Coaches – River City Juniors Volleyball Club

Boys Coaches for the 2022-2023 season:

Deb Grafentin

18 Boys Head Coach

Number of years of coaching: 51 yrs in multiple sports, 44 in volleyball. Where I coached: 17 years in HS (Deerborne (FL) Millard North (NE), 7 years in college (Bellevue University head coach 6 years, Creighton Asst 1 year), 33 years in club all RC. Where I played: University of Miami (FL). Why I love coaching: I have loved coaching for five full decades. The exhilaration of watching players and teams develop through hard work and having fun are what I feel are keys to success. Coaching youth sports is so much more than the sport, it is about life lessons and learning from adversity to be prepared for those later life scenarios. I consider myself lucky, because I get to do what I love to do and call it work!

Sean Tucker

18 Boys Asst Coach

Number of years of coaching 3: First year coaching for RC. Where I coached: 1 year previous coaching for Omaha Road Runners, and 1 year coaching in Bermuda. Where I played: I played school and Junior national team for Bermuda, Played competitive beach Volleyball in Bermuda, and recreational volleyball in Spain and Omaha. Why I love coaching: I love coaching as firstly I love the sport and love being around it as much as I can. Secondly, being able to help the younger generations learn and play volleyball brings me much joy. Lastly teaching has always been a draw in for me and have always found myself enjoying amy format of teaching, as I was a TEFL language teacher in Spain.

Seth Richardson

16 Boys Head Coach

Number of years of coaching: 3 years Where I coached: Club 4 de Julio, Fantino, Dominican Republic Where I played: River City Juniors, Nebraska Elite, Adult leaguesWhy I love coaching: It is a unique opportunity to coach and promote boys volleyball in the state of Nebraska. I love being able to provide the opportunities that did not exist when I was a kid. I look forward to training and mentoring our athletes both on and off the court and growing boys volleyball in the state.

Girls Coaches for the 2022-2023 season:

Taelen Ahl

18 Navy Head Coach

Number of years coaching: Three years of High School, Five years of Club, and Six years with TVA. Where I've Coached: I have coached at River City Juniors Volleyball Club, Millard West High School, and TVA. Where I've Played: I played Club for one year at High Flyers Volleyball Club, and then at River City Juniors. Why I Love Coaching: I love coaching because it is my passion. I love seeing my players not only grow as athletes and in their skills but also grow as people. Seeing my players grow into better people and athletes beyond what they ever thought they could is why I love to coach.

Syd McLaren

18 Navy Asst Coach

Sheila Thomas

17 Navy Head Coach

Number of years of coaching at RC: 21. Where I coached: 2 years varsity at Concordia HS, current JV coach at Gross High School and 21 at River City Jrs Where I played: Bellevue University. Why I love coaching: I really enjoy seeing players get better and improve their games. Plus it's just fun to meet new people and watch good volleyball.

Deb Grafentin

16 Navy Head Coach

Lulu Ahl

16 Navy Asst Coach

Number of Years Coaching: 2nd Year at River City, 4 years at TVA Where I Coached: TVA Where I Played: River City, Millard West High School, Iowas Western Community College Why I Love Coaching: I like building relationships with players and enjoy bringing out the best in them.

Molly Sheppard

16 Red Head Coach

TBA

16 Red Asst. Coach

Krista Barr

15 Navy Head Coach

Number of years of coaching: 22 years in club and college. Where I coached: Bellevue University as an Asst. Coach and River City and TVA. Where I played: Bellevue University Why I love coaching: I love seeing young athletes grow in their confidence in their ability & skills, as well as knowledge of the game. Having fun while competing at their highest level, creating great relationships that last beyond the club season, and creating opportunities for players to grow are a few more reasons why I love to coach.

Katie Wright

15 Navy Asst Coach

Number of years of coaching: 13 Where I coached: TVA and River City Juniors Where I played: Duchesne Academy, River City Juniors, Pittsburg State University (KS) Why I love coaching: I enjoy watching players’ confidence and skills grow over the course of a season and throughout the years in the club.

Alli Devries

15 Red Co Coach

Number of years of coaching: 10 years Where I coached: TVA, River City Where I played: Millard South High School, River City, Nebraska Wesleyan University Why I love coaching: I love getting to make an impact on the kids I coach by helping them build athletic skills and life skills through volleyball.

Cera Uher

15 Red Co-Coach

Number of Years Coaching: 7 years total Where I have coached : 3 years with River City, but I have coached at TVA as well for 4 years for a combined total of 7 years. Where I Played: I played at River City for 6 years, making so many lifelong friendships and memories. I continued to pursue volleyball at Nebraska Wesleyan University for two years upon which I decided to focus more on my nursing degree. Why I love Coaching: I love getting to know the girls and watching them progress over a season. I also love all the memories I make when coaching because it reminds me of when I played growing up.

Kristen Busboom

16 White Head Coach

Paige Roberts

16 White Asst Coach

Number of years of coaching: 4 years Where I coached: TVA, River City Jrs Where I played: River City Jrs, Bellevue East High School Why I love coaching: I love coaching because it not only helps expand my knowledge of volleyball, but it also is great getting to see players younger than me develop and be successful on and off the court!

Jess Duval

15 Navy Head Coach

Number of years of coaching: 6 years, 3 of which are RCJ. Where I coached: Harlan AAU, Matrix Club in Menomonie, WI and RCJ Where I played: Harlan HS, RCJ, and the University of Wisconsin-Stout Why I love coaching: I not only love helping kids build skill and strategy in the sport of volleyball, but also develop relational skills based on encouragement, respect and support. I love helping kids reach their highest potential as an athlete, teammate, and competitor!

Sophie Cox

15 Navy Asst Coach

Number of years of coaching: 5 years Where I coached: TVA, River City Juniors, ENRMS (middle school team) Where I played: River City Jrs,Elkhorn South; Morningside College. Why I love coaching: I love coaching because I love to encourage young athletes to become great volleyball players and great people! Youth sports are so much more than training only coordination and skills and I feel blessed to be at a club that values the individual young person and their overall growth and development, along with the continued dedication to cultivating their skills on the court.

Jordan Cervantes

15 Red Head Coach

Number of years of coaching: 5 years in club and high school. Where I coached: Club Legacy 2 years, Westpoint Jr-Sr High School 1 year , River City Juniors 3 years, Concordia High School. Where I played: Mens Adult Leagues. Why I love coaching: I love coaching because it is my way of giving what I felt I never got when I was a young athlete wanting to be my best. Being able to see the potential that no one else can in every kid may seem innocent or ignorant but you develop athletes like you do mining, you don't go in looking for dirt, you go in looking for gold.

Katie Prokop

15 Red Asst. Coach

Number of years of coaching: This is my 2nd season as an assistant for River City Jrs, Where I played: I played at Marian High School and Elite. I did not play college. Why I love coaching: I love coaching because I love seeing the joy on the players' faces when they succeed at something and are doing what they love.

Cera Craven

15 Silver Head Coach

Emma Pink

15 Silver Asst Coach

Number of years coaching: This will be my first year of coaching and it’s with RC. Where I played: Marian High School, Nebraska Elite (14-16’s club) & RCJ (17-18’s club), and Rockhurst University. Why I love coaching: Although this is my first year coaching, I am super excited to be a coach, help young girls grow in their confidence, enhance their volleyball skills, and watch them learn lessons throughout the way that will guide them throughout life. I am the person I am today because of volleyball and the coaches that trained me, so I can’t wait to be that person for the girls I get to coach.

Mark Kirlin

15 White Head Coach

Number of years of coaching: 18 years, in club and high school. Where I coached: High school—JV at Omaha Mercy (2009), Varsity head coach at Louisville High School (2012-13) Nebraska City High (2014-15), Weeping Water HS (2016). Currently Varsity head coach at Omaha Roncalli (2018-). River City, TVA and various clubs in Omaha and asst. coach at Dana College in 2006. Where I played: men’s club 1997-99. Various sand and indoor leagues. Why I love coaching: It’s easy to say “I love volleyball,” but I truly enjoy the game. I enjoy teaching the game but also learning and improving as a coach. One of the most rewarding parts of coaching is to see players succeed in improving a skill that they thought they couldn’t do. Seeing kids take those steps forward make it fun!

Ben Pancho

15 White Asst Coach

Number of years of coaching: 8 Where I coached: Roncalli JV (2021-present); Bishop Sullivan HS JV in Virginia Beach, VA (2017-19); Beach Elite Volleyball Club (2015-17), Deep Creek HS Boys/Girls Varsity Assistant in Chesapeake, VA (2016); Hugo Owens MS Assistant in Chesapeake VA (2016-2020); Virginia Beach Fieldhouse Juniors Rec League in Virginia Beach, VA (2014) Where I played: Landstown High School, Ocean Volleyball Club Why I love coaching: Obviously a love and passion for the sport, but more importantly to be able to play an integral role in developing athletes to become the best players on the court and the best versions of themselves off the court. Seeing players master a particular skill, becoming key contributors to their team, gaining self-confidence that will serve them in life as well as volleyball, and developing their own passion for the sport are what makes coaching incredibly rewarding.

Weslyn Ahl

14 Navy Head Coach

Number of years of coaching: ten years, in club and middle school. Where I coached: River City, TVA and Lifegate Christian School. Where I played: River city Jrs for 6 years. Why I love coaching I love coaching volleyball because I get to share my knowledge and love of the game with players. The best part is the life-long relationships I make with players throughout the season!

Madi Cushing

14 Navy Asst Coach

Number of years of coaching: years, 2nd year with River City. Where I coached: The Volleyball Academy- 3 seasons River City Jrs, Omaha Momentum. Where I played: Skutt Catholi High School, River City Jrs Why I love coaching: I enjoy working with the players and helping them learn and get better. I enjoy assisting the head coaches and being a part of the volleyball family that River City provides for the players and coaches.

Alli Devries

14 Red Head Coach

Lulu Ahl

14 Red Asst Coach

Number of Years Coaching: First Year at River City, 3 years at TVA Where I Coached: TVA Where I Played: River City, Millard West High School Why I Love Coaching: I like building relationships with players and enjoy bringing out the best in them.

Rochelle Rohlfs

14 White Co-Coach

Number of years of coaching: 26 years, in high school and club. Where I coached: Marian High School as the Varsity head coach and River City Jrs. Where I played: Peru State College. Why I love coaching The coaching profession is one of the most rewarding opportunities to influence young student-athletes not only in the game of volleyball but to grow into stronger, confident young adults.

Karen Povondra

14 White Co-Coach

Number of years coaching and Where: 8 years at High School - Head coach Yutan High School, 26 years as Associate Head Coach University of Nebraska Omaha, 3 years of club - Omaha VB Club and River City Jrs, Numerous High School and College Camps Where I Played: Mercy High School, University of Nebraska Omaha College (Setter and Outside Hitter) Why I Love Coaching: I love coaching because of the many life lessons that are simulated through this great sport. I love challenging the players to give more and risk more to be their very best. I love challenging myself to motivate and teach the players in creative, fun and efficient ways. I love sharing my knowledge, passion and competitiveness for the sport with the hope that my players will embrace and utilize the “skills” necessary to be successful in the sport and in life.

Elisa Booth

14 Silver Head Coach

Number of years of coaching: 21, in club and high school. Where I coached: River City, TVA and Beatrice, Fremont and Bryan High Schools. Where I played: HS Bellevue West. Why I love coaching: I think it is important to help girls develop confidence in themselves through sport. Coaching gives me an opportunity to help others discover a passion for volleyball and self-confidence at the same time.

Molly Gallegos

14 Silver Asst Coach

Number of years of coaching: Coached league for 3 years along with lil diggers. First year coaching club Where I coached: TVA/RCJ Where I played: Marian High School, River City Juniors, I have signed to play volleyball at Mount Marty University Why I love coaching: I love coaching because I love to see how far the girls come during the season. It is amazing to see how far their skill develops in a small amount of time.

Megan Mayfield

14 Gray Head Coach

Number of years of coaching: 2 years Where I coached: River City Juniors Where I played: I started playing volleyball in 3rd grade. Continued to play through highschool at North Platte St. Patrick's High School. I also played club volleyball for FlatRock which is a club out in Western Nebraska. Why I love coaching: I had coaches growing up who have shaped me to be the person that I am today. It is not just about volleyball to me.. I love coaching because it is an opportunity to develop these young ladies and learn together to be better people.

Kaitie Serkiz

14 Gray Asst Coach

Jordan Cervantes

14 Blue Head Coach

Sybil O'Brien

14 Blue Asst Coach

Number of years of coaching: 1 year volleyball; 5 years softball Where I coached: AGWSR high school; Omaha Suburban league Where I played: AGWSR (Ackley, IA) Why I love coaching: I love being involved in athletics whether it be playing, watching, coaching, umpiring, etc. My joy comes from being a mentor to others, and being able to see youth listen, apply, and adapt what I have taught them. Have fun and get better is my coaching motto.

Jorge Ambriz

14 Scarlet Head Coach

Number of years of coaching: I have had the priveledge of coaching for 3 years but have played the game for 30 years. I have always enjoyed helping other beginner players that have played in the adult coed and men’s leagues in Omaha. Where I coached: I coached in Lexington, NE in the 90s and came back to coaching 2 years ago here in Omaha. Where I played: I started playing volleyball at the age of 14. I played men’s high school volleyball at Saddleback High School in Santa Ana, California. I continued to play recreationally after graduating from high school. I played intramural volleyball leagues while in college and have played numerous tournaments in Nebraska for over 20 years. I have also played national tournaments through NAGVA in cities such as Dallas, Wisconsin Dells, St. Louis, Denver, Minneapolis, Chicago, Columbus among others. Why I love coaching: I love coaching because it offers me a different view of the sport through each player because of their different understanding and level of play. I have learned to appreciate the sport even more by seeing the improvement players make throughout the season. Helping young players achieve their goals is rewarding and it helps me become a better coach and player.

Abbey Fields

14 Scarlet Asst Coach

Number of years of coaching: I have coached for 3 years. Where I coached: I previously coached for Banzai volleyball club. Where I played: I played club all throughout high school. I played for Impact and Sunset West. I still currently play in the adult leagues at TVA. Why I love coaching: I’m excited for this upcoming season to help the players grow! Looking forward to a great season!

Jackson Cervantes

14 Ivory Head Coach

Lucy Drexel

14 Ivory Asst Coach

Taelen Ahl

13 Navy Head Coach

Karli Ahlers

13 Navy Asst Coach

Number of years coaching: 2nd year of coaching but first year with River City. Where I coached: TVA Where I played: Papillion Lavista High School, River City Jrs Why I love coaching: I enjoy connecting with people of all ages and I love seeing the progress they make. I have a passion for volleyball and seeing players grow and put in hard work brings a smile to my face.

Brittany Fleming

13 Red Head Coach

Number of years of coaching: (This includes club, HS, college, TVA leagues, etc?) This is my 2nd year coaching at River City but 8 years coaching total! Where I coached: I have coached at TVA, River City and in Sioux City! Where I played: I played at River City for 10 years and at Gross Catholic in high school I then played two years at Morningside College. Why I love coaching: I love teaching young players to be confident and fall in love with the game and learn all the details of being a volleyball player!

Kim Wiechman

13 Red Asst. Coach

Number of years of coaching: 20 years Where I coached: I began coaching volleyball right out of college at both the YMCA and PAL league. I then started coaching at TVA when my oldest began to play. This is my 6^th year coaching at TVA and my first year coaching club volleyball. Where I played: I starting playing volleyball in elementary school and loved the game so much that I have never stopped. I was fortunate to be able to play for my high school team in Norfolk and continued my career at Drake University where I was a four year starter. GO BULLDOGS! Why I love coaching: Three simple words…I LOVE VOLLEYBALL. I love the game so much that I want to stay involved on multiple levels. Volleyball is so much more than just a sport but an opportunity to grow and develop volleyball skills and self-confidence on and off the court. It’s a gratifying job to see players improve, reach new levels and accomplish their goals.

Carley Dixson

13 Red Asst. Coach

Taesha Rideaux

13 White Head Coach

Number of years of coaching: 2 years at high school level Where I coached: In Seattle Washington as a Junior varsity head coach and Varsity assistant coach. Where I played: I played at central Highschool, club I played at river city, Impact and Starlings. I also played at southeast community college. Why I love coaching: I enjoy watching players grow on and off the court. I have a passion for volleyball and love that I can help young athletes have better knowledge of the game.

Holly Jackson

13 White Asst. Coach

Number of years of coaching: I have coached for 7 years. Where I coached: I started coaching at a small Lutheran School in Loveland CO. I coached my kids Y team and kept an open gym for them all year. I also have been blessed to help coach a small club team at Logan View. Where I played: I played at Lawrence High, and a small club out of Great Bend KS. I like to play sand in the spring and summer also. Why I love coaching: I believe that being a coach holds just as much responsibility as being a parent. We are blessed to help develop attitudes, work ethic, and leadership on the court which leads in life also.

Brandon Ray

12 Navy Head Coach

Number of years of coaching: Club 12, High School 2, College 2. Where I coached: GI Islanders Club, KVC, Star Legacy, Spalding VBC, NE ONE, Kearney High, Papio High, Hastings College, River City 2nd year. Where I played: Front Range Boys Club 06-08. Why I love coaching: I love the sport of volleyball because you never know what/how things are going to go, it's a never changing sport. I grew up in the volleyball world so I am always up for a challenge at any level. My favorite part is doing cartwheels and somersaults on the sideline.

Mia Hickman

12 Navy Asst Coach

Number of years of coaching: 5 years Where I coached: River City/TVA/ YMCA Where I played: Starlings, Elite, Topflight, River City Juniors and Bellevue West Why I love coaching: I love coaching because I get to see the players grow throughout the season. And I love watching them put all that hard work they learned in practice into the game.

Brit Slie

12 Red Head Coach

Number of years of coaching: 25 years Where I coached: various clubs including Nebraska Impact, Top Flight, Banzai, TVA leagues Where I played: Papillion-LaVista High School, several adult leagues Why I love coaching: Coaching gives me the opportunity to stay close to the sport I love and build relationships with people of all ages. I love seeing the kids progress and have fun throughout each season.

Sienna Balwanz

12 Red Asst Coach

Number of years of coaching: First Year Club, Coached TVA winter and spring leagues Where I coached: TVA Where I played: Papillion La-Vista South and River City Why I love coaching: I love watching and helping players grow. Not only in their volleyball knowledge, but in self-confidence and social skills. It's amazing to watch the bonds they create and how much they can grow in just one season.

Alyssa Kirschenbaum

12 White Head Coach

Number of years of coaching: This season will be my 4th year coaching volleyball. Where I coached: TVA & River City Jrs. Where I played: Burke High School, River City Jrs. Why I love coaching: I love coaching and teaching the game of volleyball to young athletes. Watching players develop in their skills and character over the season is so special to me. I believe in using volleyball as the vehicle to bring out athletes' skills in leadership, teamwork, and work ethic. I am excited to watch our RCJ athletes grow and develop this year!

Jessa Seely

12 White Asst Coach

Number of years of coaching: This will be my first year of coaching with the River City Juniors. Where I coached: Assistant coach for 3 yrs of High School summer camps for 4th-8th graders. Where I played: Club ball 5yrs, most recently made 1st year RCJ 17Navy. Why I love coaching: I want to motivate and encourage kids to love the game as much as I do for the right reasons. I want to learn to be the coach they won't forget! They deserve to have a positive coaching experience!!

Maddie Price

12 Silver Head Caoch

Number of years of coaching: This will be my second year coaching under Deb. Where I coached: My first year, I taught TVA league. As I get ready to head into my second year, I am excited for the opportunity to coach for River City Juniors. Where I played: I played volleyball for Millard South High School for four years, two of them being on varsity. While in high school, I played under Deb for River City Juniors on 17 Navy and 18 Navy. I then went on to play for the University of Northern Iowa's club volleyball team, where we attended nationals every year. Why I love coaching: I love coaching because I love to build relationships with the girls and see how much they can grow in such a short period of time. It is a cool experience to have my love for the game of volleyball and passion for teaching, transpire into coaching. The players are so eager to learn more each practice and that is truly seen by their development throughout the season.

Emily Gibson

12 White Asst Coach

Number of years of coaching: I have been coaching at tva for one year. This will be my first year of coaching with the River City Juniors. Where I coached: I’ve coached Li’l Diggers and TVA fall league. Where I played: I play volleyball for Benson High School and River City Juniors. Why I love coaching: I love coaching because of the relationships I form with the players and other coaches!

Alex Kohlhaas

12 Gray Head Coach

Number of years of coaching: 6 years in club and school, 1st year River Cities Where I coached: Premier, Impact, St. Albert Where I played: Thomas Jefferson, W.E.O. Juniors, Western Iowa Juniors, Midland University Why I love coaching: There is something about teaching the very thing you love. Volleyball brings so many life lessons on and off the court. I love seeing the players grow, have fun, get stronger, and build special bonds with their teammates that last a lifetime.

Hannah Fast

12 Gray Asst Coach

Number of years of coaching: 2 Where I coached: Elite Volleyball, TVA Where I played: Elkhorn High School, River City Juniors, Nebraska Elite Why I love coaching: I love being able to help and work with other people. Being able to share my knowledge to better others gives me a sense of satisfaction.

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