Kasey Jones
Head of Coaching Staff
As a lifelong athlete and collegiate competitor in volleyball and tennis at Capital University, I’ve experienced the transformative power of sports—and the profound impact a coach can have on an athlete’s journey. My experiences, both positive and negative, inspired me to create Athens Elite Volleyball Club: a program dedicated to building leaders through volleyball.
As an All-District and All-State athlete in volleyball, swimming, and tennis, I cultivated a strong work ethic and passion for competition since childhood. However, my own struggles with a negative coaching environment in college shaped my commitment in wanting to provide a supportive, empowering atmosphere for young athletes.
Through Athens Elite, my goal is to develop the whole athlete, with emphasis on technical precision, mental resilience, and positive reinforcement. My mission is to help players excel both on and off the court, fostering confidence, skill, and a lasting love for the game. Beyond coaching, I am also a faculty member in the Game Art & Design program at Columbus College of Art & Design, where I teach the history of games—including sports—alongside game design theory and tabletop production. My passion for volleyball and dedication to positive mentorship fuel my commitment to shaping the next generation of athletes and leaders.
Anne Sowers
American Coach
My journey as a volleyball player began on the sun-soaked beaches of Brazil, where my passion for the sport truly blossomed. Over the years, my dedication, relentless hustle, and love for the game led me to win numerous gold and silver medals, cementing my place in the competitive world of beach volleyball.
A fun fact about my volleyball journey: I was so committed to improving my game that I would wake up at 5 am to get in extra practice before heading off to school. That early-morning grind shaped not only my skills on the court but also instilled in me a deep appreciation for hard work and perseverance.
In addition to my playing career, I’ve spent the last two years coaching youth volleyball at Vinton County Middle School. Coaching has allowed me to share my love for the game with the next generation of athletes, helping them hone their skills while fostering their self-esteem and emotional growth. Seeing young players develop both on and off the court is incredibly rewarding, and I take pride in creating a positive environment where they can thrive and build confidence in themselves.
Ryann Davis
Regional Coach
Ryann is a senior at Ohio University, where she studies political science and international relations. After playing club volleyball throughout her childhood as a setter, she assistant coached a high school boys’ volleyball team. She is just thrilled to be coaching the 15s regional team this year, as she anticipates that working with the girls will be a positive and fun change of pace!
Mikalya Simons
Regional Coach
I’ve been passionate about volleyball for as long as I can remember, and I started coaching during my senior year of high school. I’m currently an Early Childhood Education major and Coaching minor at Ohio University, working toward my goal of becoming a fourth-grade teacher and volleyball coach. When I’m not on the court or focused on my studies, I love staying in and watching TV shows like “Dancing with the Stars”. I’m so excited to meet everyone and can’t wait to share my love for volleyball with the team!
Jacob Hittle
Head of Strength & Conditioning Program, WellWorks, Ohio University
Jacob has been in the fitness/wellness industry since 2010. He is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology & Health from Miami University and Master of Science degree in Sports Administration from Valparaiso University.
Fitness and living an active, healthy lifestyle is Jacob’s passion. He tries to serve and love others as much as he can, always determined and focused on providing the upmost professional service. Jacob’s personal mission statement is to improve the lives around him through hard work, commitment, and consistency; and to instill a knowledge and love of fitness that will enable them to lead healthy and productive lives.
In Jacob’s spare time, he loves spending time with his family and working on his farm. Hailing from Columbus (originally from a small town in Northwest Ohio), Jacob is happy to be living in a small community again and is excited to be a part of the Ohio University family!
Lily Arledge
Strength & Conditioning Coach