COACHES | SC War Eagles Volleyball Club

War Eagles strives to maintain positive, experienced coaches well educated in the latest volleyball techniques. Many of our staff have played or coached at the highest level of college and high school competition. With our new Master Coach Program, you can be confident that your player is getting professional, consistent coaching, no matter their age or team. We also have a Junior Coach program to help build the next generation of coaches. Junior Coaches are current high school players who are able to gain coaching experience by assisting the Head Coaches of the 12U-14U War Eagles teams. Our staff ranges from Junior to Assistant Coach, Head Coach, and Master Coach. Master Coaches have 5 or more years of coaching experience, with 3-years of that being with SC War Eagles.

Valerie Long

Master Coach

Executive Director

Valerie brings over twenty-five years of coaching experience to SC War Eagles. 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 enthusiasm and encouragement uplift her teams, fostering an environment of growth and camaraderie.

As Club Director, she 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.

Brandon Skweres

Collegiate Master Coach

Director of Coaches

A Chicago native, Brandon played at Lewis University before spending almost a decade coaching for Illinois high school and club teams. He relocated to South Carolina where he spent 14 years as Head Coach of the Women's Volleyball program at Limestone University. Starting in fall of 2025, Skweres will be heading our Master Coach Program used to train our coaches and help create a unified culture for our club. We are very excited to have his wealth of knowledge and positive attitude as the spearhead of our performance training.

Amy Berlak

Master Coach

Director of Media

I've been coaching for War Eagles since 2019. My passion is specializing with ages 14U-16U because I believe those are the crucial training years that can make or break an athlete's path to success. In the fall, there's a good chance you'll find me in the crowd at many of the local high schools cheering on my current & former volleyball players.

In my four years on varsity at Charlotte Catholic Highschool, our team won the NC state championships my sophomore, junior, and senior years. As a college freshman, I played right-side at Florida Tech where I set the school record for aces in a match. 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.

Laurie Parker

Master Coach

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. 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.

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.

Corey Long

Master Coach

Director of Recruitment

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
Two-time SCWE Coach of the year (2024 & 2025)
South Carolina High performance Coach
South Carolina All region Coach
SCWE 6 year coach

Anna Bellardini

Master Coach

Director of Programs

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.

Mae McKinney

Head Coach

My life has been centered around being an Eagle, right here in Clover. I grew up in Clover, played as a Clover Eagle, competed for SC War Eagles throughout middle and high school, and recently graduated as a Winthrop Eagle. This club and this community are home.
This year is special: it’s my fifth year coaching the 14’s at War Eagles! I love this age group and am passionate about helping these athletes transition into high school volleyball. In addition to coaching club, I also teach and coach at a local middle school, giving me insight into youth development and education.
My coaching philosophy is simple: I strive to create an effective, supportive, and fun experience for every player. Volleyball is more than just competition—it truly is family.

Jahni Triano

Head Coach

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!

Kendahl Tillotson

Head Coach

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.

Felisha Woodman

Head Coach

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 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.

Abigail Luke

Head Coach

"My name is Abigail Luke I started playing volleyball when I was 9. I played for Valerie back when [War Eagles] was Soar volleyball, then continued to play at various different clubs in Charlotte. I played two years at Lee University, and transferred to Liberty University where I played two years of beach volleyball."

We are so grateful for the talent, knowledge, and personality Abigail brings to our club. She will be coaching the 16U National-2 team this season.

Kelly Guinn

Head Coach

I am honored to be coaching the 13SN team this year with the War Eagles. Volleyball has always been a passion of mine - from my years playing in high school to being a dedicated club mom, and now through more than a decade of coaching school, recreational, and travel teams. This is my first season with the War Eagles organization and my fifth year coaching club volleyball.

My coaching philosophy is rooted in sharing my passion and love for the game while fostering character, strength, and resilience in each athlete. I strive to invest in every player, helping them grow both on and off the court as they develop into skilled players and confident young women.
I am truly looking forward to a successful and rewarding season with this outstanding group of athletes.

Anna Childers

Head Coach

Hello! I am Anna Kate Childers and this is my first official season coaching for SC War Eagles. Although this is my first time here as a coach, I was a contributing player for this program for multiple seasons. I grew up in York, SC and graduated from York comprehensive in 2021. At York, I played varsity volleyball and ran varsity track during my four years. I continued my volleyball career when I attended Erskine College and played beach volleyball there. I graduated Erskine in May 2025.

After graduation, I returned home to teach 3rd grade at Limestone Central elementary school and began coaching the JV volleyball team at YCHS. I am blessed to coach at War Eagles. It is so exciting to be working with the girls this year for my 17u National team. I fell in love with the sport in middle school and look forward to sharing my experience and love

Arianna Gilbert

Head Coach

2025/2026 Bio In Progress

14U National-2

Rob Coffman

Assistant Coach

Director of Compliance

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. One currently playing club, and the other playing in college. 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.

Aria Haynes

Junior Coach

2025/2026 Bio In Progress

14U National-2

Dariya Ivanova

Junior Coach

2025/2026 Bio In Progress

12U Regional

Deborah Kamke

Junior Coach

2025/2026 Bio In Progress

14U Semi-National

More 2025/2026 images and bios to come for the following coaches:

Sidney Russell

Head Coach

Martha Rivera

Head Coach

Cadence Simmons

Co-Head Coach

Bradley Heinbaugh

Co-Head Coach

Dillon Noffsinger

Assistant Coach

Jack Walker

Assistant Coach

Matt Tillotson

Assistant Coach

Piper Woods

Junior Coach

Brisa Reyes

Junior Coach

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