Are you a Volleyball Coach?  Join Us! 

We are always seeking additional Coaches for the upcoming seasons! 

Call 425-583-3822 or email blueroyalsvolleyball@gmail.com with your coaching interest, background & experience.

Coach Biography's

Aanna Tukan

2023/24   

U14 National (girls) Head Coach; 

U14 Regional (girls) Head Coach;

U10 National (girls) Interim Assist Coach

 

2021/22  U13 Head Coach (girls) Finished Ranked #1 in Puget Sound Region (out of all 13's teams) 

2022/23 U13 Head Coach (girls) & U14 Boys Head Coach

2021/22  U12 Head Coach (girls) Finished Ranked #1 in Puget Sound Region 

2020/21  U11 Head Coach (girls)

 

My name is Aanna & I love the sport of volleyball!   I have been playing volleyball for 14 years now;  club volleyball U12-18's & all years of middle & high school.  I was a setter for many years but switched to Libero in my Junior season. My U18 season in club our team won 1st at Emerald City Classic 18's, and I was honored with the Coaches Award for Libero MVP.  My high school team, Kamiak,  went to state in my Senior year in 2018.  That same year I was an All Wesco Libero.  I am entering my 5th year of coaching, and I love it!  I coach both indoor and beach volleyball, ages 9-15. I currently attend Western Washington university and am majoring in elementary education! I love coaching volleyball and look forward to helping and improving every player that steps in the court! 

Alaynia McGill

2023/24 U16 (N) Head Coach Blue Royals

2022/23 U17 Head Coach Blue Royals

2021/22 U16 Head Coach Blue Royals

2020/21 U15 Head Coach Blue Royals

2019/20 U14 Head Coach Blue Royals 

2018/19 U13/14 Head Coach Blue Royals

2017/18 U14 Head Coach Blue Royals

Coach 2019, 2018, 2017 - Fall Skills Clinic Middle School Blue Royals

 

I am so excited to Coach U 16’s here this year!  This is my 7th year coaching at BRVBA and I consider this club and these coaches the best around.  I played volleyball in high school and when my oldest daughter started to play volleyball in 3rd grade (2009) I realized that my love of children, teaching and volleyball were the perfect combination for coaching and I’ve been coaching ever since!  I expect hard work and teamwork on and off the court.  I will share my love for fun, competitive volleyball, skill development and a cohesive inspired TEAM!  We will compete and play aggressive, inspire and encourage each other!  Technique and game like drills are a part of every practice and expectations are high for all!  I have been the Operations Director for Nurturing Knowledge School since 1999: I am like a principal and do a bit of everything for my 7 Preschool classrooms and 2 School Age sites – teacher training and evaluation, parent meetings, enrollment, subbing, classroom evaluation, strategic planning, special needs evaluation, human resources, purchasing, etc.  I am married and have 3 children and a giant fur baby. My 2 daughters are out of state at college, my son is in highschool and our silly 125 pound puppy brings us all joy. I enjoy playing volleyball for fun and working out but most of all spending time with my friends and family, hanging out and laughing as much as possible. 

Casey Miller

2023/24 U13 National Assistant Coach Blue Royals

2022/23 U12 National Assistant Coach Blue Royals 

 

 

Casey played volleyball in high school and college.  She joined Blue Royals in 2022/23 season and helped the team win a U12 National Bid at Regional Championships.  Casey took the team to Minneapolis National Championships in June 2023.  Off the Court Coach Casey is an elementary school teacher and has a family with multiple sport athlete's with her husband.

Connor Pearson

2023/24 U12 Elite Assistant Coach Blue Royals

 

Connor played baseball in high school and college.  He joined Blue Royals in 2023/24 season and coaches with his Coach Reagan Bullock.  He enjoys travel and all sports, very excited to have Coach Connor joining BR this season!

Dale Raymond

2023/24 Head Coach U13 National (girls) Blue Royals
In his first season with Blue Royals, with U12 Blue Royals Team, 2022/23 season,  Coach Dale led the team to Winning the USA American National Bid.
4 Years Volunteer Coaching Boys and Girls Club
3 Years Coaching Club at Sabotage Volleyball Club
5 Years Coaching Club at NW Juniors Volleyball CLub
3 Years Assistant Coach at Edmonds Community College
4th Degree Black Belt in TKD
Received USA volleyball CAP 1 Certification
Safe Sport Certified

Dan Morin

2023/24  U15 National Blue Royals Head Coach

My introduction to volleyball began as a 7th grade student back in Canada. I continued to play through my years of high school. After high school, I played a few seasons of club volleyball in Kansas City while attending graduate school.  I began coaching volleyball at the age of 18 when I had the opportunity to work with a freshman team for several seasons. I got back into coaching at the Lake Stevens Boys and Girls Club in 2010. In 2013, I started as an assistant coach for a U-12 team at Fusion Volleyball Club. The following season I became the head coach of a U-12 team and follow that team through the divisions for the next several seasons. I am Impact and Safe Sport certified, and have studied Gold Medal Squared Training.

Spokane PNQ

U-14  American Division Bid Winner  2022/23

 MLK- NW Juniors  

U-12 Champions

U-13 Champions (U-14 Division)

U-14 Champions (U-16 Division)

PSR Championships 

U-13 Champions

U-14 Champions

U -15 Champions

Power League 

U-12 (2nd overall)

U-13 (1st overall

U-13/14 Division)

U-14 (2nd overall U-15 Division)

Emerald City Classic  

U-15 Open Champions

Girl’s Junior National Championship

U-12 American (27th overall)

U-13 National (19th overall)

U-14 National (13th overall)

U-15 National (5th overall)

My favorite aspect of coaching is being in the gym and training the fundamentals of the game while developing relationships with young athletes in our community.  As a coach, I truly believe that you will get out what you put in. This happens on every level of play, either as a player or as a coach. One of my goals is to raise the level of play in the Puget Sound Region, increasing the visibility of our players on a national scale in the volleyball community.

Danielle Sapien

 2023/24  U13/14 Regional Blue Royals Head Coach 

 

My name is Danielle Bishop and this will be my 4th season coaching club volleyball and my first with BRVBA.  I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone and be a part of a strong club.  I started playing volleyball at 8 years old and fell in love with it immediately.

 

I went on to play varsity at my high school, as a setter, where we won the WA state title my junior year (what a fun memory!).  I also played 5 years of club, also as a setter.  While I miss playing and competing, I consider coaching a great way to give back to the sport that gave me so much. As a coach, I believe every player is equally important to their team.  I encourage a positive and supportive atmosphere; whether on the court or sidelines, players are cheering on their teammates and having fun.   When I'm not coaching or working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our black lab Kona!  I also spend a lot of time with my family, especially my 2 nephews who I can never get enough of.

Darla Van Winkle

 2023/24  U10 National (girls) Blue Royals Head Coach 

 

I started playing club volleyball as a freshman for Victoria Volleyball Association.

I was instantly hooked, and volleyball became my main sport.   

 

In 2002, I was selected as Team Captain of the Canadian Junior National Team and competed in the 2002 NORCECA Championships. Following a successful summer with Team Canada, my Belmont high school team won the 2002 4A Provincial Championship where I was named MVP (Most Valuable Player). 

 

After graduating I accepted a scholarship to play for the University of Washington. We won 2 Pac-10 Championships and the 2005 NCAA National Title. 

 

My years at UW were incredible and therefore I decided to continue playing professionally. I accepted an offer to play in Spain’s top Superliga and enjoyed my time overseas. 

 

In 2007, I decided to transition into coaching and was fortunate to do so as an assistant coach at Central Washington University. After taking years off to focus on our business and raising our two children, I’m excited to have the opportunity to join the Blue Royals program and get back in the gym!

Dave Thorn

 2023/24 U18 National (boys) Blue Royals Head Coach & Beach Team's Coach 

 

I have coached volleyball at the club, high school, and college level for the last 29 years. I started coaching in college, helping at Whitman College and running the volleyball program at DeSalles Jr. High during my senior year. After graduation I coached at Riverside High School for two years, then assisted at Whitworth College for a season before returning to school as a graduate assistant at the University of Texas – Pan American in South Texas. After graduating I took over as head coach and ran the team for nine years. Then I got the chance to start the volleyball program at East Central University in Ada, OK. After 8 years I returned home to Washington. After taking some time off from coaching, I took over the volleyball program at Glacier Peak High School in 2017.

Dmitriy Tukan

2023/24 18 National (girls) Head Coach

 

As Coach, I  teach my players how to play as a team. I believe team sports teach so much more than just the game. Game teaches them how to deal with loss and how to celebrate when they win as a team, it is something that players have to do in their life every day.  Having players who could play in every position on the court is very important for team success. Fundamentals are the key to building a competitive team.  All players, in each position, have to know their basics for ball control, movement and technique.   I believe that you could teach players how to play, but to get to the highest level of play they have to push themselves at practices and on their own outside of practices.  I try to motivate and push each athlete to attain their highest level of play and tell them they have unlimited potentials with effort and hard work.  I am originally from Russia! I played many sports when I was growing up. 

 

I first played volleyball in 7th grade.  I continued to play in high school.  I played for my Russian college team as an Outside Hitter.  I met my wife, Lisa, in Everett at a recreational co-ed  league and we played competitive co-ed at Edmonds Community College (in adult co-ed leagues) for many years until we had kids.  We have two daughters who both played Kamiak High School Varsity volleyball.  Both of my daughters also now enjoy coaching !  My wife Lisa and I  started Blue Royals many years ago, because we both have passion for volleyball. It is our dream to have a competitive volleyball club and to have a lot of fun doing it!

Emily Ottman

2023/24  U16 National (girls) Assistant Coach  Lynnwood Team

2022/23  U16 National (girls) Assistant Coach  Lynnwood Team

 

My name is Emily and I am super excited to be part of this year’s season. I started playing volleyball when I was in 3rd grade at my local Boys and Girls Club and have been playing ever since. 

 

I played at Lynnwood High school as libero and was awarded honorable mention two years in a row.

 

While in college, I took my team to the NWAC Championship with Shoreline Community College and we also placed third in an international championship in Peru. 

 

The past two years I have coached for Lynnwood High School and what I love most during our time together is seeing players develop their skills and watching their love for the game grow. 

Emmi Foltz

20222/23/24  Summer Clinics Coach / Blue Royals Middle School & High School Training 

 

I am a student at the University of Washington studying Early Childhood and Family Studies with a minor in Disability Studies and plan to become an elementary school teacher! I played club volleyball for 6 years and was a 4-year varsity volleyball letterman at North Creek High School where I was a setter and right side hitter. I helped lead North Creek to back-to-back 4A Kingco Championships in 2018 and 2019, as well as back-to-back state appearances, with a 5th place state finish in 2019. During the 2021-2022 school year, I also competed on the University of Washington Women’s Rowing team. I have coached volleyball camps for 6 years, including kids camps (grades 1-5) and specialized skills clinics for U12-U18. I started coaching for Blue Royals’ U14-U15 clinics in the summer of 2022 and am excited to continue to help young athletes develop their skills over the course of the clinics! I love the game of volleyball and am excited to help young athletes grow their athletic and volleyball skills, learn how to strategize and work as a team, and help grow their love for the sport!

Jaleena Valle

2023/24 Head Coach U13 Elite Blue Royals

2023/24 Assistant Coach U15 National Blue Royals

2022/23 Assistant Coach U14 Blue Royals

2021/22  Assistant Coach U13 Blue Royals Team

2020/21  Co-Head Coach U12 Blue Royals Team (won bid to play American Nationals in Las Vegas)

2019/20  Co-Head Coach U11 Blue Royals Team

 

Playing Bio:

2019 & 2020  Season, Libero, Everett Community College Trojan Volleyball

2015 to 2019 Four Year Starting Libero, Mariner High School

Played Club Volleyball as Outside Hitter, Setter & Libero since Age U10

Played 5 years Club Volleyball with Blue Royals

 

National Bids

2021/22 U12 American Bid Regional Championships

2022/23 U14 American Bid Spokane PNQ

 

I am so excited to Coach again this season! I want to improve my players to be the best ball handlers they can be.  My play time philosophy is that all players will play nearly equally, because this team is about developing all the players to be as well rounded as possible.  They should all set, spike, pass and serve.  We want to create lasting memories that are like the memories I still have of my young volleyball years.  Team bonding, tournaments and playing the sport we love with the aim to be the best players on the court eventually!

Jennifer Morton

2023/24 U14 Elite (girls) Blue Royals Assistant Coach

2022/23 U13 Blue Royals Girls Assistant Coach 

 

Hi, I'm coach Jen! I am excited to help each player excel and reach their full potential! I expect my players to give their full effort on the court and also have lots of fun during clinics and as a team. 
I truly feel that playing competitive sports has many benefits for youth including greater self-confidence, positive role models in peers and coaches, less alcohol/drug abuse, and greater mental and emotional resilience. 
I grew up playing and loving many sports (softball, basketball, swimming, diving, tennis and volleyball) but volleyball has become my passion!  In my spare time, I enjoy kayaking, sailing, hiking, going to bookclub and playing board games with my family.
I'm excited to start this season and build strong players, a competitive team, and new friendships! GO BLUE ROYALS!!!

 

USAV Certified Volleyball Coach

Impact Certified

Head Volleyball Coach, Boys and Girl’s Club, Lake Stevens WA  

Fall & Spring 2016-2022. Coached two teams simultaneously.

Co-Ed High school team - won championship tournament Spring 2021.

Girl’s team - won championship tournament Spring 2022

  

Joe Hansia

2023/24 U18 National Blue Royals (boys) Assistant Coach

2021/22 U18 National Blue Royals (girls) Head Coach

2020/21 U17 National Blue Royals (girls) Assistant Coach

 

Joe plays volleyball at a competitive level, both nationally and internationally.

 

Junior Moevao

2023/24 U16 National Blue Royals (boys) Assistant Coach

 

Coach Junior comes to Blue Royals from Malu Club.  He commutes from Puyallup.

We are so excited to have him as a coach new this season to our Boys Team U16 National.

 

National Bids

Won American Bid Dallas National Championships (2024) 

Team Key Results

Jan 2024 U16 Boys National Blue Royals finished #1 at Southern California Boys National Qualifier in Anaheim California

 

Kaitlyn Jensen

2023/24 U18 National (girls) Blue Royals Assistant Coach

2022/23 U16 National Blue Royals (girls) Assistant Coach

Beach Teams Coach 2023 & 2024 

 

Club Volleyball Playing History

Original athlete legacy player from Blue Royals Volleyball Academy!

U-13 Blue Royals

U-14 Blue Royals

U-15 Blue Royals

U16 Blue Royals

U17 Blue Royals

U18 Blue Royals

 

College Volleyball Experience

2022/23  Edmonds College  (right side)

2023/24 Edmonds College (outside Hitter)

 

Kasey Dale

2023/24 U15 Elite Head Coach Blue Royals

2022/2023  U14 Head Coach Blue Royals

2021/2022 U13 Assistant Coach Blue Royals

2020/2021 U12 Co-Head Coach Blue Royals 

2019/2020 U11 Co-Head Coach Blue Royals

Impact Certified, Safe Sport Certified, USA Coach Certified, JVA Coach Certified

 

Playing Background

6 years of  club volleyball experience

Played Club Volleyball  Teams Blue Royals U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, U18

2 years College experience Everett College Trojans

 

National Bids

Winner American Division Girls Junior National Bid to Las Vegas (2021)

 

I am extremely excited to be coaching again this season!

 

My goals are to have a fun team experience for these young players, treat them like the older players so they know we are going to have high expectations for each player, yet we will keep it realistic for the young ages.  I believe we can train proper mechanics at a young age, have players start out with an advantage because they will be building their skill sets and muscle memories from a young age, and we as Coaches are all about making sure they remember this season as a great year!

 

I played Club Volleyball with Blue Royals since I was a U13 player!  I played all the way to my U18's year, and  I just finished playing two seasons college at Everett Community College for Trojan Volleyball as a starting Outside Hitter.  

 

I can't wait for the season to begin!

Kristen Rodgers

2023/24 U16 (N) National Blue Royals (girls) Assistant Coach

2022/23 U17 Assistant Coach Blue Royals

2021/22 U16 Assistant Coach Blue Royals

2020/21 U15 Assistant Coach Blue Royals

2019/20 U14 Assistant Coach Blue Royals 

2018/19 U13 Assistant Coach Fusion

 

Coach 2019, 2018, 2017 - Fall Skills Clinic Middle School Blue Royals

 

This will be my 6th year coaching. I was an assistant coach with the 13’s team at Fusion, an Assistant U14 Blue Royals Coach, an Assistant 15's and last year Assistant 16's.   I have been coaching with Alaynia McGill the past few seasons.

 

I have been around this sport for more than a decade, starting in middle school, playing in high school and club, then ending in college  I started my club with Sabotage for two seasons and finished my third and last year of club with Fusion. I played four years at Marysville Getchell High School, 2 years on varsity as a Middle hitter, then moved on to play at Everett Community college for one season. 

I’ve always played with the mentality that there is always more that you can do to push yourself, and more to improve on. Pushing yourself and your teammates to the best of their ability is a key component in creating a great team! I hope to create a fun and inviting environment for these girls to learn new things, and grow to become great players!

Lazarus Kawinga

 

2023/24 U13/14 Regional Blue Royals (girls) Assistant Coach 

 

This is Coach Lazarus's first season coaching with Blue Royals Volleyball Academy.  Lazarus has a background in Boys & Girls Club coaching, multiple sports, including volleyball and basketball.  We are excited to have Coach Lazarus join Blue Royals.

Madsy Richards

2023/24 U17 National Blue Royals (girls) Head Coach

2022/23 U18 National Blue Royals (girls) Assistant Coach 

2020/21 U16 National Blue Royals (girls) Head Coach 

2019/20 U14 National Blue Royals (girls) Assistant Coach

 

Hello everyone!

I’m looking forward to pass on the knowledge and passion I have for the game.

 

A little about my background; I've been in the volleyball world for many years now. I played my club and high school years in Missouri. Where I was recruited on a full-ride scholarship to University of Missouri where I played Libero.

 

 

I am excited to be coaching this season!

Mallory Swenson

 

Coach Mallory is a summer clinics & camps Coach summers 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024

 

High School Athlete Outside Hitter / Right Side Hitter 1st Team All KingCo

 

Club Teams Playing Background 

2020/2021 Blue Royals U18-A

2019/2020 Blue Royals U18-A

 

College Volleyball Experience

2020/21  Northwestern University DePaul (D1)

2022/23 Simpson University CALI (D1)

2023/24 Simpson University CALI (D1)

 

Mariam Abdelmohsen

Coach Mimi's Volleyball Medals
Coach Mimi's Volleyball Medals
Dear Parents & Players
Volleyball is my favorite hobby (along with art as well) 
I started volleyball when I was 7 years old.  And I played my first game by age 9 !   Playing under 12 years old I received my first Coach Mimi's Volleyball Medals as best setter!
At 12 I shifted my position to Libero.  I played all the way from age 12 to age 24 as Libero  I  helped my team (Egyptian Shooting Club) to win and stay in the top 3 clubs in the Egyptian National Volleyball League from 2002 to 2011.
My experience included participating with the Egyptian National Team in the World Cup 2011. 
My coaching philosophy is pretty basic:     To have an environment that encourages athletes to learn and develop on and off the court and to create a positive learning environment in good times and challenging times.  I am excited for the upcoming 2022/23 season!
Coach Mimi

Marina Tukan

2023/24  U14 National Blue Royals (girls) Head Coach

2022/23 U14 Boys Head Coach

2022/23  U13 Girls Assistant Coach (girls) Finished Ranked #1 U13 team in the Region

2021/22  U12 Assistant Coach (girls) Finished Ranked #1 in Puget Sound Region 

2021/22  U14 Assistant Coach (girls)

2021/22 U14 Boys Assistant Coach

  

Hi, I’m Marina! I’ve had a passion for volleyball since my parents introduced me to it as a kid. I played club since I was 11 for 8 consecutive years, qualifying for Junior National Championships back to back my u13 and u14 seasons. I lettered on varsity all 4 of my years at Kamiak High School as an outside hitter. My sophomore year our team made it to State for the first time in over 10 years, where I started as a right side hitter. That year I was named all WESCO second team, and the following two years I was honored all WESCO 1st team and team MVP. After high school I competed at Bellevue College, where we finished 1st in our conference and 5th in the NWAC.

In 2022/23, I coach the U13 team with my sister, Aanna, and the U14 boys team. Last season with my U12 team we finished 1st in Power League, winning 3/4 power leagues in the 1st flight. We also won the Jingle Ball Battle, MLK, Presidents’ Day, and the Willamette Classic in Eugene. My goal for this season is to keep competing with the top teams in the Region and have fun on and off the court!

I love competition and teaching young athletes high level volleyball. I hope to improve each player I have the chance to coach, and spread my love of volleyball to the next generations. On my free time I enjoy taking care of my plants, gardening, thrifting, hiking and snowboarding!

 

 U13 Girls Finish #1 Puget Sound Region Volleyball (highest 13 team in U14 Division Power League)

U12 Girls Finish #1 Puget Sound Region Volleyball

1st place U12 Girls Williamette Classic Corvallis, Oregon

1st place U12 Girls Northwest Juniors Martin Luther King Tournament

1st place U12 Girls Presidents Day Tournament Puget Sound Western WA

1st place U12 Girls Jingle Ball Battle WA

Megan Chao

2023/24 U17 National Blue Royals (girls) Assistant Coach

My name is Megan and I'm thrilled to be with Blue Royals Volleyball Academy! I started playing volleyball in 7th grade and have been playing ever since. 

 

I was a varsity player for 3 years at Lynnwood High School. My Junior year, our team placed 8th in State where I was the Libero. My senior year, I had the honor of serving as team captain, and received a Wesco honorable mention two years in a row. I also played 3 years of club for Northwest Juniors. 

 

Volleyball was an incredibly important part of my life and development as a teenager and taught me many important lessons that I carried with me into adulthood. I deeply enjoy giving the gift of the sport I love so much back to the next generation. I have coached high school and middle school student-athletes and I enjoy emphasizing player development and the mental aspect of the game. 

 

Outside of volleyball, I have over 20 years of experience working with and for youth with a focus on mental health and nonprofit management in culturally diverse environments. I am married, am a mom, and enjoy reading and playing volleyball in my down time!

 

Mel Urbanozo

2023/24 Season Head Coach Blue Royals 12's National Team

 

2022/23 Season Head Coach Blue Royals 11's

Team finished 2nd in the Puget Sound Region (out of 11's)

 

Coach Mel has an extensive sports background, in baseball and basketball especially. He has coached many years at the Boys & Girls Club for multiple sports and loves the sport of volleyball too.

 

Mel's team motto:   "nothing given, everything earned"

 

Mindy Staudinger

2023/24 National (boys) Assistant Coach

 

 

Coach Staudinger has both high school and club volleyball coaching experience including Marysville Getchell HS Varsity coach, SVVC Fusion U12, WVBA U16, as well as coaching a U16 club and 8th grade team in Montana. She was red-shirted at the U of W before transferring to Montana State University where she earned a four year letter for volleyball and was a three time Big Sky Conference mention. Coach Staudinger was an all-conference high school volleyball player at Marysville Pilchuck where she was named the 1995 Seattle Times and Everett Herald Player of the Year and was selected to the All State Team. Mindy is Impact and safe sport certified. She and her husband have 3 boys and enjoy Husky athletics, Kraken hockey, surfing, and hiking.  This is Coach Staud’s eleventh year coaching varsity volleyball at Jackson High School, and her first season Assist Coaching the Boys U16 team at Blue Royals.   Coach Mindy's  philosophy really stems from “the game teaches the game”. the school of Neviliizms.  When there is a problem Coach Mindy gets creative and finds a solution.   We are excited to have Coach Mindy's knowledge, dedication and passion for teaching the sport to the boys program!

 

National Bids

Won American Bid Dallas National Championships (2024) 


Miranda Barnett

2023/24 U13 Elite Blue Royals (girls) Assistant Coach

 

Coach Miranda joined Blue Royals for her first season of coaching, we are excited to have her in Blue Royals!
Miranda currently plays volleyball.  She also played many years of high school and club volleyball.

Rachael Hendrickson

2023/24   Assistant Coach U12's and U15's 

2022/23  Assistant Coach U11's Blue Royals

 

 

Rachael is a full time student and volleyball coach!

She is a graduate of Blue Royals Volleyball Academy.

 

 

Playing History

Blue Royals U16, U17, U18

College Volleyball 3 seasons, as a Middle Hitter/Blocker, at Everett College.

Reagan Bullock

2023 U12 Elite Blue Royals (girls) Head Coach

2022/23 Junior Coach U15 Girls Everett Team

 

I am so excited to be coaching another season with my team! I really enjoy volleyball as a sport and have been playing for the last 4 years at Snohomish High School, i was a gymnast before that for 7 years. I've been a Varsity middle for 2 years and have played other hitter positions as well. I’ve really enjoyed my time playing volleyball and have learned so much that I hope I can teach the girls! My goal is to help the team have fun and improve as they grow into amazing volleyball players.

Sara Thorn

Coach Sara, daughter of Coach Dave Thorn, has been an Assistant Coach summers 2022, 2023 & 2024.

 

Playing Background

High School Varsity Archbishop Murphy

Blue Royals Club Team U16, U17 & U18 

 

Sara is in college in Hawaii and enjoys coaching beach & indoor with Blue Royals when she is back in WA in the summers.

Sarah Jang

2023/24 U12 Regional (girls) Head Coach

 

I started playing volleyball in 7th grade and coaching volleyball at the age of 16. I have coached all different levels, from 1st graders up through high school and club teams, but honestly middle school is my favorite age level to really build up the fundamentals of volleyball and hopefully pass on a love for the game. I took a break from coaching once I had kids, but started back up a couple of years ago once Juliette was old enough to start playing.  In my opinion the single most important skill in volleyball is passing, followed by serving. Running any type of offense requires a good pass. And if you can’t serve the ball over the net, you are just handing points to the other team. Therefore, my coaching philosophy has always been to focus on those fundamentals, and we will continue to do A LOT of passing and serving at practice. For this age group, I believe it is important for every player to learn all of the skills required for volleyball. This means we will continue to have everyone rotate through and have an opportunity to pass, set, and hit. As we advance through the season, we may reach a point where we start to do a bit of specialization, but that remains to be determined.  This is my first season coaching with Blue Royals and I'm excited to join the club and be a part of the team!

Samaya Morin

Samaya, daughter of Coach Dan Morin, has been a Beach Teams Coach summers 2022 & 2023 

Playing Background is extensive indoor and beach Teams at high school, college (D1) and USA National team.

High School Lake Stevens High School

Club Teams include Fusion, All Out and Lake VBC.

Beach Volleyball college athlete Grand Canyon University & Arizona State University

USA National Beach Team Athlete 2023 

Sydney Toler

2023/24 U16 (S) National Blue Royals (girls) Head Coach

2022/23 U16 National (girls) Head Coach

2021/22 U15 National Blue Royals Head Coach

2020/21 U14  Blue Royals Head Coach

2019/20  U12  Blue Royals Head Coach

2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023  JV Coach, Lynnwood High School 

 

Started playing in 3rd grade at the Boys and Girls club 

Played and went to Lake Stevens High School- captain my senior year 2015

Played at Lake VBC U15(2012), U16(2013), & U17(2014) and at Fusion VBC U18(2015)

Coached at the Boys and Girls club third and fourth grade, as a senior project/community service 

Played at Skagit Valley College 2016-2017- captain my sophomore year 2017 

Coached at Skagit Valley Volleyball Club U14 as an assistant in 2017

Transferred to Central Washington University in 2017 and graduated in 2019 with my bachelors in Food Science and Nutrition 

Coached at Kittitas County Thunder U14 as a head in 2018 & 2019 

 

I coach because I love the game of volleyball and it has made an impact on my life. It has taught me so many life lessons like; team work, communication, trust, and responsibility at a young age and now I am able to give back all my knowledge and passion for the game to the girls. Watching their progress and seeing them grow from the beginning to the end of the season is what I love most about coaching!

Tamara Milandin

2023/24 U12 Regional Blue Royals (girls) Assistant Coach

 

Coach Tamara is a college setter, who is actively playing volleyball competitions, when not coaching.

 

So excited to have Coach Tamara joining Blue Royals, this is her first season!

Tommy Sudiartate

2023/24 U16 National Blue Royals (boys) Head Coach

 

Hello Players and Parents 

 

I have been playing volleyball for 30 years in total.  This includes 20 years in Indonesia for Club and 10 years here in the United States.

My experience includes years with Boys & Girls Club and Indonesian community and student athletes.

Volleyball has resulted in many medals and awards from Indonesia , New York state , California state, and Seattle Washington.

I love this sport because of the amount of effort, hard work, teamwork and dedication you put to improving yourself as an athlete that gives back to the team.

 

My Coaching Philosophy

Put 100% effort into what ever you do 

Have a great attitude no matter the circumstances

A healthy mind is a healthy body

Most importantly have fun

 

 

Thank you,   Coach Tommy Bennys

Highlights

 2023/24 U16 Win National Bid - American Division in Anaheim California

 2023/24 U16 Finish 1st Place SCJA Southern California Boys National Qualifier

2022/23 Season First Place Portland Stop U16's Feb 2023

2022/23  3rd place, Platinum Finish, out of 35 teams Mercer Island Stop U16's

2022/23  3rd place, Border Smackdown, Spokane WA U16's

Ty Ingrao

 2024 Beach Team High School Boys Blue Royals Coach

2023 Beach Team High School Boys Blue Royals Coach

2020/2021 Blue Royals U11-A

2020/2021  Beach Teams U12's & U13's 

 

Currently Playing Men's Indoor Volleyball

Northpark University - Men's Volleyball Team

Chicago, Illinois

 

2021 Graduate

Squalicum high school

Full Ride Scholarship

Outside/Opposite/ Pin Hitter

 

I love to coach volleyball and very excited for the upcoming season

Veronica Hyvonen

2023/24 U14 Regional Blue Royals (girls) Assistant Coach

2022/23 Head Coach U15 Girls Everett Team

 

 

I am very excited to coach again this season!  I love watching, playing, and in the last few years really enjoyed getting to coach at the YMCA.  Volleyball is a huge passion of mine.  I started playing in middle school and continued in high school playing mostly setter position.  I have spent the last 2 years coaching YMCA volleyball coaching several different age ranges.   I love watching kids grow their love for the game as well as communication and technical skills as the season progresses.  My goals for this team are to grow their knowledge of the game and skills while creating a fun and positive environment for them to do so.  I really look forward to coaching your kids this season and helping them develop into better athletes on and off the court.