Coaches

Amir Lugo-Rodriguez

17 Black

Miranda Rodriguez

17 Black

I am going into my 8th season as a coach at NorCal Volleyball Club and 1st as a boys coach at NorCal. I was born into a volleyball loving family since my parents were players and then coaches. Since I started playing competitively at 10 years old, I knew it was the sport for me. I suffered an injury at 16 and since then playing was not the same for me. I started diving even more into the mental side of the sport I loved. When playing ended, I knew I could not imagine not being around the game so I started coaching. I pride myself on maintaining a competitive attitude such that I had as a player as well as a focus on overall development of an athlete. As a coach, I work to promote qualities that will serve the athlete on the court but as well as off the court. My focus on my teams remain on perfecting fundamental skills, increasing volleyball knowledge, and developing a mental game all while remaining competitive. As a player, I chose to play at NorCal Volleyball Club because of an undeniable reputation with knowledgeable coaches who strive for excellence. I chose and continue to choose to be a part of NorCal as a coach for those same reasons as well as the positivity that comes from coaching in an environment that promotes growth, education and family. I am very grateful to be a part of NorCal and am looking forward to another great season.

Ernie Rodriguez

16 Black

I started playing volleyball while in high school in Arizona, leaving behind basketball, football and baseball. I fell in love with the sport and have never looked back. While I loved playing the sport, my passion grew even more as I became a coach. I have the honor and privilege of coaching along side my wife who is my assistance in life as well as in volleyball. When I am not coaching, I love spending time with family and my wood working projects. I am entering my 29th year of coaching girl’s volleyball from college, high school and club volleyball combined.

Shari Rodriguez

16 Black

Shari Rodriguez is in her 12th year coaching with NorCal Volleyball Club. Shari played volleyball at Cal State Hayward for two years following her career at Napa Community College. Shari has been coaching for the past thirty years, starting at the high school level, then being a Grad Assistant at Cal State Hayward before moving on as a Head Coach at Solano College. Her high school coaching careers includes eleven years at Castro Valley High, two at Concord High and she is currently enjoying her second season at Acalanes High. In her first year at Acalanes she helped coached the way to a CIF State Championship! Shari is excited to be back coaching 15 Black for another season!

Jay Felch

16 Blue Head Coach

I am entering my 17th year with NorCal Volleyball Club. I’ve been coaching volleyball since 1999 and youth sports since 1991. I love being in the gym and working with young athletes – watching them grow as both athletes and people. I believe that through coaching volleyball I’m able to teach life lessons and values – especially about our choices and decisions – and that the journey, not the destination, is what’s important. I believe that a positive team culture is critical to the success of the team. I work hard to instill confidence in the players so that they believe in themselves and their team and teammates.

Lauren Traurig

16 Blue Assistant Coach

Joe Linney

16 Blue Assistant Coach

Jamie Hadenfeldt

15 Black

Bay Area native Jamie Hadenfeldt was born in Alameda, and grew up in Benicia. A standout three sport athlete, Jamie earned multiple All-league honors in basketball, softball, and volleyball. After high school, Jamie chose the University of Connecticut, where she earned a degree in Molecular and Cell Biology. Jamie, an Outside Hitter, collected- Team MVP, All-Big East Team, AVCA All-Region Team, The Iron Husky Award, and Scholar-Athlete honors with the Huskies. Jamie returned to the Bay Area in 2007, and had been coaching at her alma mater where she had 9 league titles leading the Panthers. Now in her 12th year as a club coach Jamie brings with her 9 Appearances at Nationals: 3 Open Division, 5 National-(1 Bronze Medal), & 1 American Division Appearance. Jamie will be in her third year with NorCal Volleyball Club.

Lindsay Fogarty

15 Black

Lindsay Fogarty is excited to be returning to NorCal after a year off to enter her 8th year of coaching. She has assisted at the 15s, 16s, 17s, and 18s levels, with 5 out of 7 teams qualifying for Junior Nationals. In 2015 she was honored with the Assistant Coach of the Year award with her 18 Black team, which qualified for Nationals by winning the Ohio Valley Qualifier. She graduated from Amador Valley High School in 2006, where she played on Varsity as a starting middle blocker for 3 years. During that time, she played for NorCal 16 Black and 18 Black, qualifying for Junior Nationals both years. She continued her volleyball career at the University of New Hampshire, where she was a 4 year starter as a middle blocker. She was voted to the America East All-Rookie team her freshman season, and was an America East First Team All Conference selection her junior and senior seasons. Senior year she made the transition to outside hitter, and was voted her team’s MVP. Lindsay graduated with a degree in Communications in 2010 and returned to the Bay Area, where she helped coach the varsity team at Amador Valley. She now works as the business manager for Fantasy Sound Event Services- a wedding services company in Livermore.

Linda Draper

15 Blue

I am entering my 11th year of coaching for NorCal – although I have been with NorCal for over 15 years as a parent, cheerleader, fan. I come to NorCal with nearly 30 years of coaching experience at the high school age level – leading teams to league and section titles, and my NorCal teams to top 25 of Northern California and top 20 finishes in National Qualifiers. By far one of my greatest pleasures in coaching has been the development of programs and creating team traditions of being league contenders. Along with program development, I take great pride in developing the individual athlete on the court, in the classroom, and within the community as a top priority. Through organized, focused practices, my players learn a work ethic that transfers into their daily lives. They become disciplined, skilled athletes with an increased volleyball IQ. Through out the season and team bonding activities, a team chemistry develops that is so strong it is almost like having a 7th player on the court. When I decided to coach for a volleyball club, I wanted a club that honored its athletes, its families, and its coaches. I desired an organization that operated with honesty and integrity – remaining transparent throughout its workings. I wanted to align with a club that was respected amongst the other clubs and national programs. NorCal meets all of these requirements and more. It is why I continue to be associated with NorCal VBC.

Mackenzie Draper

15 Blue

Lauren Traurig

15 Blue Assistant Coach

Emerson Salonga

14 Black Head Coach

Entering my 26th year coaching volleyball, coaching still provides me with the challenge and rewards of working with hard-working, dedicated, and passionate athletes. Year after year and at every level, our teams do our best at creating an environment that promotes a disciplined work-ethic and attention to detail. Through this, the culture that is instilled is one of accountability and reliability. A by-product of this is a high-level of enjoyment and satisfaction knowing that they are ready for the next level.

Shelby Salonga

14 Black Assistant Coach

Born and raised in Pleasanton, Shelby played volleyball and basketball at Amador Valley High School before heading to Wichita State University on a volleyball scholarship as an outside hitter/middle blocker. After graduating magna cum laude from WSU, Shelby interned at the University of California, Berkeley in the athletic department, before moving on to work for the Oakland Athletics. She began her coaching career at Golden Bear Volleyball in 1998. Shelby spent the next 13 years coaching teams in the 15-18 divisions with 12 appearances at USA Volleyball Junior National tournament including 7 in the Open division. Her teams have earned a 15 Open division Bronze medal, two 18 Open 5th place finishes, won the Gold medal in 16 Club, and took home two 18 Club Silver medals. In 2008, Shelby and her husband, Emerson’s Golden Bear 18 Forefront team triple qualified in 18 Open by winning Gold medals at both the Colorado Crossroads and Pacific Northwest Qualifiers, and earning a bid at Far Westerns. Shelby enjoys keeping in touch with her former players and seeing the wonderful adults they have become! Shelby spent the last 6 years coaching her two children in PYB and CYO basketball, as well as running a mini-volleyball program for her daughter and friends. She’s excited to be returning to club volleyball and sharing her love of the game. Shelby and Emerson live in Pleasanton with their two children, Katie and Josh.

Rachel Stier

14 Black Assistant Coach

Rachel Stier is thrilled to enter her third year coaching NorCal. A Bay Area native grew up in San Leandro and attended Bishop O’Dowd High School. As a Dragon, she was a four-year varsity volleyball player and a three time All HAAL First Team selection. She was a member of Golden Bear Volleyball Club that earned two Junior Olympic medals in her time. After high school Rachel attended Marquette University as member of the NCAA women’s volleyball team. She helped her team advance to three NCAA tournament appearances and a Big East Championship Title. She was also a three time member of the Big East All Academic Team. After college Rachel lived in Iowa where she was a radio color commentator for the University of Iowa Women’s Volleyball Team. Finally returning back to the east bay, Rachel is looking forward to returning to NorCal for another great season. Go NorCal!!

Rosilyn Cummings

14 Blue

Mike Pelletier

14 Blue

Sara Bungarz

13 Black Head Coach

Hi, I’m Sara and I am entering my 13th season with NorCal Volleyball Club. I have been involved in the sport of volleyball since I was in 6th grade. Flash forward 22 years (wow, time flies when you are having fun) and here I am coaching with the most fun, competitive, organized, family friendly club in the Bay Area. My passion for coaching comes from my dad, who has been coaching High School and College baseball for the last 35 years. I have always coached younger age levels because of the challenge, opportunity to teach the sport and chance to make an impact on our athletes lives. There is no better feeling than the moment you see a girl be successful at something for the first time- her first overhand serve, her first kill down the line, the first time she gets a block, etc. That pure emotion and happiness volleyball brings is what gets me excited to come to the gym each and every day. I love to compete and I love to be successful but most of all I love to see these girls be a part of a team, grow together as a team and have an absolute blast over our 6-7 month season. At NorCal, we are a family. From the board, to the coaching staff, our athletes and their families- we are one unit. NorCal is a second home to me and I could not be more proud to wear my NorCal gear and be a part of this club.

Kathy Higbee

13 Black Assistant Coach

I am very fortunate to be entering my 11th season as a coach for NorCal. I fell in love with volleyball when I started playing in high school. I really enjoy sharing my knowledge of the game with young girls who are eager to learn and who have also fallen in love with the sport. I love seeing their improvement as players and teammates. Having raised 4 children, 2 of them being daughters, I understand young girls and know that each one is unique and has her own learning style. My goal is to help each girl become a better volleyball player and learn life lessons along the way. I am looking forward to another great season!

Betsy Sedlak

13 Black Assistant Coach

Caroline Counts

13 Blue

Jessica Xavier

13 Blue

Jessica Xavier is entering her 5th year coaching at NorCal Volleyball Club. Last year, she was the assistant for NorCal 16 Blue team. She has helped with NorCal camps and clinics as well as past NorCal Fall Ball programs. Jessica grew up in Livermore where she played as a libero for Granada High School. During high school she coached at Mendenhall Middle School and Altamont Volleyball Club. After high school, she went to Sonoma State and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications. Jessica enjoys seeing the players grow within the sport and find a true passion for it. She is extra excited to be back at the 15’s age group!

Sam Crosson

12 Black

Courtney Crosson

12 Black

Preslie Anderson

12 Blue

Makana Meyer

12 Blue

Miranda Rodriguez

11 Black

I am going into my 8th season as a coach at NorCal Volleyball Club. I was born into a volleyball loving family since my parents were players and then coaches. Since I started playing competitively at 10 years old, I knew it was the sport for me. I suffered an injury at 16 and since then playing was not the same for me. I started diving even more into the mental side of the sport I loved. When playing ended, I knew I could not imagine not being around the game so I started coaching. I pride myself on maintaining a competitive attitude such that I had as a player as well as a focus on overall development of an athlete. As a coach, I work to promote qualities that will serve the athlete on the court but as well as off the court. My focus on my teams remain on perfecting fundamental skills, increasing volleyball knowledge, and developing a mental game all while remaining competitive. As a player, I chose to play at NorCal Volleyball Club because of an undeniable reputation with knowledgeable coaches who strive for excellence. I chose and continue to choose to be a part of NorCal as a coach for those same reasons as well as the positivity that comes from coaching in an environment that promotes growth, education and family. I am very grateful to be a part of NorCal and am looking forward to another great season.

Jen Huynh

11 Black

Jennifer is entering her 4th year coaching with NorCal Volleyball Club. In the past she has coached players ages ranging from 11-16. She is a Bay Area native, playing volleyball throughout her middle and high school years. She graduated from San Francisco State University with a B.S. in Kineiosiology and currently a Physical Education Teacher. She truly loves and is very passionate to have an opportunity to educate kids on how to be healthy and physically fit through sports. Jennifer is excited to join the NorCal team and can’t wait to see the players growth. “Aim to be the best you can be. When you have done it- you’ll be a winner, always.” Go Norcal!!