meet OUR coachING STAFF FOR 2026-2027 SEASON!
your TENACITY VOLLEYBALL academy 2026-2027 Coaching Staff & team!
The TENACITY team has attracted the perfect lineup of committed and dedicated coaches to train our players! Below is a list of our current team with MORE TO COME!
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Bio: A 1996 graduate of Rustburg High School, I was a three-sport athlete, competing in volleyball, basketball, and softball. My passion for athletics and competition led me to continue my volleyball career at Averett University, where I played from 1996 to 2000 as a setter.
During my collegiate career, I earned recognition as the nation's fourth-ranked freshman setter and went on to become one of the most accomplished players in Averett volleyball history. I was named USA South Conference Most Valuable Player in both 1999 and 2000 and helped lead the Cougars to two USA South Conference Championships. In recognition of my contributions and accomplishments, I was inducted into both the Averett University Hall of Fame and the USA South Conference Hall of Fame.
My passion for the game naturally transitioned into coaching. Over the past 15 years, I have been dedicated to developing athletes both on and off the court. I spent 10 years as the head volleyball coach at Timberlake Christian School, where I built a championship-caliber program that captured Virginia state championships in 2021 and 2024. Following each championship season, I was honored to be named State Coach of the Year.
In addition to coaching at the high school level, I served as the Director of Timberlake Volleyball Club for 8 years. In that role, I focused on player development, mentoring coaches, and creating opportunities for young athletes to grow their skills and compete at a high level.
Throughout my career, my goal has been to help athletes reach their full potential by emphasizing fundamentals, teamwork, leadership, discipline, and a love for the game. I am committed to creating a positive and competitive environment where players can develop confidence, character, and lifelong skills through volleyball.
My life verse is Jeremiah 29:11!!
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Bio: Kevin Cardoza brings more than 15 years of collegiate coaching experience to Tenacity Volleyball Academy at Hill City Sports Center, where he is dedicated to developing athletes who aspire to compete at the highest levels of the game.
Most recently, Kevin served as the Head Women's Volleyball Coach at the University of Lynchburg, where he led the Hornets to one of the most successful seasons in program history. During the 2025 season, Lynchburg finished 26-5, recorded the best regular-season record in school history, tied the program record for victories in a season, earned its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance, and climbed as high as No. 14 in the NCAA Power Index. The Hornets also produced five All-ODAC selections, and Kevin was named the AVCA Region IV Coach of the Year for his leadership.
In his first season at Lynchburg, Kevin guided the program to a 19-win campaign and an ODAC Semifinal appearance while helping the Hornets earn their first conference tournament victory since 2017.
Before leading Lynchburg, Kevin spent five seasons as an assistant coach at Virginia Tech, serving as the program's primary recruiting coordinator. During his tenure, he helped assemble the strongest recruiting classes in school history, including Virginia Tech's first high school All-Americans and seven PrepVolleyball Top-150 recruits. He also served as acting head coach during conference play and played a significant role in player development, scouting, match preparation, and recruiting.
Kevin's coaching career also included collegiate stops at Radford University, the University at Albany, the University of Tennessee, the University of Maryland, New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), and Concordia College. Throughout his career, he established a reputation for recruiting elite talent, implementing advanced volleyball analytics and technology, and developing middle blockers and defensive systems that consistently ranked among the best in their conferences.
In addition to his collegiate coaching experience, Kevin directed volleyball camps, managed multimillion-dollar volleyball facilities, built international recruiting networks, developed comprehensive training programs, and mentored countless athletes pursuing collegiate volleyball opportunities.
At Tenacity Volleyball Academy, Kevin is passionate about creating an environment where athletes receive elite instruction, build confidence, and develop the technical skills, discipline, and competitive mindset needed to succeed at every level of the sport. His extensive experience coaching and recruiting at the collegiate level provides Tenacity athletes with invaluable insight into what it takes to compete beyond high school.
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Bio: Kara Matthews joined the Randolph College staff in 2012 as an assistant volleyball coach, was named interim head coach in 2014 and promoted to head coach following a record-setting season. Under her leadership, the WildCats earned their first ODAC Tournament appearance since 2006 and posted the program's most wins since 1997. Matthews has coached multiple All-ODAC and All-Region players, including an AVCA National Player of the Week and the program's first AVCA All-American. In addition, the 2024 squad finished 17th in the nation for Total Blocks in the season. Matthews is the longest tenured coach for the program and is only a few wins shy of becoming the winningest coach in WildCat Volleyball history.
Matthews played collegiately at Lynchburg College (2008-2011) and was a two-year captain of Liberty University's club beach volleyball team (2012-14) while earning her masters degree in Sport Management. She also brings extensive experience directing camps and clinics and has coached 8 seasons of club volleyball U16-18.
Matthews enjoys working alongside and running camps with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). She enjoys travelling internationally and playing beach or grass volleyball in her free time. Her coaching philosophy is rooted in skills training and leading her athletes to be the best version of themselves in all 3 dimensions: physically, mentally and spiritually. She is passionate about helping athletes grow in confidence and character, on and off the court!
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Bio: Proudly joining Tenacity Volleyball Academy at Hill City Sports Center, Kristen Hardie brings decades of championship coaching experience and a passion for developing athletes both on and off the court.
Kristen is one of the most accomplished volleyball coaches in Central Virginia. Prior to joining Tenacity Volleyball Academy, she served as the Head Volleyball Coach at Rustburg High School for nearly 20 years, where she built one of the state's premier programs. During her tenure, she led the Red Devils to back-to-back VHSL Class 3 State Championships in 2021 and was honored as the Virginia Class 3 State Coach of the Year in both the Spring and Fall 2021 seasons. Her teams also captured Region III Championships in 2008, 2011, 2019, and 2021.
Beyond the high school level, Kristen served as Director of Coaches & Player Development at Central VA Volleyball from 2002 to 2021. In that role, she recruited and mentored coaches, developed player pathways, oversaw travel and developmental programs, and created structured training plans that helped countless athletes reach the next level. As a travel coach, she guided teams from U12 through U16, earning a reputation for developing technically sound, confident, and competitive players.
Earlier in her coaching career, Kristen was the Head Volleyball Coach at Sweet Briar College from 2001 to 2003, adding valuable collegiate coaching experience to her impressive résumé.
A former standout player at Radford University (1992–1996), Kristen combines elite playing experience with a proven track record of building successful teams and developing athletes of all skill levels.
At Tenacity Volleyball Academy, Kristen is committed to helping every athlete grow in skill, confidence, and character while fostering a positive, competitive environment that prepares players for success on the court and beyond.
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Bio: Bryan brings more than 15 years of collegiate coaching experience and a lifelong passion for volleyball to Tenacity Volleyball Academy at Hill City Sports Center. A member of the Liberty University Men's Volleyball coaching staff since 2010, Bryan served as the team's Head Coach from 2011 to 2019, leading one of the nation's top collegiate club volleyball programs while developing athletes both on and off the court.
Before joining Liberty, Bryan played competitive volleyball for nine years and spent three years coaching at Twin Valley High School. Since 2015, he has also served as the Division Director and League Administrator for the Eastern Collegiate Volleyball Association (ECVA), helping oversee and grow collegiate volleyball throughout the East Coast.
Bryan's coaching accomplishments include being named the National Collegiate Volleyball Federation (NCVF) National Coach of the Year during the 2013–14 season. He also earned Liberty University Club Sports Coach of the Year honors in both the 2013–14 and 2018–19 seasons. He was named the Virginia VISAA DIII coach of the year in 2025 while coaching the New Covenant Gryphons to a state championship.
Throughout his career, Bryan has coached nine East Coast All-Stars, three Second Team All-Americans, and three First Team All-Americans in the NCVF. His teams have captured two ECVA East Coast Championships and finished as conference runners-up three additional times.
At Tenacity Volleyball Academy, Bryan is committed to helping young athletes develop strong technical skills, confidence, leadership, and a passion for the game while preparing them to compete at the highest levels. His extensive coaching experience, proven track record of success, and dedication to player development make him an invaluable member of the Tenacity coaching staff.
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Bio: Katie Brown, a Rustburg, Virginia native, began her volleyball career as a setter before transitioning to the libero position at the varsity level. She played five years of club volleyball with HOV and graduated from Rustburg High School in 2009.
Katie continued her playing career as a libero at Randolph College, earning a Bachelor's degree in Sports and Exercise Studies in 2016. She remains active in the sport by competing in coed and women's recreational volleyball leagues and tournaments.
Katie began coaching travel volleyball with HOV in 2011 and has since coached 13 travel teams ranging from U13 to U18. Her coaching experience also includes three seasons as an assistant coach at Randolph College, two years as the varsity head coach at Heritage High School, and three years as the varsity head coach at Amherst County High School. She is entering her fourth season as the varsity head volleyball coach at Liberty Christian Academy (LCA).
During her time at LCA, Katie has guided the Bulldogs to back-to-back Region 3C Championships in 2024 and 2025, with State Quarterfinal appearances in both seasons. She was named Region 3C Coach of the Year in both 2024 and 2025 and District Coach of the Year in 2025.
Katie is passionate about developing athletes both on and off the court. She strives to help players grow in their volleyball skills while building confidence, a strong work ethic, and character, all within a positive and competitive environment.
Katie lives in Forest, Virginia, and teaches PE and Health at Monelison Middle School. Outside of coaching and teaching, she enjoys fishing, working out, watching TV and movies, and spending time with her corgi, Winston.
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Bio: Kinley phillips is a passionate Volleyball coach and student athlete currently pursuing a bachelors degree in Exercise Science at Liberty University with an anticipated graduation date of December 2026. She competes on Liberty’s Club Beach Volleyball team and served as the team spiritual leader.
Kinley is a graduate of Timberlake Christian school where she helped lead her team to a VISAA state championship in 2021 and was named team MVP during her senior season. She has customer service experience, along with assisting with volleyball, clubs, clinics, and working with children in both coaching and community settings. Her life verse is Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
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Bio: Mattie played for school ball for seven years, travel ball through TVC for five years and coached travel ball for six years.
“I played volleyball in middle school and high school I have had such a love for it.
During high school, I knew I wanted to coach and right after high school I started coaching and, I have coached travel ball for six years.
I love coaching it is so fun to see them grow in their skill and in their confidence and become a better player.
I also love sharing Jesus with them and sharing that light!!
I went to Central Community College for 2 years and went to Liberty University ! I majored in elementary education.
I was a preschool aide for 4 and half years and a kindergarten teacher for 2 years.
I can’t wait to coach this travel season and see the girls grow in their volleyball skills!”
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Bio:
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Bio: Mécole’s love for volleyball began at Rustburg High School, where she first discovered the excitement and discipline of the sport. She has spent the past three years coaching travel volleyball, sharing her passion with younger athletes and helping them grow both on and off the court.
Outside of volleyball, Mécole is an avid sports fan, enjoys traveling, music, and scuba diving. She believes in living life to the fullest and is guided by the idea that discovering one’s purpose and passion is one of life’s most meaningful rewards.
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Bio: Meghan Pettry is from Rustburg, VA, where she played setter for Rustburg High School. After high school, she stayed connected to the game by helping coach at the high school, travel, and developmental levels while also continuing to play in women's and coed adult leagues (when her knees allow...iykyk!).
After taking a few years away from coaching to raise her two children, Madi and Miles, Meghan returned to travel volleyball and has spent the past two seasons coaching alongside her best friend, Katie Brown.
Outside of volleyball, Meghan works full-time as an Office Manager for a private wealth management firm. She is also a member of The Hope Company, where she often helps out in kids ministry. In her free time, she enjoys weightlifting, hiking with her family, traveling, and gardening.
Her favorite Bible verse for athletes is Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." She believes that success comes from purposeful effort and aligned values on and off the court.
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Bio: This is Destiny’s tenth year coaching, fourth year coaching a travel team, she played volleyball for eight years for Temple Christian School and also played on the first EVER TVC travel team! “I have loved seeing this program grow and am so excited to be able to invest in the younger generation. I am passionate about this sport and helping girls grow in their volleyball skills but more importantly in growing into Godly young women. I am a graduate from Liberty University’s Nursing Program as of December 2022 and currently work as an emergency room nurse…I can’t wait to help your girls become the athletes they have always dreamed to be!”