COACHES | SC War Eagles Volleyball Club

Club Director Valerie Long brings over twenty-five years of coaching experience to the sport of volleyball. With a distinguished career as a director or co-director in clubs spanning the Carolina and Palmetto Regions, her expertise and dedication have left a lasting impact. Valerie's fervent passion for the sport shines through in every aspect of her coaching. Whether on the practice court or in the midst of intense tournaments, her enthusiasm and encouragement uplift her teams, fostering an environment of growth and camaraderie.

As a visionary leader at SC War Eagles, Valerie aims to expand the love for volleyball across the York County region. Her mission is to introduce players to the sport, nurturing their talents, and helping them become highly competitive forces, not just locally, but regionally and nationally as well. Together, we will build a legacy of excellence, empowering our players to become extraordinary athletes and ambassadors of the game.

MEET OUR 2025 COACHES:

Coach Amy Berlak

Since joining War Eagles in 2019, I've coached ten teams with ages ranging from 13-18. My passion is specializing with 14U & 15U because I believe those are crucial training years that can make or break an athlete's path to success. In the fall, you'll find me in the crowd at many of the local high schools cheering on my current & former players. Its so rewarding getting to help my players grow both their physical and mental games. I hope to be part of the new Lake Wylie High School volleyball program once that school opens in 2026.

Growing up in Charlotte, my passion for the sport began in 5th grade. I played for CJV from age 12 and played 4-years of Varsity Volleyball at Charlotte Catholic Highschool. Our team won the State Championships my sophomore, junior, and senior year. As a college freshman, I played right-side at Florida Tech where I set the school record for aces in a match. I also enjoy competing in the adult volleyball league out of Rock Hill, SC. My goal as a coach is to train, inspire, and empower players to reach their best potential. I strive to create a positive, lasting impact on players' lives, just like my club coaches did for me.

Coach Laurie Parker

Hello, I'm Laurie Parker, a proud Hoosier born and raised in a charming Indiana town. In 2004, I relocated to Columbia, South Carolina, after tying the knot. Recently, my family and I settled in the serene Lake Wylie area

in 2019, relishing the lake life, excellent schools, and the vibrant city of Charlotte.

Volleyball has been an integral part of my life since high school and college, including club ball, where I honed my skills as a setter and gained experience in the back row. Passionate about the sport, I had the privilege of coaching the 15U team in 2022 and am currently leading two teams: 13U and 16U with the esteemed War Eagles.

As a coach, my primary focus is to witness the girls' growth in volleyball skills, knowledge, and technique. However, what excites me most is seeing them thrive as a united team, competing fiercely, and fostering a genuine love for the game. Let's embark on this incredible journey together, as we ignite a shared passion for volleyball and empower these young athletes to reach their full potential.

Coach Corey Long - SCWE Recruiting Coordinator

Plays D1 at North Greenville University.
North Greenville University Women's Assistant Coach 2024/2025 Season
USA NTDP Coach
Assisted the Wofford college Elite program
SCWE 23-24 season Coach of the year
South Carolina High performance Coach
South Carolina All region Coach
SCWE 6 year coach

Coach Mae McKinney

Hi, I’m Mae and I am excited to coach 14-National team this season at War Eagles! This will be my fourth year with the club, as I have coached 12’s, 13's, 14’s and 16’s in previous seasons. This will also be my fourth year coaching at a local middle school. I am a senior at Winthrop University, majoring in middle level education. I have been an Eagle all my life, from playing as a War Eagle, Clover Eagle, and now studying as a Winthrop Eagle. I am passionate about creating an effective, supportive, and fun experience for players. Volleyball is more than competition- it’s family!

Coach Anna Bellardini

My volleyball journey began with Asheville City Schools, and from there, my passion for the sport only grew stronger. Through college and adult clubs, I continued to nurture my skills and love for the game.

For the past 5 years, I have been actively engaged as a club coach, dedicating myself to helping young athletes unlock their full potential. Additionally, I take great pride in organizing team camps for local high schools and middle schools in my hometown, sharing my knowledge and expertise with the next generation of players.

As a coach, my philosophy centers around building a supportive and trusting environment for my players. Through positivity and encouragement, I empower each individual to thrive, regardless of their starting point. My ultimate goal is to take every player to their personal best, fostering a sense of achievement and camaraderie on and off the court.

Coach Jahni

Growing up in the piedmont of North Carolina,I had the privilege of playing volleyball for many, many years. The sport taught me a great number of life skills, including discipline and how to work towards my goals even when it didn’t come easy. I had a great passion for the game and have since always tried to keep it as a part of my life, playing in adult leagues throughout the years. Now as a coach, I do my very best to bring my passion for the game and my experience to the next generations of young athletes. I love this sport and I am dedicated to fostering a positive and empowering environment for my players. My coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that volleyball is a powerful tool for a players personal growth and future development. On and off the court, I work to be an advocate for young women, teaching them to be confident and fearlessly pursue their dreams. New to the club, I am very proud to be part of the War Eagles organization and hope to lead players into rewarding and successful seasons now and in the future!

Coach Rob Coffman

I am an assistant on the 18U National team. Last year I spent time with the 15U National team. Prior to coaching volleyball, I coached Fastpitch Softball for 6+ years. I’ve been around the sport of volleyball for 10+ years with my two daughters. Both currently play club volleyball, and one will be continuing her playing career in college next year.

As a Coach, I have a philosophy that centers around fostering an open communication environment, developing athletes’ mental management, improving their volleyball fundamentals and improving their physical strength.

I want to empower the athletes to becomes a better version of themselves, always improving, even when they feel it to be difficult. Coaching and being able to be a mentor are important to me. Professionally in my day-to-day life as a Technical Engineering Leader I coach and mentor
engineering professionals, inexperienced and experienced, to strive to become a better version of themselves. I treat coaching in sport as no different.

Coach Kendahl

Hi! I’m Kendahl Tillotson. I was born and raised in the small town of Smyrna right outside of York SC. I grew up with my mom, dad and two sisters and I guess you could say we’re a volleyball family. My father played when he was in school in PA and as did my older sister. So naturally I did as well. I played volleyball all through middle and high school along with 3 yrs of club. Once out of high school I began coaching at War Eagles to pass on all my experience, knowledge and love of the sport to those just starting out and those looking to push themselves. I've coached for a couple years now and am passionate about the sport.

I spend most of my free time in the kitchen baking all things sweet and delicious I also love being outdoors spending quality time with my three dogs Missy, Dixie and Daisy and my husband. I am very excited and look forward to some great seasons ahead with SCWarEagles volleyball.

Coach Felisha

I’m Felisha Woodman, local to Rock Hill SC. I started playing volleyball in middle school when I moved here from OK and realized it was something I could do. I played all throughout middle and high school and had my first opportunity to coach club with SCWE this past year! I learned a lot in my first year coaching the SCWE 18u flight team. It was a great honor to be able to coach those girls to 3 silver medals and one bronze medal in my very first year. Most recently I coached the 15-16 all region tournament where our little team of strangers from all over played their hearts out in an undefeated gold championship match, losing only by 2 points.

In 2025 I will be coaching our 16u semi national team. I am a firm believer that hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. My goal as a coach is to sculpt well rounded players, and individuals, who can trust themselves to make the right decisions when faced with difficult situations, both on and off the court. Everyone has their niche on the court, however my team will be ready, and prepared to take on any challenge we face; together.

Coach Nya

Hi my name is Nya Browne and I have played volleyball for 12 years and coached for 6. I was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee where I grew up playing school and club volleyball. My senior of high school I lead my team in kills as a Middle Blocker to a TSSAA State championship and played for a strong club in the Middle Tennessee area. I currently live in Spartanburg, South Carolina and am a rising senior at USC Upstate where I also play volleyball. I am a Psychology major with a Coaching Minor and I have aspirations to pursue my Psy. D in Sports Psychology after I graduate from Upstate. Volleyball and youth sports are my passions and I am eager to start my first year with SC War Eagles!

Coach Emma

Hello! My name is Emma Roth, I am from Clover, SC. I started my love of volleyball playing in the backyard with my mom at 10 years old when I barely knew the name of the ball I was playing with! Ever since that moment, I have loved the sport, and have been playing consistently year round for 6 years. My journey evolved from recreational leagues to elite level national team play. I started my journey on national teams with War Eagles (13u, 14u, 16u) and most recently with Carolina UVC (15u, 16u), all of my experiences through both clubs have assisted me to grow athletically and personally both on the court and off. For the upcoming season, I am excited to return back to War Eagles on their 18u Elite Team and also coach the 12u Development Team. Throughout the years, I have specialized in setting, but I love defense specialist work as well as being a right side hitter. I believe strongly in being adaptable, flexible and coachable on the court along with developing a strong foundation in the basics. As I say “being brilliant at the basics” will for sure elevate your level of play. Notably, open communication combined with a good foundation is what makes a great team; hence, teamwork makes the dream work. I look forward to having a super season of playing and coaching!

Coach Abigail

Coach Abigail is helping with both of our 17U teams this season. Bio to come.

Coach Chelsea Jones

Coach Chelsea is not coaching a team this season, but helped with preseason trainings.

She played volleyball at Alleghany High School in Sparta, NC. She then played Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC where her team was the GSAC Conference Tournament Champions in 2012. During her time with Salem volleyball, they were the first sport to earn a bid to the NCAA DIII Tournament and Chelsea was the first ever Conference MVP (2012) in school history.

Coach Jones started her volleyball coaching career in 2010 at Alleghany Volleyball Club in Sparta, NC. She then worked at Fluid Volleyball Club in Winston-Salem, NC where she became a Master Coach and Assistant Club Director over a four-year span. In 2014, she went back to her Alma mater, Salem College, to be the Assistant Volleyball Coach and helped lead the team to their second GSAC Conference Tournament Championship and NCAA DIII Regional Tournament bid.

Coach Jones was then given the opportunity to start a volleyball program at Laurel University in High Point, NC in 2015. She took the John Wesley University (previously named Laurel University) volleyball team to the NCCAA South Regional Tournament in both 2016 and 2017. She is now the Director of Athletics and Head Volleyball Coach at Carolina University in Winston-Salem where she led the team to become the NCCAA South Regional Champions and National Tournament participants in 2018 and 2022. She has also had multiple athletes earn All-Region, All-Academic, and All-American honors.

We are seeking coaches who can contribute their distinct skills and talents to our volleyball courts, guiding our athletes to unlock their full potential. While achieving victories is a priority, we equally emphasize creating an environment where our athletes not only enjoy themselves but also thrive and develop as volleyball players. We value and respect each individual within our sports community.

SC WAR EAGLES VOLLEYBALL CLUB

MEET OUR 2025 COACHES: