Coach Bio's

Danielle "Dani" Aquino, 18 National Head Coach - Coach Dani has been a head coach for 17 years with 26 consecutive team seasons under her belt in both the sports of Volleyball and Lacrosse. As a Massachusetts native, she was a tri-sport athlete all 4 years of high school and received a scholarship to play volleyball in Maine. After suffering a devastating injury, Dani left Maine, rehabbed, and finished her college career as a team Captain for the UMass Boston squad. After receiving her B.S. in Political Science, she went on to play in the New England Yankee circuit, a league she played in up until 2019. Dani has always been a coach with a passion to first understand, and then educate her athletes. She started her coaching career assisting her UMass college coach and then took on a 16s club team as her first head coaching role for the Southern Alliance Volleyball Club. While continuing to coach in the club circuit, she went on to Head Coach at the High School Varsity level for 8 years before being offered the Assistant Coach role at Stonehill College, a competitive D2 team in the NE10 league where she spent 3 years specializing in higher level competition, individualized instruction and recruiting. In the summer of 2021, Dani, along with her wife and their 2 year old twins, relocated to Charleston. Coach Dani is currently the Head Women's Volleyball Coach at USC Salkehatchie and looks forward to continuing to work with future Strikers teams, sharing her passion and love for the sport!  This is her 4th year with PSVC.

Dan Owens, 18 National Assistant Coach  - Coach Dan played volleyball while attending Middleton High School and has played USVBA A level, along with competitive Co-Ed leagues in the Lowcountry for a number of years.  He has over 16 years coaching experience and is currently the assistant boys coach at Hanahan HS and was the JV and Varsity Assistant Coach at Middleton HS from 93-99, and at West Ashley HS from 2000-2005.  Coach Owens graduated from Coastal Carolina with a BA in Business/Marketing where he played club volleyball while attending. He is looking forward to helping his team learn and grow as athletes.  This is Coach Dan's 8th season coaching with PSVC.

Josh Kaufman, Boys Head Coach -  Coach Kaufman is originally from Butler, PA just outside Pittsburgh. He played defensive specialist in both club and high school in one of the most competitive high school regions in the country.   Coach Kaufman continued playing in College for Slippery Rock University from 2014-2017.   He began coaching boys volleyball at Butler Junior HS while in college.  He moved into the  Assistant Varsity Coach position after graduation from college.   Coach Kaufman was offered a coaching position at Steel City Volleyball club , but had to decline after deciding to accept a Land Development position in Charleston and relocating.   He is super excited to be involved with coaching after moving south and wants to be apart of building the sport for men's volleyball in the Charleston area.  Coach Kaufman hopes to create a passion for the sport in the athletes, build on skills/attitude that will carry them on and off the court, hold them accountable, and create a fun, competitive atmosphere.  This is his 3rd year with PSVC.

Louise Hazel, 18U Boys Assistant Coach - Coach Hazel is originally from Indianapolis, Indiana. She has a rich background in volleyball, having played as both a setter and defensive specialist in club and high school. Coach Hazel continued her volleyball career at Ball State University with the collegiate club team, contributing to their NCVF National Championship victory. She began her coaching career in college at Muncie Burris High School and also joined Munciana Volleyball Club. She has extensive experience coaching both boys and girls travel teams ranging from 12U to 18U, as well as leading clinics for players of all ages. Coach Hazel relocated to Charleston, South Carolina, to advance her education and is eager to continue her coaching journey in the Lowcountry. Her coaching philosophy focuses on developing competitive, respectful, and passionate athletes. This is her second year with PSVC.

Colton Youngblood, Boys Head Coach -Coach Youngblood is originally from Lubbock, TX.  He began his volleyball carreer in high school and was the first male volleyball player from his school signed to play collegiate volleyball with Alderson Broaddus University.  Coach Youngblood played club volleyball with Next Level Volleyball as a setter and hitter.  He is committed to growing boys volleyball in the low country and paving the way for athletes to play the sport in school and at the next level.  Coach Youngblood has a proven track record with 5+ years boys coaching experience at the National level and his expertise extends to sand volleyball as well.  This will be his 2nd year with PSVC.

Amir Khaledi, 17 National Head Coach – Coach Khaledi has 22 years experience coaching NCAA Division I volleyball with Charleston Southern and The Citadel.  His experience also includes being an assistant coach for Iran's Mens 2014 National World League team and their 2016 Olympic team.  During his tenure as a college coach he led his teams to win four Big South Conference Championships, he was named Conference Coach of the Year three times, was named Big South Conference "Coach of the Decade," and was inducted into the Charleston Southern Hall of Fame.   Coach Khaledi has coached junior club volleyball for 18 years.  His holds CAP I certification with USAV, and a Level 1 coaching certification with FIVB.  This is Coach Amir's 8th year with Palmetto Strikers leading a National team. 

Jay Watterworth, 17 National Assistant Coach -  Coach Watterworth is Charleston native and attended Goose Creek High School.  He attended North Greenville University where he became involved in volleyball and played on the Collegiate Intramural men's team. After graduating, Coach Watterworth returned to Charleston and began his teaching career at Goose Creek High School, where he was the Varsity Head Coach for 8 years. In 2017 he was named Varsity Head Volleyball coach for Phillip Simmons High School.  In 2013, Coach Watterworth was selected from 5,830 members of the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association to coach the North South All Star Volleyball Matches at Erskine College. He has coached club volleyball for over 8 years, including several years at the 16U, 17U and 18U National level.  Coach Watterworth is looking forward to his 8th year at PSVC.

Valarie Cruz, 16 National Head Coach - Coach Valarie grew up in Port Orange, FL where she attended Spruce Creek high school. She was a 4 sport varsity athlete, including Cross Country, Volleyball, Basketball, and Track and Field.  Coach Cruz was recruited by UNCG for basketball, however, her passion has always been volleyball.  She has coached for over 9 years and prior to jiong PSVC she coached with DME Academy at the National level.  Coach Cruz's experience includes leading top 14, 15, and 16U teams and competing in USAV Girls Jr. National Championships 4 seasons.  She has coached age groups ranging from 12u-16u and assisted with the club's beach program.  Coach  Cruz and her family moved to Mount Pleasant, SC in 2022.  She is excited for her 3rd year with PSVC and 2nd leading the 16 National team.

Noelle Smits, 16 National Assistant Coach - Coach Smits is a Charleston native and attend Fort Dorchester High School.  She was a 4-year starter, MVP and Captain of her high school team.  Coach Smits played club volleyball for 6 years and for PSVC from 14-17U. She has consistently coached camps, clinics and assisted our 13U and 17U teams for the past 3 years, including our 2023 13 National team who placed 2nd at AAU Nationals in Orlando.  Coach Smits was recruited to play in college and as a freshman led her team in blocks and kills.  She recently transferred back to the area and is pursuing a degree in nursing.  Coach Smits is looking forward to assisting athletes in taking their skill to the next level and imparting her love of the game.  This will be her 4th season with PSVC.

Jeremy Carrion, 16-2 Head Coach - Coach Carrion is from North Platte, NE and started playing volleyball as a freshman in college. During these years he played at the club level for The University of Kansas. Coach Carrion played Libero, Outside Hitter, and Middle Blocker. He has coached 3 years at the club level for and was both the President and coach of his men’s club team at KU. Coach Carrion moved to Charleston from Denver in 2019 and has been coaching with PSVC since that time.  He is excited to coach for a 5th year.

Lauryn Unger, 16-2 Assistant Coach - Coach Lauryn was born and raised in Maryland where she played volleyball for 10 years. She primarily trained as MB, OH, and RS. She later moved to South Carolina obtaining her degree in finance. Post-graduation she moved to Charleston and her began coach career with PSVC.  She continues to play adult coed beach volleyball and is excited to continue helping young athletes discover their potential.  This is her 4th year with PSVC.

Ashley "AJ" Jordan, 15 National Assistant Coach - Coach AJ was born in Cuba and grew up in Miami Beach, Florida playing volleyball on South Beach at a young age.  After a successful high school career, she then went on to play volleyball and basketball on full athletic scholarship at the Division 1 level in California and Ohio.  As the starting OPP, she was named Team Captain as well as earning All-Region/All-Conference honors.  Upon graduation, Coach AJ went on to play in South America and the Caribbean professionally.  Once she retired from playing, she began coaching college, high school and club.  Coach AJ has coached for over 18 years at all levels in California, Ohio, North Carolina and South Carolina.  She is looking forward to her 1st season with PSVC.

Jim McClellan, 15-2 Head Coach - Coach McClellan has 19 years’ experience coaching college and 6 years coaching high school.  His accolades include 400+ Division I wins, four conference championships and Ohio Valley conference Coach of the Year 3 times. While coaching at Morehead State University, he served two 3 year terms on the NCAA South Region Volleyball Advisory Board. He then moved on to UNC Charlotte, and in his first year led his team to a 2nd place Metro Conference finish.  For 8 years, Coach McClellan was the  Associate Head Coach for Bishop England whose teams hold a National record 17 consecutive state championships, and 27 total championships. Over the past 30 years he has spent countless hours training in seminars and clinics conducted by USA volleyball, and had the honor of being named the site director for the Karch Kiraly national volleyball camp.  This will be his 9th season with PSVC.

Schaely Renfrew, 15-2 Assistant Coach - bio coming soon

Christi Crawford, 14-1 Head Coach - Christi Crawford played high school and club volleyball in Indianapolis, IN (Scecina, Circle City). She played 2 seasons of volleyball and 4 years track and field at St. Joseph's College of IN. She has coached club, middle school and JV volleyball in the Charleston area 15 years.  She currently teaches and coaches at First Baptist School.  This will be her 8th year coaching for PSVC.

Jamaica (Hicks) Parker, 13-1 Head Coach - Coach Hicks is from Knoxville, TN and began playing volleyball at age 10.  Her first sand volleyball tournament, at age 12 with her dad, they took home second place.  By age 14, she was the lead setter for Smoky Mountain Juniors 18 National team.  Coach Hicks was a four-year varsity starter at South Doyle High School and was awarded Knoxville’s MVP her Sophomore, Junior and Senior years.  She is still the most decorated athlete at South Doyle.  Coach Hicks received a full athletic scholarship from Charleston Southern University, a NCAA Division I athletic program in the Big South Conference.  At CSU she was a utility player because she was well rounded in setting, hitting and became the team’s libero her Senior year.  Coach Hicks has coached club volleyball since 2000 and has a passion for coaching 12U -14U.  Coach Hicks is excited for her 8th year with PSVC.

Zuri Fenderson, 13-2 Head Coach - Coach Fenderson is a graduate of Collins Hill HS in Lawrenceville, GA. She was a 3-year varsity player and as a senior, earned offensive player of the year honors after posting 148 kills, 64 total blocks, 48 aces and 38 digs in 88 sets.  Coach Fenderson also played 4 years for GA5 club team.  She went on to play at The Citadel where she earned her B.S. degree in Psychology.  In her sophomore year she played in 111 sets and competed in 34 of The Citadel’s 35 matches.  The next 2 years she posted equally impressive stats.  Coach Fenderson is excited to share her wealth of knowledge for a 6th season.

Lyric Scott, 13-2 Assistant Coach -  Coach Scott began playing volleyball at the age of 11 in school and club volleyball. She played collegiately for Francis Marion University.  Coach Scott began her coaching career with Athletes Global volleyball as a head coach for several years.  She was also a middle school coach at Ashley Hall.  Coach Scott has a passion for teaching the sport she loves and is looking forward to her 4th season with PSVC. 

Heidi Anderson, 13-3 Head Coach - Coach Anderson moved to the Charleston area in 2023.  She is originally from Southwest Michigan and is a graduate of Michigan Technological University with a degree in engineering.  Coach Anderson began her volleyball career in middle school and continued playing through college.  She has been a coach for over 6 years and has coached 10U through 13U teams during the time.  She is looking forward to her 2nd season with PSVC.

Julia Mabe, 13-3 Co-Head Coach - Coach Mabe previously played club volleyball and has a passion for the game.   She has 9 years coaching exprerience in the 11-14U age groups.  Coach Mabe head coached middle school 5A and 7A teams for over 5 years at Porter Gaud and coached the 7A team for Daniel Island School prior to that time.  She is a doctor of Occupational Therapy, graduating from the Medical University of South Carolina, and obtained her Bachelor or Arts degree in Exercise Science from the College of Charleston.  Coach Mabe enjoys teaching the love of the game of volleyball along with proper technique incorporating exercise science mechanics to help players reach their full potential.  She is looking forward to her 10th year coaching with PSVC.

Mary Jo Stemple, 12-1 Head Coach - Coach Stemple has been part of club volleyball in Charleston since its inception and brings over 30 years of coaching experience with ages 10-16 to PSVC. She has traveled with her elite teams to many National and AAU Tournaments across the US, consistently placing in the top ten in the nation. Her expertise ranges from teaching fundamentals to the beginner athletes to working with elite travel players on honing their skills and advancing to the next level. She has conducted camps in the summer and individual and small group training. Coach Stemple was also the Athletic Director, 5th - 8th Grade Physical Education Teacher, and head volleyball coach at Mason Preparatory School in Charleston.  She's looking forward to her 9th season with PSVC. 

Jen Schilpp, 12-1 Assistant Coach - Coach Schilpp started her collegiate volleyball career at Anderson College where she participated in the Junior College national tournament her freshman year and was named All Region and All Tournament player her sophomore year. She continued playing at Charleston Southern University where she was ranked 1st in the country in serving. Coach Schilpp has lived in Mt. Pleasant since 1991 and is married with four daughters.  She has consistently coached volleyball at the 12U and older levels for over 15 years.  Coach Schilpp is an AVCA Member and is Positive Coaching Alliance Double-Goal Coach certified.  This will be her 8th season with PSVC..

TBA, 12-2 Head Coach

TBA, 12-2 Assistant Coach

Sabina Wang, TBA - Head Coach - Coach Sabina was born and raised in Changhua, Taiwan.  She entered college at the age of 15, and began her competitive volleyball career.  She trained intensively as a setter and defensive player, as well as a second-string hitter. After 2 years, Coach Sabina joined the Taiwan Youth Volleyball Team and competed across Asia.  In 1993, her team finished as semifinalists in the Adult Asia Cup, She continued to play competitively, and was sponsored by Nike and Mizuno. After retiring from the national team, Coach Sabina attended China Nan Pharmacy University and played for the University team, finishing in the top 4 for the Taiwan College League. After graduation, Coach Sabina served first as a trainer, and later assistant, for the Taiwan Youth National Volleyball Squad, finalists for the Asia Youth Cup. In 2001, Coach Sabina moved to the US and began graduate studies at Stanford University.  She played in adult recreational and USAV indoor volleyball leagues.  Her coaching experience includes junior high and high school teams in California, Georgia and South Carolina and she is currently the Varsity Head Coach at First Baptist High School. Coach Sabina has lived in and loved Charleston since 2012.  She has coached club volleyball for over 10 years and is looking forward to her 8th season with PSVC.  Coach Sabina's philosophy emphasizes defense-oriented teamwork and helping players achieve maximum individual potential to play at the highest competitive levels.

Bethany (Doman) White - Coach White is originally from Strasburg, VA, where she was a 3-year, 3-sport varsity athlete at Strasburg High School. As a junior, she helped lead her team to a 28-0 record and they were District, Regional, and State Champions. Coach White received First-Team All-District, Second-Team All-Region, and Honorable Mention All-State honors. She went on to play for Bridgewater College as an outside and right-side hitter, where she is ranked first in the Bridgewater record book for most service aces in a match with 11 versus City College of NY. Coach White graduated in 2012 with a Business Admin degree and later received her Master’s in Sports and Recreation Leadership from James Madison University. She has volunteer coached for 2 years at Camp Road Middle and is now the head varsity volleyball coach at Palmetto Scholars Academy. In addition to coaching, Coach White continues to play competitively in grass, indoor and beach volleyball. She looks forward to her 8th year coaching with PSVC  

Claire LaFave -  Coach LaFave is originally from Michigan, and is a graduate of Michigan State University.  She played volleyball in junior high and high school, as well as club volleyball in college.  In her sophomore year she went “All-American.”  Prior to joining Palmetto Strikers, she coached 12 and under teams for 2 years with her hometown club.  During her volleyball career, Coach LaFave was a setter, and has a passion to pass on her knowledge to young players who want to learn, grow and play this sport for life.  This is Coach LaFave's 6th year with Palmetto Strikers.

Andria O'Dell - Coach O'Dell has been a volleyball coach for nearly 20 years, including several years as Head JV and Assistant Varsity Coach at Oceanside Collegiate Academy. She played as a setter for her high school teams, various USVBA clubs, and the Volleyball Training Network. Coach O'Dell has coached various Middle School and High School teams in the Washington D.C., and South Carolina areas, as well as three years of LYV Open 1. She coached club volleyball for five years at Northern Virginia Volleyball Association, where she received training from Rodrigo Gomez, one of the top camp coaches for Gold Medal Squared, the organization that runs the USA volleyball national team training system. She has taken three coaching clinics with college coaches across the country, including Jim McLaughlin, head coach at the University of Notre Dame. Andria is IMPACT certified and has completed the Positive Coaching Alliance's Double Goal Coaching with AAU and the Fundamentals of Coaching course. As a coach, it is her goal to provide an atmosphere of respect, hard work and good sportsmanship.  Coach Andria is looking forward to her 4th year with PSVC

Aaron Tuuk - Coach Aaron is originally from Grand Rapids, MI and attended Central Michigan University, where he earned his BS in Education majoring in Mathematics and minoring in Physical Education.  During college Coach Aaron played 3 years for the club volleyball team as a setter and outside hitter.  He coached for Dead Frog Far Out before moving to South Carolina.  Coach Aaron has 4 years’ experience coaching volleyball locally, including 2 years as the Head Varsity coach at Stratford High School, where he is also a Mathematics teacher.  He is looking forward to his second season and sharing his knowledge with PSVC’s 17 National team. 

Sara Tuuk - Coach Sara was born and raised in Fond du Lac, WI, and has been playing organized volleyball since fourth grade. During high school she earned all-conference and all-state honors. Coach Sara earned her BS in Chemistry from Lander University where she also played volleyball and softball.  She went on to earn her Masters in Forensic Science from the University of New Haven.  In 2011, Coach Sara accepted a position with the city of Charleston Police Department and she later became the deputy coroner for Charleston County. Since moving to Charleston Coach Sara has coached 3 years of club volleyball, 2 years with 6th grade girls’ teams at two local private schools and is currently the assistant coach at Stratford High School. Coach Sara is excited about her second season with Palmetto Strikers and assisting the team in their growth and college recruiting goals.

Ally Ulrich - Coach Ally began playing volleyball in the 3rd grade.  Early in her career she was a 6 rotation setter, but transition to Middle and finished her career as a Right Side Hitter.  Coach Ally is a graduate of Mercyhurst University with Bachelor's in Early Child Education and Special Education, and a Master's in Applied Behavior Anaylsis.  Due to an injury she had to step away from playing and began her coaching career.  She has over 6 years experience coaching and in her 1st year she led an 8th grade team to the City Championships.  Coach Ally has most recently coach at the 16U and 15U age groups.  Her approach to coaching is to assist players in "overcoming their fears, to work as a team, to have respect for each other, and to build a confidence.”  This is her 2nd season coaching with PSVC.

Kiersten Holmes - Coach Kiersten was grew up in Maryland and moved to Charleston in August 2020.  She played at Thomas Stone HS all four years, as well as, club volleyball.  She continues to play adult coed indoor and beach volleyball locally.  Coach Kiersten grew up in a large family and has 7 siblings, so being part of a team comes 2nd nature to her. She is excited to help the younger players grow and learn the sport she loves.  This is her 2nd year with PSVC. 

Cathy Schreiber, Positional Coach -  Coach Cathy is a graduate of Collinsville High School outside of St.Louis, MO. While in high school, she was the starting outside hitter for her varsity team and played club volleyball for CYC club in St.Louis as a middle hitter. Coach Cathy went on to play Division 1 volleyball for University of Evansville and was the starting middle blocker each year she played there. Over 3 years, she played in 326 sets, tallying 538 kills and 283 blocks.  Coach Cathy majored in Exercise Science and went on to receive her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Evansville while staying involved in both the University volleyball team as well as coaching for Evansville United Volleyball Club. Following graduation, Coach Cathy moved to Charleston, SC to start her career as a Pediatric Physical Therapist.  This is her 3rd year coaching with PSVC. 

Liz Buterbaugh - Coach Liz was born and raised in Hilton Head Island, SC and started playing volleyball in 6th grade. She was a four-year varsity starter at Hilton Head Preparatory School where she earned all-region and all-state honors. She also led Prep to a record setting third place finish in the state her senior year. In 2018, Liz was inducted into Prep’s Athletic Hall of Fame for volleyball and still holds school records for blocks, kills, and aces today. Liz played club volleyball for Low Country Volleyball Club in Bluffton, SC for five years. After high school, she earned an athletic scholarship to play collegiately at Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC as a middle. She was a four-year letter winner and member of the Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll. Liz graduated from Wofford in 2016 with a BA in Spanish and Sociology.  Coach Liz is eager to start her 3rd season with PSVC and share her knowledge and passion for the game with her team.