholarship with the Pronghorns. Besides instructing and lifeguarding at city pools, she also coached STARS basketball, multiple sports camps and provincial teams while completing her undergraduate degrees. Coaching internationally in New Zealand while playing beach volleyball was a highlight for her during her first teaching position. After returning to her Southern Alberta roots to teach high school sciences, she coached multiple high school volleyball and basketball teams. She holds NCAA certification (1-3), with her technical components in basketball. Recently, she has been involved in STARS Volleyball and had the opportunity to learn Atomic Volleyball and Triple Ball. She is excited to see the long-term impact of these development programs in our community. She is grateful to have grown up in a rural community supported by caring and driven volunteers and mommas (thanks, Mom!) who gave back and facilitated the development of its youth regarding character and life skills. Jen recently completed her Masters in Education with the University of Calgary, focusing on supporting children’s mental health around trauma and resilience. Jen is thrilled to have her own children enter this chapter of life and have the opportunity to coach again after taking a few years off from competitive sports to raise her kiddos.
14u girls - white
assistant coach
jennifer leith-hodge
Bio
14u girls - red
head coach
stephen gausman
Bio
Jen grew up watching her parents play co-ed before beginning to play mini-volleyball at school over lunch hour. By grade 6, she and her friends were playing club, being shuttled to tournaments across Alberta by parents and their coach, who she now deeply appreciates. This led to multiple high school provincial banners. As teaching was her passion and the University of Lethbridge was one of the top programs in the country, she accepted a basketball scholarship with the Pronghorns. Besides instructing and lifeguarding at city pools, she also coached STARS basketball, multiple sports camps and provincial teams while completing her undergraduate degrees. Coaching internationally in New Zealand while playing beach volleyball was a highlight for her during her first teaching position. After returning to her Southern Alberta roots to teach high school sciences, she coached multiple high school volleyball and basketball teams. She holds NCAA certification (1-3), with her technical components in basketball. Recently, she has been involved in STARS Volleyball and had the opportunity to learn Atomic Volleyball and Triple Ball. She is excited to see the long-term impact of these development programs in our community. She is grateful to have grown up in a rural community supported by caring and driven volunteers and mommas (thanks, Mom!) who gave back and facilitated the development of its youth regarding character and life skills. Jen recently completed her Masters in Education with the University of Calgary, focusing on supporting children’s mental health around trauma and resilience. Jen is thrilled to have her own children enter this chapter of life and have the opportunity to coach again after taking a few years off from competitive sports to raise her kiddos.
14u girls - red
assistant coach
mannix mourot
Bio
14u girls - red
assistant coach
kaleb willie
Bio
13u girls - blue
head coach
tiffany kiist
Bio
Tiffany Kiist grew up in Lethbridge and developed her love for volleyball playing with the LCI Clippers before continuing her career with the Lethbridge College Women’s Volleyball program (now Lethbridge Polytechnic), where she competed for three years. She began coaching immediately after high school, working with college summer camps and the Stars Volleyball program (now Cubs to Kodiaks).
Tiffany went on to coach JV and Senior Girls volleyball at LCI and has coached numerous U15 and U16 girls teams with Lethbridge Volleyball Club. After taking time away from coaching to raise her three children, she has returned to the sport as her kids enter their own volleyball journeys. Tiffany now coaches U12, U13, and U14 boys, U12 girls, and school programs at Senator Joyce Fairbairn and G.S. Lakie, bringing a strong foundation, community connection, and passion for athlete development back to the court.
13u girls - blue
assistant coach
teneille kultgen
Bio
Teneille brings a strong background in both playing and coaching volleyball, with experience spanning grassroots development to the club level. She played volleyball from junior high through the provincial level, culminating in a 4A provincial championship during her grade 12 season. This competitive playing experience, helped shape, a solid understanding of the game and a passion for athletes development.
Transitioning into coaching, Teneille has worked at multiple level levels, including serving as a assistant coach with the LCI high school volleyball program. She has also held the role of a head coach for the Foremost Falcons junior high team in their hometown, where they focus on skilled development, team, culture, and fostering a love for the game and young athletes.
Currently, Teneille is in her third year as an assistant coach with the Lethbridge volleyball club. In this role, she continues to support athlete growth by emphasizing fundamentals, teamwork, and competitive mindset, while contributing positively to the overall club environment.
Teneille is committed to developing confident, hard-working, athletes, and helping players reach their potential both on and off the court.
13u girls - white
head coach
Abbie Kerner
Bio
Abbie is a former competitive volleyball player who has been involved in the sport since a young age. She is passionate about coaching and enjoys helping young athletes learn the game, develop strong fundamentals, and progress both on and off the court. Abbie’s focus is on creating a supportive and encouraging environment where players can grow and develop a love for volleyball.
13u girls - white
assistant coach
kaela corazza
Bio
Kaela Corazza is an assistant coach with the Lethbridge Volleyball Club, bringing a strong blend of leadership, mentorship, and community-minded energy to the court. A lifelong builder and creative entrepreneur, Kaela owns and operates Public Image Co., a local branding and production studio, and has deep roots in the Lethbridge business community.
Kaela joined LVC because she believes deeply in the impact sport can have on young girls — building confidence, discipline, communication, and resilience. She is passionate about youth development and creating environments where athletes feel supported, challenged, and proud of their growth. She brings the same values she applies in business — work ethic, teachability, and teamwork — into the gym.
Her favourite part of coaching is being on the floor with the athletes, helping them understand the “why” behind their decisions, and celebrating those moments where hard work and belief translate into tangible progress. Kaela’s goal is for every athlete to feel seen, encouraged, and capable, while enjoying the process and the pride that comes from pushing themselves as a team.
12u girls - blue
head coach
ashley mcleod
Bio
12u girls - blue
assistant coach
rory mcleod
Bio
12u girls - white
head coach
ashlyn price
Bio
12u girls - white
assistant coach
chaelan villacin
Bio
boys Teams
men's jr kodiaks
head coach
Shane orr
Bio
NCCP Certified Advanced Development Coach
16 seasons as the varsity boys head coach at Magrath High School (2010-present)
3A south zone champions in 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2021
3A provincial bronze medal in 2012
3A provincial champions in 2014 and 2021
4A south zone champions in 2022
4A provincial champions in 2022
SAHSVL coach of the year in 2010-JV, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2021, and 2022
5 seasons as a head coach for Lethbridge Volleyball Club (2022-present)
4 seasons as the head coach of LVC Kodiaks 18U men’s team in 2022, 2023, 2025, and 2026
1 season as the head coach of LVC 17U Blue women’s team in 2024
Eight division 1 Volleyball Alberta 18U premier medals (5 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze)
Volleyball Alberta 18U division 1 provincial champions in 2023
Volleyball Alberta Performance Coach of the Year in 2023
Assistant coach of Alberta Jumplete 18 men’s team (2023)
USA Volleyball BJNC 18 open division national champions in 2023
Founder of Reach Volleyball Camp
Organizing volleyball camps since 2011
Coaching volleyball camps since 2013
Loves to develop resilient attitudes in students and athletes
men's jr kodiaks
assistant coach
greg stonehocker
Bio
men's jr kodiaks
assistant coach
ken baker
Bio
17u/18u mens - white
head coach
max baceda
Bio
Max has been playing volleyball since middle school and continued through his college years. This season marks his third year with LVC, his fifth season coaching, and his first season as a head coach.
He has previously served as an assistant coach with the U16 boys, the U17 boys, and spent two seasons coaching JV at LCI. This year, he steps into the head coaching role for the U17/U18 team.
Max brings a laid back coaching style that blends a wide range of knowledge and experience gained from the many coaches he has worked with and learned from over the years. He is looking forward to continuing to learn and to developing a strong, competitive team.
17u/18u mens - white
assistant coach
cole hemmerling
Bio
17u/18u mens - white
assistant coach
sam crighton
Bio
17u mens - blue
head coach
mike doerksen
Bio
17u mens - blue
assistant coach
carter foote
Bio
Carter Foote is returning as an assistant coach with LVC and brings six years of high school and club volleyball experience as a setter. He previously assisted with the LVC 17U and 18U boys program and is currently assistant coaching the LVC 17U Boys – Blue team. Carter is passionate about helping athletes build their skills, confidence, and understanding of the game, and is excited to continue developing as a coach while supporting players in a positive and competitive environment.
17u mens - blue
assistant coach
joel valdez
Bio
Originally from Calgary, Joel is currently attending the University of Lethbridge where he is studying kinesiology. He has played volleyball since middle school, beginning with the Airdrie Hawks Volleyball Club before moving into the ACAC with Medicine Hat College. He is excited to work closely with the players, supporting their development while continuing to learn and grow together throughout the season.
16u boys - blue
head coach
devin mulder
Bio
Coach Devo has a life passion for the sport of Volleyball. He supports a holistic approach to athlete development and is an advocate for a team-first culture. Coach Devo has been playing competitive volleyball for more than 30 years in southern Alberta. After medalling twice as a player at Provincials during his time as an athlete at Catholic Central High School, he returned to coach the boys team to a provincial silver medal in 2003. He has coached a number of teams at the high school level until 2019 when he shifted to continue coaching a number of his kids hockey, baseball and fastpitch teams, as well as Volleyball teams at St.Joe’s from 2021-2025. Coach Devo took over the Lethbridge COED Volleyball League in 2003 as President and continued with that role until 2021 promoting adult volleyball in Lethbridge. Returning to coaching volleyball with LVC in 2022 he has coached a number of successful teams to a variety of Premier and Provincial Div 1 medals.
16u boys - blue
assistant coach
thomas nelis
Bio
16u boys - white
head coach
nathan ball
Bio
16u boys - white
assistant coach
jonah ball
Bio
Jonah is a passionate young volleyball coach with six years of playing experience and a fresh perspective after completing his senior season in high school. He coaches to inspire a love for the game while helping athletes build their skills, confidence, and dedication. His goal is to create a positive and hardworking environment where players can grow as athletes and as individuals, both on and off the court.
15u boys - blue
head coach
Arron Lai
Bio
15u boys - blue
assistant coach
sami garland
Bio
Sami grew up in Rimbey, Alberta where she both played and coached for Rimbey High School and competed at the club level with SLVC (Sylvan Lake Volleyball Club). She moved to Lethbridge to complete a Bachelor of Education and Science at the University of Lethbridge. She continued her coaching with the Chinook grade 9 boys team and looks to further develop her coaching expertise with LVC. Sami is passionate about sharing the knowledge skills she gained from her own coaches and focuses on developing confident, well-rounded athletes. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes strong relationships, a sense of community, and helping athletes grow both on and off the court.
15u boys - white
head coach
brent christensen
Bio
15u boys - white
assistant coach
kai polec
Bio
Kai Polec grew up in Lethbridge, Alberta, and has a strong background as both a volleyball athlete and coach. He is currently completing his second year of Civil Engineering at Lethbridge Polytechnic while actively coaching and developing volleyball athletes. Kai competed at the high school and club levels with Catholic Central High School and Lethbridge Volleyball Club (LVC), serving as team captain in his Grade 11 and Grade 12 seasons and competing on top-10–ranked provincial teams at the U17 and U18 levels. As a former setter, he brings strong court awareness, communication, and game IQ to his coaching, emphasizing fundamentals, athlete confidence, and disciplined development.
14u boys - blue
head coach
dustin mccubbing
Bio
Dustin McCubbing is a highly experienced volleyball coach entering his 30th year in the sport. He holds N.C.C.P. Volleyball Level 3 – Trained (Performance Coach) certification. Dustin is currently the head coach of the 5A LCI Rams Senior Varsity Boys Volleyball Team and is head coaching the 14U LVC Attack – Blue Boys team this season. Last season, he coached the 13U LVC Attack – Blue team to an undefeated year, capped by a division 1 – 13U Provincial Championship.
Dustin has over 17 years of head coaching experience with LVC at the U12–U18 levels including 4 seasons as the Boys Junior Kodiaks head coach. His LVC highlights include winning U17 Provincials in 2007, earning a Nationals Division 1 Tier 1 Bronze medal that same year, and capturing a U18 Provincial Silver in 2008.
In 2010 and 2011, Dustin served as head coach of Team Alberta U17 Boys, earning Western Canadian Elite Silver and Bronze medals, respectively. He also worked as a high-performance coach with Alberta Volleyball from 2008 to 2011, delivering skills development sessions throughout the province.
Additional coaching experience includes 10 years as an assistant coach at Lethbridge College, working with both women’s and men’s programs. He brings a strong commitment to athlete development and a proven record of success at both the grassroots and high-performance levels.
14u boys - blue
assistant coach
jeremy reimer
Bio
14u boys - white
head coach
thomas gunderson
Bio
14u boys - white
assistant coach
kelsie stimson
Bio
13u boys - blue
head coach
gordon vatcher
Bio
Gordon Vatcher has been coaching volleyball for over 20 years. He has coached all levels (school, provincials and national) both boys and girls. He has numerous school zone titles, top 5 provincial finishes and claimed a division 2 national title for U18 girls. He enjoys sharing the sport with the youth and cherishes the great team bonding moments that comes with the sport of volleyball.
13u boys - blue
assistant coach
kortlyn suberlak
Bio
Kortlyn has been coaching volleyball for over seven years, working with athletes from U13 to U15, and loves helping young players build strong fundamental skills that lead to long-term success. This is her fourth season coaching with LVC, where she is passionate about developing confident, well-rounded athletes. She believes that a strong foundation in fundamentals is key to both athletic growth and future success in the sport. Kortlyn strives to create a positive, supportive environment that encourages effort, learning, and a love for the game. When she’s not coaching, you can find her hiking, reading, or enjoying time outdoors in the sunshine.