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Meet Allyson Alden, a highly skilled and dedicated coach with a remarkable background in volleyball. Her journey with SoCal Volleyball Club began at the age of 14 when she joined as a player. It didn’t take long for Allyson to establish herself as a standout talent, earning a spot on the top national team for her age group as a formidable middle blocker, which she held until she turned 18.

Throughout her high school years at San Marcos, Allyson made a significant impact on the varsity volleyball team, serving as a key player for four memorable seasons. Her exceptional leadership and skills led the team to secure two CIF championship titles—an achievement that showcased her ability to excel under pressure. During her senior year, Allyson’s outstanding performance earned her the prestigious title of second team all San Diego, and she accumulated several MVP tournament accolades.

Continuing her passion for the sport, Allyson pursued higher education at San Jose State University, where she embarked on a journey playing both indoor and beach volleyball for the school. In her freshman year alone, Allyson showcased her prowess as a hitter, earning the top hitting percentage in the school’s history—a testament to her dedication and talent. Notably, she also received the well-deserved recognition of being voted player of the year for beach volleyball.

In 2021, Allyson decided to share her knowledge and love for the game by venturing into coaching at SoCal Volleyball Club. Her coaching style reflects her upbeat and encouraging nature, as she aims to motivate athletes to give their best effort while enjoying the process. Allyson’s coaching approach is marked by a strong emphasis on technical aspects of the game, allowing players to develop their skills to their fullest potential.

In addition to her work at SoCal Volleyball Club, Allyson further demonstrated her coaching prowess by contributing to the San Jose State beach volleyball program in the spring of 2023, enriching the team with her expertise and passion for the game.

Off the court, Allyson pursues her academic interests in psychology at San Jose State University, demonstrating her commitment to both personal and professional growth. With her dynamic coaching style, Allyson is committed to helping athletes reach their highest potential while fostering a positive and enjoyable environment for everyone involved.

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Coach Alana is a force of nature both on and off the court, known for her outgoing and energetic personality. Her love for volleyball is unmistakable, as she has been playing since the age of 12 and began coaching at just 18 years old. Being a younger coach, Alana strongly advocates for her players, drawing from her experiences as a student-athlete and relating to their journey.

Alana boasts an impressive volleyball career, making her varsity team at RBV as a freshman and later captaining the team during her senior year, leading them to an undefeated winning season. Her passion for the sport continued through college, where she played indoor and beach volleyball at Mesa and Palomar colleges, earning the title of Most Valuable Player in both the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

Having recently graduated and obtained teaching credentials, Alana is embarking on her career as a kindergarten teacher. Hard work and dedication are deeply ingrained in her, and she attributes volleyball not only to honing her physical skills but also to shaping her into a great teammate and individual.

Coaching at SoCal is like a second home to Alana, and she couldn’t be happier to spend another year working with players who are eager to learn and improve. Her coaching style is technical, and she’s not afraid to push her players beyond their comfort zones. Alana believes in coming prepared, ready to work, and with a positive attitude. Seeing others succeed brings her immense joy, and she’s determined to be a source of encouragement and support on their journey.

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Email: [email protected]

Hailing from Berkeley, CA, Kylie Bartel discovered her passion for coaching volleyball in 2023 with a heartfelt desire to instill the same love for the game in kids that she herself possesses. Specializing in coaching middle school level athletes, Kylie is known for her encouraging coaching style, which motivates and uplifts her players.

According to Kylie, effort is the key to success for any team, and she strives to instill this valuable lesson in her athletes. The allure of fun and excitement drew Kylie to work at SoCal Volleyball Club.

Outside of coaching, Kylie finds joy in indulging her artistic side through art, drawing, and of course, playing volleyball. These passions bring balance and fulfillment to her life beyond the court.

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Lauren Wigen hails from Apple Valley, MN and embarked on her coaching journey in 2014 with a heartfelt mission: to give back and provide young players with the same incredible experiences that shaped her own volleyball career under the guidance of amazing coaches. Specializing in coaching middle school and high school level athletes, Lauren is known for her competitive yet enjoyable coaching style.

A firm believer in the power of communication for a successful team, Lauren strives to instill this crucial skill in her athletes. It was this dedication to fostering a strong sense of community and growth that led Lauren to choose SoCal Volleyball Club as her coaching home, where the camaraderie amongst coaches, players, and parents is exceptional.

Beyond coaching, Lauren is a passionate advocate for animal welfare, running a small non-profit animal rescue out of her home, which she affectionately describes as a zoo due to the number of furry residents. In addition to her rescue work, Lauren is also involved in the biotech field. When the weekends roll around, you’ll find her at the dog beach, enjoying quality time with her beloved pup. Adding a splash of vibrant colors to life, Lauren also loves dyeing her hair in fun and creative ways.

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Raised in the scenic town of Fallbrook, San Diego, Madeline Martin ventured into coaching in 2019, driven by her determination not to let a volleyball injury deprive her of enjoying the sport she loves. Specializing in coaching high school level athletes, Madeline’s expertise shines through her supportive and constructive coaching style, earning praise from players.

According to Madeline, the foundation of a victorious team lies in mutual support, a principle she fervently imparts to her athletes. This philosophy led her to join the warm and inviting environment of SoCal Volleyball Club.

When not honing her coaching skills, you’ll find Madeline immersed in various passions. Whether engrossed in a captivating book, surfing, or curating a collection of cherished trinkets, her adventurous spirit thrives. Madeline’s creative side flourishes through the delicate art of flower pressing, adding a touch of beauty to her life outside the volleyball court.

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Tara Kellenbarger, a proud Encinitas native, found her true calling as a coach in 2017, driven by an immense passion for volleyball and a deep desire to give back to the sport that brought her so much joy. Seeing younger generations fulfill their dreams of playing, just as her coaches had helped her achieve her collegiate playing dream, became her mission.

Specializing in coaching middle school and high school level athletes, Tara’s coaching style is described as supportive, informative, and passionately dedicated. To her, success for any team lies in believing in and trusting one another, as well as in themselves. These values are at the core of what she instills in her athletes.

Choosing SoCal Volleyball Club was a natural fit for Tara, as she saw the wealth of opportunities and resources available to help players in their careers, and she wanted to be part of that journey, offering support just as she had received.

Among her notable coaching achievements, Tara cherishes her experience coaching abroad in Budapest, Hungary, for three weeks at a summer camp. Despite the language barrier, she was amazed to witness the unifying power of sports, transcending borders, and witnessing the enthusiasm and eagerness of the kids at the camp to learn.

When Tara takes a break from coaching, you’ll likely spot her out in the ocean surfing. Or in the kitchen, unleashing her creativity through cooking and baking delicious treats.

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Growing up in Oceanside, Sidnie Giddings-Parker’s coaching journey began in 2022 with a simple yet profound motivation: to share her deep love for the sport with others. Witnessing the growth and improvement of young athletes brings her unparalleled joy and satisfaction as a coach.

Specializing in coaching middle school and high school level athletes, Sidnie has honed a coaching style that is described as technical, fast-paced, and most importantly, fun. She understands that a cohesive team is the key to success and, therefore, strives to instill in her athletes the values of teamwork and mutual encouragement.

The decision to join the SoCal Volleyball Club was driven by Sidnie’s desire to provide aspiring players with the same enriching experience she received during her own time at SoCal. The club’s ethos and sense of community align perfectly with Sidnie’s coaching philosophy, making it a natural fit for her to continue her coaching journey.

When she’s not on the coaching sidelines, Sidnie indulges in her passion for painting, finding inspiration from the picturesque coastal surroundings. The beach holds a special place in her heart, providing her with moments of relaxation and rejuvenation. Alongside her love for art and the beach, Sidnie cherishes quality time spent with her friends and family.

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