About Us

Coaches

As a lifelong athlete and collegiate competitor in volleyball and tennis at Capital University, I’ve seen firsthand how sports can be transformative, and how the right coach can deeply shape an athlete’s journey. From an early age, I developed a strong work ethic and a passion for competition. As a 3-time All-State and All-District athlete in volleyball, swimming, and tennis, and through my experiences in collegiate and beach volleyball settings, I came to understand how athletics can build confidence, resilience, and the tools necessary to succeed in life.

My decision to start Athens Elite grew from those experiences: the positive ones that fueled my love for the game, and the challenges I faced, particularly within the college coaching world, that showed me what young athletes need most. Now, watching my own daughter find her love for volleyball, I’m reminded of how critical it is to nurture athletes in uplifting, inclusive environments that focus on the whole person.

That’s why I created Athens Elite: a club committed to empowering athletes of all ages and skill levels. Our focus is on building skill, confidence, and a lifelong love for the game, through technical training, mental resilience, and positive reinforcement. My mission is to help players grow as athletes and as people.

Outside of coaching, I am a professor in the Game Art & Design program at Columbus College of Art & Design and in the School of Art at Ohio University.

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 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!

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 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!