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

    Founder & Director of Communications

    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

    Michael Quinn has 13 years of coaching experience

    2011-2012 He was the HEAD MEN’S VOLLEYBALL COACH, COLLEGE OF MOUNT SAINT VINCENT

    2013-2016 HEAD COACH, LONG ISLAND VOLLEYBALL ACADEMY

    College of Mount Saint Vincent Men’s Volleyball Team Captain, 2010, 2011
    Skyline Conference Champions, 2009
    First Team All Skyline Conference, 2011
    Second Team All Skyline Conference, 2010

    My vision as a longtime volleyball athlete, I acquired the personal discipline and determination to succeed
    in competitive environments. I understand the importance of being a team player and leader.
    Having previously coached both club and DIII programs, I am eager to continue to guide and
    educate young players to grow.

    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

     

     

    Gabby Collison

    Head Coach

    Gabby Collison is the Head coach at Wakemen middle school.
    She is in her 3rd year at FEVA an has been leading her teams to winning seasons.

    My goal for each player is for them to grow individually and as a team. It is important to me to help them improve their skills and learn something new every time. I strive to create a fun and safe atmosphere that allows the girls to reach their full potential as athletes and people.

      Brianna Roque

      Head Coach

      Coming Soon…

        Michaela Karrick

        Head Coach

        Saint Leo University Assistant Coach 2021
        She was also a Saint Leo graduate while playing at Saint Leo they were the Regular Season Conference Champs 2 times, were Conference Tournament Champs.
        Made College Nationals appearances twice
        Made it to the College National Championship

        I hope to foster my players love for volleyball and help create a passion for staying healthy and active throughout their life. I believe that hustle, dedication, and positivity makes for an amazing athlete. In order to be successful as a team, I believe that teammates should be there and lift up their teammates while pushing them to be better.

        Alexis Dorsey

        Head Coach

        Alexis Dorsey is an 8 year veteran coach.
        She led the SC 4A Region 5 and was Coach of the Year in 2020; during first season of high school coaching led team to playoffs ending a five-year drought.

        Her vision and philosophy….
        “I am a Coach because of my passion for the sport of Volleyball. My goal is to be able to better prepare these young athletes for what’s to come in life and help build better character and confidence. I want to mold a group of individuals, in a comfortable environment, to better communicate, to instill responsibility and to be able to hold themselves accountable. I believe in motivating their dreams to be their best on and off the court.”

        Kate Mesa

        Head Coach

        Played at Belmont Abbey College: 2018-2019 where her team earned the Carolina Conference Championship in 2019

        She creates an environment where players experience continual growth during each practice session. She promotes confidence in their skills while also encouraging a sense of success and skill growth. Beyond simply loving the game, she ignites a genuine passion for volleyball in each player, ensuring that they not only learn but also find pleasure in their volleyball journey.

        Maya Clark

        Head Coach

        Coming Soon…

        Savannah Ogle

        Head Coach

        Savannah Ogle has been playing volleyball her entire life.

        In High School she was nominated all state player 2017-2019

        She then attended Georgia Tech University from 2020-2021

        Her education was a huge priority in her life making the
        acc honor roll 2019
        acc honor roll 2020

        Savannah’s hope for her team is for each player to develop in volleyball but also in life skills by learning to work as a team! She wants to be able to share the knowledge she has acquired for the game and watch the kids grow and learn more each and every practice! She will push the girls daily because the sky is the limit! She will be their number one fan on the sideline while helping and coaching them at the same time. She strives for her girls to develop the same love for volleyball that she has. Teamwork really does make the dream work!

        Brooke Elkins

        Head Coach

        Coached at Brandon Elite for 3 years and is now with our FEVA family. She focuses on the fundamentals with our younger ages

        Her goal for her players is to create a safe and fun environment, focusing on team bonding and individual growth on and off the court.

        Elisa Landry

        Head Coach

        Elisa Landry is the Strawberry Crest High School Head JV Coach

        After her 4 years as a Libero on her HS Varsity team where she was nominated
        2x AAU Academic All-American
        2021 Second Team – Western Conference

        Played Collegiate Volleyball at Faulkner University

        With a nine-year background of both indoor and beach volleyball experience, the overarching goal is the growth of the team. Beyond the technical skills honed through experience, the hope is to cultivate a mindset of continuous improvement and adaptability. This growth extends to aspects such as leadership, resilience, and sportsmanship. Through shared victories and defeats, the team evolves together, learning valuable life lessons that extend beyond the volleyball court. I hope to push each player to reach new heights, consistently challenging themselves and their teammates while finding a shared love for the sport. These connections will allow players to foster a sense of unity that becomes a source of inspiration and strength for each player.

         

        Asenath Cruz

        Assistant Coach

        Asenath cruz played at West Virginia Wesleyan College where she was one of the leading scorers and defensive players.
        Cici’s energy is off the charts and this motivates our players to be outspoken and aggressive.

        As a former college athlete her main goal is to encourage and motivate her players in a way that teaches self discipline and well roundedness for them to achieve their highest potential on and off the court.

        Rachelle Rodriguez

        Assistant Coach

        Coming Soon…

        Jasmyn Soloman

        Assistant Coach

        Coming Soon…