OUR COACHES

Regional Director, District Volleyball Club- Mission District Head Coach, San Gabriel Academy || Club Coach, District Volleyball Club

Known throughout the volleyball community as Coach D, Derek Duran has been a cornerstone of the San Gabriel Academy volleyball program since 2008. Under his leadership, SGA has earned more than 15 league championships, multiple deep playoff runs, and CIF titles in 2016, 2018, and 2025. A two-time CIF Coach of the Year, Coach D is widely respected for his strategic mindset, high standards, and unwavering passion for player development both on and off the court.

Coach D’s club coaching journey began in 2003 with San Gabriel Valley Volleyball Club. Over the years, he has held key coaching roles with IMUA Volleyball Club (2020–2023) and Arcadia Foothill VBC (2024–2025), and now continues his work with District Volleyball Club, helping shape the next generation of athletes.

Volleyball runs in his family—his father coached and refereed for over 40 years, and his two daughters now share his love for the game. With decades of experience and a championship pedigree, Coach D brings unmatched energy, insight, and heart to every team he leads.

Regional Director, District Volleyball Club- Foothill District // Head Coach, Damien High School || Club Coach, District Volleyball Club

Ali Carey-Oliver is a former collegiate coach, club owner, and director and is entering her 31st year of coaching volleyball. She has coached boys and girls of all ages and levels in indoor and beach volleyball. She is currently the head coach of the Damien High School Boys Varsity volleyball team. 

She currently stands as the Regional Director for District VBC's Foothill District– which encompasses the Glendora, San Dimas, and La Verne Regions.

Regional Director, District Volleyball Club-Entertainment District || Club Coach, District Volleyball Club

Ken Vigillia began his coaching journey in 2008 at the junior high level for boys. From there he elevated his skills to coach boys high school volleyball in 2004 and girls volleyball in 2005. 

Coach Ken is currently the Regional Director for District VBC's Entertainment District– located in the Glendale, Burbank/Hollywood Region.

Club Coach, District Volleyball Club

With more than 12 years of coaching experience across multiple levels, Coach CJ Nicolas has worked with athletes from middle school through varsity, coaching both boys’ and girls’ programs with excellence and passion. His well-rounded background includes key roles at La Salle High School (Frosh–Varsity, Boys and Girls), Glendale Academy (JV & Varsity Boys), La Sierra University (Women’s), and Redlands Academy (JV Boys).

Coach CJ’s club experience includes time with San Gabriel Volleyball Club (Girls), SG Elite Volleyball (Boys), and Brooklyn Elite Volleyball (Girls). His playing career spans more than a decade at the high school, club, and collegiate levels, both indoor and beach.

Dedicated to technical development and a positive team culture, Coach CJ focuses on empowering players to perform with confidence, discipline, and joy—values that extend well beyond the court.

Head Coach, Glendale Adventist Academy || Club Coach, District Volleyball Club

Michael Wong serves as the Head Coach of Glendale Adventist Academy’s volleyball program, a position he has held since 2024. With a strong background as both a player and a coach, Michael brings deep knowledge, enthusiasm, and leadership to his teams.

Before taking on his current role, Michael served as an Assistant Coach at Glendale Adventist Academy (2023) and as Head Coach for the Glendale Adventist Junior High program. His experience is built on a solid foundation as a former collegiate athlete, having played four years at Pacific Union College, where he refined his understanding of high-level competition and teamwork.

Driven by a love for teaching and mentorship, Michael uses volleyball as a platform to instill discipline, resilience, and confidence in his players. His coaching philosophy centers on helping athletes grow not only as competitors but as individuals prepared for success beyond the court.

Head Coach, Citrus College || Club Coach, District Volleyball Club

Shin Jung has been coaching volleyball at multiple levels for the past 35 years. He has coached at Citrus College for more than 20 seasons and is well known in the community for coaching at multiple successful clubs, leading teams to Nationals on many occasions. At Citrus, he has sent over 30 athletes on to compete at 4 year colleges and universities at the DI, DII, DIII, and NAIA levels.

Shin is looking forward to meeting new players and teaching the game. His coaching philosophy to those interested in playing any sport is that athletes should give 100% of what they have that day.

Assistant Coach, Citrus College || Club Coach, District Volleyball Club

Becca Jung has been coaching athletes of all ages since 2008. She has been the Assistant Volleyball Coach at Citrus College since 2010 and has helped send athletes to DI, DII, DIII, and NAIA schools to continue their education and playing careers. 

As a player, Becca competed on the CIF Champion Western Christian squad in 2004 where she also played softball and won another CIF Championship with her soccer team in 2006. She went on to play at Citrus College, received her BS from Cal Poly and her MS from APU.

She's looking forward to getting back into the club scene and helping young athletes grow on and off the court.

Assistant Coach, San Gabriel Academy || Club Coach, District Volleyball Club

Mark Sarsoza has been coaching volleyball at the high school level since 2018, giving him over 7 years of coaching experience. As an Assistant Coach to San Gabriel Academy's boys volleyball team, he helped lead them to a CIFSS championship in 2025. He currently is also the Assistant Coach for San Gabriel's girls volleyball team.

Club Coach, District Volleyball Club || Clinic Coach, District Volleyball Club

Maddy Giron has been playing volleyball since the age of 10, beginning her career as a middle blocker in middle school at San Gabriel Academy before transitioning to an outside hitter during her high school career.

Volleyball has played a significant role in shaping Coach Maddy as an athlete, instilling discipline, resilience, and a strong commitment to teamwork that she now brings to her coaching.

Club Coach, District Volleyball Club

Kate Bravo’s volleyball journey started during her sophomore year of high school and competed in two years of club volleyball before continuing her career at the collegiate level– earning her First Team honors. Throughout her playing career, Kate gained experience as an outside hitter, right-side hitter, and middle blocker. She continues to play in adult leagues and open gyms for recreation and has served as the Head Coach of the Garfield Girls' volleyball team for the past five years.

Club Coach, District Volleyball Club

Alexandria Peterson is a former collegiate volleyball player who excelled as the starting libero at Mt. SAC and Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA. She has a degree in Sports and Entertainment Management. She was the South Coast Conference Libero of the Year in 2016. She grew up in Pasadena and prepped at Alverno where she was on the CIF championship team in 2012. She coached girls' volleyball at St. Lucy's Priory High School and Forza Volleyball Club and coached boys' volleyball at Gabrielino High School.

Club Coach, District Volleyball Club

Sam Oliver has been around volleyball since birth and has been playing organized volleyball since she was 4 years old. Currently a senior at Glendora High School, she has been a 3 year starting Varsity MB and OPP. She most recently coached for TStreet's Tweens program, has coached at Nike Sports Camps for 3 years, and also runs private lessons. 

She likes coaching young athletes because they are very fun to be around; they're positive and just so eager to learn. She likes that she can be one of their first coaches to help build a great volleyball foundation and a love of competition at a young age.