My coaching philosophy centers on fostering a holistic approach that emphasizes not only the physical and technical skills of volleyball but also the mental, social, and tactical growth of each player. Drawing from years of experience, I am committed to developing well-rounded athletes who excel both on and off the court, instilling values of teamwork, resilience, and continuous learning. I began my volleyball journey playing club volleyball in Jamaica and the Bahamas, which deepened my love for the sport and provided invaluable experience. My coaching career started with high school volleyball in the Bahamas, where I honed my skills before completing a master's degree in coaching at the University of Alberta, equipping me with a higher-level approach to player development. Now, as I enter my fourth year as an assistant coach with the University of Alberta Golden Bears and the FOGG Volleyball program, I bring a wealth of experience and a holistic perspective to every aspect of coaching. My commitment to excellence continues to drive my efforts in developing the next generation of volleyball talent. This year, I am most excited about building on the foundations of my players' skills while catering to their ongoing development, both individually and as a team. It's incredibly rewarding to see the progress that comes from refining their technical abilities and enhancing their understanding of the game. As a coach who is deeply passionate about volleyball growth and development, I’m eager to continue fostering an environment that challenges them to excel, promotes teamwork, and prepares them to take on greater responsibilities on and off the court. Watching their growth as well-rounded athletes and individuals is what I look forward to the most.

Excellence through skill development, teaching volleyball culture, and fostering competitiveness to achieve high-level performance are at the core of my coaching philosophy. Throughout this process, I strive to ensure that the players' development is not only an enjoyable experience but also a rewarding one. I started playing volleyball in Turkey when I was 8 years old and have been involved in the sport ever since! I played for NAVC and FOG in Edmonton during my youth club years, refereed for a few years after my club career, and then got into coaching when I was 19 with FOG. My first coaching experience was with a group of U16s that I followed through to their U18 season. Since the 2022/2023 season, I have been an assistant coach with Golden Bears Volleyball, which is when I joined FOGG. One of the most rewarding aspects of coaching for me is watching the growth of my athletes throughout the season and seeing them accomplish great things!

I believe that team sports, especially volleyball, give athletes the opportunity to learn how to work and compete alongside their peers. The skills developed on the court often translate into valuable life skills beyond the game. I have been a head coach with FOG Volleyball for the past 10 years, working with both boys and girls teams from U13 to U18. I am a Level 2 Advanced Development Coach certified with Volleyball Canada. My playing experience includes competing in the ACAC and playing senior men’s volleyball with the FOG Volleyball Club. I look forward to continuing to work with the coaches and athletes I coached last season, and to helping them reach their goals.

My coaching philosophy is to create a positive and fun environment where athletes are challenged to work hard, improve their skills, and grow as people.

I started volleyball later than most, but quickly fell in love with the game and worked hard to pursue a post-secondary career. I began at Concordia University of Edmonton and later chased the dream of playing U Sports, ultimately finishing my career with the University of Alberta Golden Bears. During that time, we won both CanWest and National medals. While with the Bears, I also discovered my passion for coaching, working with the U15 and U16 Grizzlies.

I’m most excited this year to dedicate more time to coaching and really dive into it. I love giving back to the game and inspiring the next generation of athletes. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun, and I can’t wait to get started.