COACHES & STAFF

Katia Saavedra

Founder & Co-Director of Coaching

Katia believes that developing an all-around player is essential to each individual’s progress. Talent is not the only quality needed to become an outstanding athlete, one must be coachable, open to change and disciplined. Most importantly, they must become a teammate able to bring the best out in everyone around them through example, energy and encouragement.  Katia has three children, who all play volleyball and she instills these values in them as she does to every player in the club.

• She has coached volleyball for 29 years.
• Player at University of Tampa 1990-1994
• All-American setter in 1993 and 1994
• Owner of Club Tampa Volleyball which later became Sandspurs Volleyball Club
• Owner and Director of Sand Life Volleyball

Fernando Saavedra

Founder & Co-Director of Coaching

Fernando Saavedra believes the positive encouragement and support for his team players will provide the unity base that all teams need to be successful as one unit.
He played for the Bolivian FIVB beach professional volleyball team in 98 and for the Bolivia National Team for 3 years from 1997-2000.
He competed at the Open Beach level for over 15 years.
He has been coaching volleyball since 2001. He was nominated as the National Winner for Positive Coaching Alliance in 2021-2022 season.

Davis Lauderdale

Club VP & Communications Director

Davis understands fully the unique challenges facing parents and players and works to eliminate miscommunication and coordinates with parents to each team at FEVA runs smoothly. As a successful business owner, photographer / videographer he understands the value of great communication and how that can make or break a club.

Jennifer Palacios

Head Coach

I have loved volleyball from the moment I stepped foot on the court for the first time many moons ago. My hope is to share my love and knowledge of the game to those I coach. I had the opportunity to play at the collegiate level, however, I decided to join the military at the age of 17 and have been serving in the US Army ever since. Having a military background I feel it is important to teaching discipline both on and off the court. I strive to communicate consistently with both players and parents giving feedback along the way. My expectations are simple. I will show up and give my all as a coach and I expect the same from my players. Show up and give me your all in both practices and games. Individual performance is important but more importantly is how we work together as a team. Teamwork and positive attitudes are the keys to a successful season. Success can be measured in wins and losses but I measure our success as a team by how much we have improved over a season and did we have fun getting there. I will support each of my players on an individual basis meaning if you want to play at the collegiate level or just play for fun, I will help guide you on whatever path you choose.

Elyse Garcia-Zapata 

Head Coach

I would consider my coaching style hands-on and involved with my players. I want to make sure they understand what I’m asking for and the expectations I have with each and everyone of them along with what I expect out of them when it comes to teamwork. I hope to be able to instill a gritty, hardworking play style when they’re on the court. I appreciate tenacious players who hustle and are willing to do more to ensure that the team earns success. Aside from being serious on the court, I want my players to learn to enjoy being coached hard and then understand that we can laugh and joke off the court. It’s important that I’m helping develop the “compete person” as well as the complete volleyball player”.

• Sunlake High School District Champion
• High School Regional Finals.
• Sunlake High School Success Through Regionals (Each Year of Tenure)
• Earned a Bid to Nationals with U18 team in 2022

Brittany Collison

Head Coach

My hope for all of my players is to create a lifelong passion for volleyball. I believe that hustle, dedication, and positivity make a well-rounded athlete. In order to be successful as a team, I believe that teammates need to encourage each other to be the best versions of themselves both on and off of the court.

• Played both soccer & volleyball at Eastern Florida State College 2012-2014

• Coach of the Year- SAC East Pasco County in 2020 & 2021

• District Champion- 2021 Wesley Chapel High School

• Elite 8 – Wesley Chapel High School Volleyball (first time in school history)

Courtney Bobo

Head Coach

My hope for my team would be to determine my players talents and give them every weapon to get the most from those talents. I will continue to develop my players to be physically strong, but to push them to be mentally strong and fit as a whole person.

• Head Coach for Sumner High School
• She made 1st Team NCAA (SIAC)
• 1st team Blocking (SIAC)
• All Tournament Player West against East (SIAC)
• Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

Caroline Miller

Head Coach

Throughout the season, there are many ways for an athlete to grow. My hope is that, from start to finish, the girls strive to be the best version of themselves both on and off the court. Through playing, there is a lot to learn and a lot of challenges; adapting to new people and positions, learning how to be a team player, communication skills, dealing with different personalities, and for some, overcoming their own battles personally within themselves. Just remember, Be selfless, not selfish.
As we kick off this season, especially once you get to know me as a person and a coach, I will be the girls number one cheerleader on the bench! There are times you will see me jumping up and down; maybe will even look like I’m ready to hop on the court. There are times where I will be more stern, but know it comes from a good place. I expect for the girls to have a memorable and enjoyable experience while learning and being serious when the time comes. At any age, I strive to be open and honest, pushing them outside of their comfort zone, making the decisions I feel are best for the team as a whole.
I am excited for what is to come this season, and to everyone… play hard, and have an open mind.

• NCCAA Nationals – Qualified (2nd place) – 2015-2019 (collegiate level)

Michael Quinn

Head Coach

Jenna Benchikh

Head Coach

Volleyball is a sport I wholeheartedly believe in because it teaches valuable lessons in teamwork, competition, character, and mental agility. Most importantly, it fosters relationships and bonds that often last a lifetime.
My goal as a coach is to build confident, competitive young leaders that possess physical ability, outstanding character, and a love of this great game!

• Bloomingdale High School Volleyball (lettered all years); Senior year lead team to win district championships.

• Selected Western Conference First Team

• Awarded Leadership and Dedication Award as well as Coaches Award.

• Ice Sports Forum Player of the Week

• Under direction of Taylor Mott, received a volleyball scholarship to Flagler College.

• Won First Annual Queen of the Beach for Flagler

Victor De Leon

Head Coach

With a lifelong passion and love for the sport of volleyball, and having extensive knowledge, experience, and understanding of the game; he is committed to providing an environment of teamwork, leadership, and discipline for all players. He brings a modernized approach to the game and ensures that our players gain the knowledge and understanding they need to be successful. Also, not only making them better players, but better people as well.

• Played for Avoli Volleyball Club in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico
• Captain & Outside Hitter all 4 years of high school for Bayamon Military Academy (won 1st district championship in school history in 2013)
• 2017 2nd Team All-American for the University of South Florida Men’s Volleyball Club
• 2022 District Champion and Regional Semifinalist as Assistant Varsity Coach for Carrollwood Day School
• Has been coaching club since 2019; has earned a USAV Bid to Nationals at Big South in 2021

Justine Ramirez

Head Coach

Gabby Collison

Head Coach

Coming Soon…

Brianna Roque

Head Coach

Coming Soon…

Austin Kopenski

Head Coach

Coming Soon…