Cree-Angel Lespierre, enters her third year of coaching with AEV. Prior to moving out to the Panhandle, Coach Cree came from Dallas, Texas, where she played in division 6A for volleyball, basketball, and track. Once she graduated and pursued volleyball as her sport, Cree attended Prairie View A&M University located outside of Houston, Texas as a right side hitter. While there, she worked with The Volleyball School in Katy, Texas, where she helped build the club, giving indoor lessons or grade levels 6th-12th with Coach Luigi Iannone (Regional Team, Italy’s Setter). Cree then began incorporating sand ball with her lessons and has carried it with in her training sessions since. After her freshman year, Cree then moved to Canyon, Texas, where she played at West Texas A&M 2018-2020 as a right side hitter. With her time cut short due to medical reasons, she’s been a full-time student earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design and plans to graduate December 2021, while coaching full time. Cree has coached for Canyon Jr High School the past two years, and recently ended her season 14-0. She now coaches 12-1s and assists with the 18-1s for the ’22 season. She’s excited for what’s to come and hopes to pursue her coaching career at the high school level. “Coaching is about the next generation, and helping them grow into who they truly are at the end of the day, on and off the court. That’s truly what I’m here.”

This is Hannah’s third year coaching for Amarillo Elite Volleyball. She played for AEV for three years prior to graduating from Borger High School in 2015. Hannah has been playing and involved in the sport of volleyball for 18 years. During her time playing in high school, Hannah received All-district awards two years in a row and was Defensive Player of the Year in 2014. She is currently studying to become an English Teacher and Coach so that she can pursue her passion of helping youth fulfill their full potential in school and life. Hannah loves being a part of the organization that helped fuel her passion for volleyball.

Tacie Bell is a second year junior and full-time student at WTAMU. She also works full-time at X-Steakhouse. Tacie has played the game of volleyball ever since she can remember. Tacie played libero at Highland Park High School and received District Defensive Specialist MVP. Tacie continued her career as an athlete in college, at Wayland Baptist University in Plainview Tx. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the path God chose for her, so after freshman year, she decided to move back home and coach for AEV. This will be Tacie’s 3rd year coaching club and she’s super excited for this upcoming year with the 14-2s!! #aevrocks

This is Bella Bohannon’s first year to coach club and to coach for AEV. Bella played club ball for 6 years. The last 3 years were at AEV. She played at Bonham for two years and won City both years. She played at Amarillo High for one year. Bella has worked camps and clinics in some capacity since she was 13 years old. Bella has helped run our AEV clinics for the past two seasons. Bella is currently attending Wade Gordon to become a hairstylist.

This will be Madison’s second year coaching with AEV. Madison played for AEV all through middle school and high school. She graduated from Highland Park in 2018 where she played setter, ds, and outside hitter!

This is Alissa’s first year to coach at AEV. She grew up in Borger, Texas and played volleyball for 10 years. When Alissa graduated in 2018, she went to Texas Tech University to get a degree in Human Sciences. She was working in children’s ministry, traveling across the country, while going to college. When Alissa graduated college in August of 2021, she got a teaching position at Borger High, where she graduated, so I decided to move back. Alissa missed the game of volleyball, so decided to become an AEV coach. I am currently a senior English teacher and serving in my children’s ministry again, while coaching AEV. “I am thankful for a great community, great players to coach, and the opportunity to help my players continue to fall in love with the game of volleyball.”

This is Lindsey’s first year of coaching club for AEV. She currently attends West Texas A&M University, where she plays for the Lady Buffs as a Defensive Specialist. Lindsey will graduate next year with her Physical Education degree, and she plans on becoming a teacher and coach in the future. Before coming to WT, Lindsey played volleyball at North Central Texas College and coached for a local club located in the North Texas Region. During her senior year of highschool, she helped her hometown of Callisburg, win a State Championship. She knows her years of club experience have helped her reach her volleyball goals. Lindsey looks forward to passing on her love for volleyball, to her AEV team this season.

This is Falyn’s first year of coaching for AEV! However, she played for AEV for five years through club prior to graduating from Amarillo High School in 2021. While at Amarillo High School, Falyn played Lady Sandie volleyball for four years, where she achieved the Sub-Varsity Fighting Heart Award, Spirt Award, Academic All-District and Academic All-State award. In her time playing, Falyn was a DS/Libero and on occasion, played a little front row where she got to showcase her 34” vertical. Volleyball has always been a big part of Falyn’s life and she now wants to help spread the excitement and experience of the game with others! Falyn is currently a student at WTAMU where she is pursuing a marketing degree, as well as in the process of obtaining her real-estate license.

My name is Mandy Childers and I am a kindergarten teacher. I have been at Western Plateau for the past 18 years and work hard to help my students be successful in the classroom. My husband, Darrol, and I have been married for the past 23 years. We have a daughter, Falyn, who recently graduated from Amarillo High and just finished her first semester at WTAMU. I introduced Falyn to volleyball her second grade year and became her coach for her first two years. She loved the sport and thrived and wanted to take it to the next level by playing club volleyball. I sat on the sidelines for many years in awe of her passion, hard work, and dedication as a volleyball athlete. I, myself, put in many home hours of practice by being the ball tosser, target, encourager, but most of all her biggest fan! When she said she was going to coach a team and asked me to be her assistant, I did it without hesitation! I can’t think of a better way to bond and make lifelong memories with my daughter while instilling the love of volleyball into young athletes. This will be our 5th year with AEV and couldn’t be any more pleased!

Hi! My name is Isabella Christófaro but everybody calls me Bella. I’m 18 years old. I’m from São Paulo, Brazil. I started playing volleyball at the age of 8, in 2013, at Clube Atletico Ypiranga. I stayed at the Ypiranga club until 2017. After that, I moved to Esporte Clube Pinheiros. In 2018, I won an athlete scholarship to study and play at Montverde Academy, in Orlando – Florida. We were district champions in 2018. In the middle of 2019, I returned to Brazil and played again for Esporte Clube Pinheiros. Now in 2021 I’m playing an outside hitter in Borger, Texas for Frank Phillips College. My major is Psychology. AEV is excited to add Coach Isabella Christófaro to our coaching lineup!

Krystal Dennis is 24 & currently working at Carver Academy as an Educational Assistant. She has put her college on hold for the time being. Krystal will be attending college again next year, to finish her last 2 years for her degree in Education. Krystal has played volleyball since she was in the 3rd grade and has grown to love playing and coaching. She is a graduate of Caprock High School and played volleyball all 4 years. “Each year brings a new group of girls who are always a joy to coach, not only volleyball but sometimes life lessons. I am thankful for this opportunity to be a part of AEV and spread the love and knowledge of volleyball to these younger athletes that will be our future.

Caitlin played volleyball for Tascosa High School from 2002-2006. She played collegiate volleyball at ENMU in Portales, NM from 2006-2009 earning All-conference honors. Caitlin holds the record at ENMU for most digs in a season as well as in a career. After graduation, Caitlin served as the WT graduate assistant for volleyball from 2011-2013. She has coached club for almost a decade including clubs in Amarillo, San Antonio (IMPACT Volleyball) and Oklahoma City (PEAK). “I’m am excited to start my 3rd year of coaching for AEV!”

This is Madi’s 3rd year to coach for AEV. Madi graduated from Tascosa High School in 2019, where she played volleyball all four years. Madi then went on to play at Frank Phillips College for two years as a ds/libero. She graduated with her Associates of Science in May of 2021. “I played for AEV for many years, and I am so grateful to now be coaching for this organization.”

This is Gabby’s 4th year as a coach for AEV. She played volleyball at West Texas A&M University as a setter for the Lady Buffs. Gabby graduated from WT with a Bachelor of Science in biology in 2020. She has been playing or coaching volleyball for over 15 years and there is nothing she’d rather spend her time doing. “Coaching volleyball is my passion.”

This will be Carly’s first year of coaching club for AEV. She played her last two years of high school club ball under AEV, for Coach Terry Lichtie, before going to Odessa JuCo to play. Carly was a 3-year Varsity Letterman, Offensive Player of the year, First Team All-District, and MVP, as a Middle Blocker at Canyon High School, under Coach Sara Morath. Carly was MVP and All Conference at OJC. From there, she transferred to Academy of Art University in San Francisco, where she played MB for the NCAA D2 school and earned her MFA in Screenwriting for movies and tv in 2021. Carly was granted All Conference and MVP. Carly is going back to school in spring 2022 to earn a new degree in neuropsychology, and will play her 5th year of volleyball for WTAMU in 2023. After graduation, she plans to play pro ball overseas. “I have a passion for being the best at what I do, and I want to transfer my respect for internal validation and accountability to young athlete’s skills. I believe I can help them succeed and experience genuine satisfaction in everything they do.”

This is Taryn’s second year to coach for AEV. She is currently working as the Dean of Workforce at Frank Phillips College, with previous employers in the local manufacturing/chemical plants. Currently attending WGU for her Masters in Science Degree graduating December 2022. Taryn is homegrown from Borger, Texas, married to Asa Fraley for 17 years, and has two children Keira, age 13, who is active with club volleyball and Kamden, age 9. Taryn started playing volleyball in third grade and played through high school. “I have a passion for volleyball and I am honored to share my passion for the game with these young ladies.”

This is Krysten’s 4th year with AEV and she has loved every minute of it! Krysten played club volleyball for 9 years and for the majority of the time, she was a libero. She graduated from Randall High School in 2016, where she played volleyball and got third in state her senior year. Krysten went on to play college volleyball at East Texas Baptist University. She is currently in nursing school and absolutely loves it. Krysten and her husband, Wyatt, have a 3 year old daughter and love spending family time together.

This is Jaycee’s first year coaching club ball with AEV. Jaycee played 2 years of club ball with AEV, before graduating from San Jacinto Christian Academy. She has played volleyball for 10 years now. She played as a middle blocker on San Jacinto Christian Academy Varsity’s team, all 4 years in high school and was named First Team All District her junior and senior year. Jaycee coached middle school volleyball at San Jac this past season. She is currently a student at Amarillo College, majoring in childhood education.

This is Aahliyah’s second year coaching club volleyball for AEV. She played for AEV 6 years. Aahliyah graduated from highland park in 2019, where she played as an outside hitter and ds.

This is Ilyssa’s first year of club coaching with Amarillo Elite Volleyball. She has played volleyball for 9 years, of which 3 of those years were with AEV. She currently is working at Texas Rose Steak House in Canyon, Texas. She is currently the head coach of our AEV 12-4’s this season. We look forward to adding Ilyssa to our coaching staff again next season.

This is Caitlin’s 7th year to coach for AEV, but she has been a part of the AEV family since she was 13 years old. Caitlin played for AEV for 6 years and went to Nationals 5 out of those 6 years. She graduated high school from Amarillo High in 2010 as a dual-sport athlete. She helped win two 5A volleyball state championships in 2008 and 2009, as well as played varsity basketball for three years. Caitlin played Division II college volleyball for Midwestern State University, as a middle blocker. She was a starter all 4 years and a team captain her last two seasons. Caitline graduated in 2014 with a degree in Exercise Physiology and went on to earn her master’s degree in Sports Management from West Texas A&M University in 2016. This is Caitlin’s 7th year working at WTAMU in Academic Technology as a Multimedia Production Manager. She was married to her my husband, Stephan Lamberson, in 2016, so they are working on their 6th year of marriage! “Our daughter and biggest blessing, Reagan, was born in November of 2020. We love being parents and watching our girl learn and grow. I’m hoping she loves volleyball as much as I do!”

This is Coach Lexi Lewis’ first year coaching with AEV. She played club ball for AEV for 4 years as a front row hitter. Lexi is a graduate of Caprock High School, where she played as a front row hitter all 4 years. She has played volleyball for 11 years. Lexi has always wanted to coach volleyball, because it’s the sport she loves the most. She is currently attending Amarillo College, pursuing an Education degree in hopes to coach volleyball in the future. Coaching kids has been dream for Lexi, to help those who want to become better and love the game. She hopes to give them the motivation they need, not only to be a better athlete, but to become a better person.

Terry and Renee have 23 years of coaching experience. They have made 4 trips to USA Nationals and 1 to AAU Nationals. “We love to teach kids and promote the game of volleyball.” This will make Terry and Renee’s 9th year with AEV! Terry has retired from the Amarillo Police Department, after 40 years of service. Renee has been a therapist for 22 years in Dumas. They have 3 married children and 8 grandchildren, whom they love very much! We are blessed to have these two in our program!

This is Abigail Long and her first year to coach with AEV. Abigail is originally from Kersey, Colorado. After high school she attended Garden City Community College to play volleyball, where she was primarily a setter. After completing two years, Abigail transferred to Oklahoma Panhandle State University to continue her education and volleyball career. Abigail’s junior year, she was a setter and her senior year a Libero. Abigail met her husband while attending OPSU and after graduation they moved to Amarillo. Abigail currently works at Plains Land Bank as a Loan Documentation Specialist.

My name is Bruna Silva and I am from Brazil, Minas Gerais. I started playing volleyball at middle school and then it became more serious. I went to a team called SADA in Brazil and there we won the metropolitan championship in 2014. Then I went to a club called Mackenzie Sport Club, where we were the third best 18s team in Brazil, in 2019. Right now, I am a setter for Frank Phillips College and I am studying to be a physical therapist. AEV is excited to add Coach Bruna Silva to our coaching lineup!

This is Karina’s second year coaching with AEV and she has enjoyed every minute! Karina played collegiate volleyball as a libero and DS for Milligan College in Tennessee, before moving to Amarillo with her fiancé 2 years ago. Karina is looking forward to another fantastic season!

Jeremie was the former head coach of the Texas A&M Men’s Club Volleyball team, as well as assisted with Stephen F. Austin State University, Blinn College, Odessa College, and currently West Texas A&M University. Jeremie has worked camps for Top NCAA Programs like The University of Texas, Texas A&M, Penn State, Washington, and many others. Jeremie played his collegiate career at Tarleton State where he finished with a Master’s in Criminal Justice and Personnel Management. He is currently working on a Doctorate in Student Development and Leadership in Higher Education. Jeremie works at WTAMU as the Director of Student Conduct. This is Jeremie’s first year to coach club with Amarillo Elite Volleyball.

Branda Morales is on her 5th season with Amarillo Elite Volleyball and is on her 11th season as a Volleyball Coach in Amarillo. She graduated from Caprock High School where she played Volleyball and Softball. She went on to get her degree in Exercise Sports Science and Education from Texas State University. After Graduation, her and her husband, Jerry, returned to Amarillo where she accepted a teaching/coaching position. She has since returned to her alma mater and is currently the Head Volleyball Coach at Caprock High School. Branda and Jerry have four kids, Easton 20 months, Brooke 3, Berklee 10, and Grace 11. Grace and Berklee are about to start their 4th season as athletes in the AEV program.

This will be Mere’s first year coaching with AEV. Mere is from the Bay Area in California and played for Xceleration Volleyball Club and NorCal Volleyball Club, where she played at Junior Nationals in 2014 and 2017. Mere played and graduated from San Leandro High School, where she became Player of the Year in the East Bay Area. She went on and attended the University of North Alabama on full scholarship. Mere then decided to take the JuCo route and graduated and played at Feather River College, where they won the CCCAA Volleyball Championships in 2019. During her 2 years at Feather River College, she received All Conference honors, All-Northern California honors, All-State honors and became a 1st-Team AVCA All American. During the state tournament, Mere also received All-Tournament Honors and Tournament MVP. Mere is now at her second and final volleyball season at West Texas A&M, as a Senior Setter and she is super excited to be a part of the AEV Family this upcoming season!

This will be my first year coaching for AEV. I played for AEV and the Borger Volleyball club for 4 years and graduated from Borger High School in 2009. I started playing volleyball in 3rd grade and played all the way through my senior year in multiple different positions. I’ve helped coach a sixth grade team and am looking forward to working with the 7th and 8th graders this year.

I attended Texas Tech University and graduated from nursing school in 2013 and went on to graduate with my masters from Angelo State University in 2016. I currently work part-time as a Family Nurse Practitioner in Borger.

My husband, Garren, and I have been married for seven years and have two children, Eadelyn and Graham.

Olivia graduated from San Jacinto Christian Academy in 2013. She was a 2 time All-State Player 1st team (senior year) and 2nd team (junior year) and Newcomer of the Year, as well her junior year. Olivia played 2 years at Clarendon college and was Honorable Mention. 1 year at St. Gregory’s University and received Honorable Mention. Olivia was a setter and ds at both colleges. Olivia coached 3 years at Xtreme, and 2 years at San Jacinto Christian as their JV coach. She is starting her second year coaching at AEV!

Jenni played volleyball for Randall High School from 1995-1997 and played club from 1991-1998. She has coached club for 10+ years. Took a few years break for family and have been back coaching for AEV since 2017.

Ryan has been married to her husband, Ryan, for 14 years. They have 3 children, Gage, Ty and Keeli. Ryan’s daughter has been her faithful sidekick since day one and this is her second year to play for AEV. Ryan has the honor of coaching Keeli again this year and it has been great!! This is Ryan’s 9th year coaching for AEV and she loves every minute of it. “I love the game and have enjoyed being able to spread that love to others.”

Sydney is currently attending WTAMU for her life science Education degree to become a teacher and a coach. She went to school in Levelland and was part of the varsity volleyball and track team. Sydney played one year of college volleyball at Frank Phillips Junior College. This will be her 5th year to coach for AEV. “I want to be able teach athletes to be mentally strong and fearless when it comes to the game. Coaching is a ministry and the path is so much fun when embraced!

Heather began playing volleyball for Trinity Fellowship Christian School, which later became Arbor Academy. Because of the influence of my coach at the time, she developed a desire to do the same and started that journey as the 7th grade coach for Faith Christian School in Grapevine, TX. After moving back to Amarillo, Heather took a few years off and began coaching 7th grade at San Jacinto Christian, where she continued to coach for 6 years, moving up to JV. During the off-season for school ball, she began coaching club volleyball with PVP and coached there for 8 years coaching ages 13-17. After taking a year off, Heather just recently finished her 5th season with AEV and has loved every minute!

Barbara started playing volleyball in 6th grade and has never stopped loving the sport. She hopes to be a lifetime student of volleyball and loves to share her knowledge and zeal with the athletes. Barbara has coached many players that have played on championship teams and at the collegiate level. She hopes all the athletes have gone on to enjoy volleyball as much as she still does. When Barbara is not working or coaching, she loves to travel with her husband, Rodger. Barbara hopes to retire in a few years and spend her time visiting her kids and fishing every day.

This will be Dailey’s second year of coaching at AEV. Dailey played for Amarillo Elite Volleyball for 3 years, prior to graduating from Tulia High School in 2019. She has been playing volleyball since she was 12 years old. Dailey was the leading hitter in her school seasons from 2017-2019. She was a setter and outside hitter in high school, but she played as a right side hitter with AEV for club. Dailey was First Team All-District for 2 years in a row and was First Team outside hitter for 2 years. She is currently studying to become and English teacher and coach at Amarillo College. “I want to have an impact on athletes and create a determined volleyball program. I am excited to be involved with AEV again for this season, because it is the reason why I want to be a coach and why my passion for volleyball started.

I have a background as a professional volleyball player for 19 years. During that time, I participated on the Chinese national team in the year of 2003 and I earned a gold medal. The gold medal proves my dedication as a team leader and my professionalism. 

In the year of 2018-2019, I coached the Varsity Volleyball team at Borger High school. In the year of 2012-2014, I coached the volleyball team at Frank Phillips College. I helped the team set the record for winning all home games during the 2013-2014 school year.

Education:
Texas A&M University, Summer 2020: Master of Science in Sport Management 

West Texas A&M University, 2018- 2019: Master of Arts in Teaching 

Academy of Art University, CA 2011: Bachelor Fashion of Arts 

Seward County Community College, KS 2007: Associate in General Studies

WorkingExperience:
Borger High School, TX July, 2018 – 2019 Varsity Head Volleyball Coach: 4A o Recruited/Coached: 2 All district team o Recruited/Coached: 3 Texas High School High Academic rewards o Recruited/Coached: 4 Valuable Player o Recruited/Coached: 1 Player going to Texas Tech University o Recruited/Coached: 2 Player going to WTA&M University Paul Belton Elementary, TX August, 2018 – Current Physical Education Teacher: Kindergarten Grade o Texas PE (EC-12)Teacher Certificate o Lesson Plan o Set activity o Spring and Christmas Program o Budget Frank Phillips College, TX August, 2012 – August, 2014 Head Volleyball Coach: A 2012-2013 record of 20-19 o Set the record for winning all home games o Only team to beat #1 ranked Midland College o Brought the team 

Collegiate Playing Experience Honors & Awards Frank Phillips College, TX June 2014, Director of Volleyball:  Frank Phillips College, TX June 2013, Director of Volleyball: 

Academy of Art University, CA January, 2011- December 2011 Graduate Assistant Volleyball Coach Academy of Art University, CA 2008-2011 – Team Captain – All-PacWest First Team 2009 and 2010 – Ranked #1 in school history for total kills (1,314) – Ranked #1 in school history for total digs (830) – Ranked #1 in school history for total points (1,460) Seward County Community College, KS 2007-2008 – NJCAA All-American 2007 – First Team All-Region 2007 – First Team All-Conference 2007 – Conference Most Valuable Player and Freshman of the Year – Only player in school history to receive both awards – Ranked #1 in school history for kills per game (5.9 per game) NCAA International Magazine, CA 2009 Academy of Art University NJCAA All-American, KS 2007 Seward Cunty Community College U18 World Championship, Poland 2003 Gold Medal

International Playing Experience:
Volleyball Camps – Beijing Women’s Volleyball Club, China 2001-2007 – Member of Chinese National Team – Competed in volleyball tournaments in China, USA, Australia, Poland, North Korea and France (helped Chinese national team received gold medal in Poland) YANGVBACADEMY Volleyball Camp, TX (Director) 2008 – University of Missouri Columbia, MO (Coach) 2007 – Liberal High School, KS (Coach) 2005 – No.5th Sport School, Beijing China (Coach)