• Wildfire Volleyball Director/Founder 2004  – Present
• Head Coach for 12U and 15U ages groups  – Present
• Middles/Libero Positional Coach – present
• Lynn University Assistant Coach – 2015- present
• Cypress Bay High School Head Varsity Coach 2017- present
• Nova South Eastern Assistant Coach 2013-2015
• Florida Region  High Performance  Assistant Coach 2013 – present
• National HP evaluator
• The Sagemont School Varsity and Jv Varsity
• Everglades Varsity and JV
• Tri County Volleyball Co-founder
• St Bonaventure Middle School 
• St Marks Middle School
• 25 years of volleyball coaching experience that includes tots, juniors, and college level athletes

Albert Sturgeon comes to Wildfire with a wealth of experience as a player, high school, club and collegiate coach. 

As a player he led his high school team Miami Sunset Senior High to two county championships and two undefeated seasons in 1992 and 1993.

As a high school assistant coach from 1993-2001 he help lead his alma mater Miami Sunset to 9 district titles (1993-2001), 5 regional championships  (93, 95, 97, 00, 01),2 state runner-ups (00, 01), and 2 state championships (93, 95). 

After his high school coaching career Albert excepted a position as an assistant coach at St. Thomas University from 2001-2005 where he help lead the bobcats to 1 Florida Sun Conference title (01), 2 NAIA Regional XIV Championships (01, 03), 2 NAIA National Championship Appearances (01, 03), and 2 top 25 NAIA Final Poll Appearances. 

As a head coach at St. Thomas University he captured Florida Sun Conference Coach of the Year honors in his first collegiate head coaching position at St. Thomas University in 2006. 

He led the Bobcats to two conference tournament appearances before he resigned in 2007 to finish his degree in sports and fitness from Florida International University. 

In 2013 he became the first coach to win the prestigious Junior Olympic Open National Championship, a feat never accomplished by any coach in the tri-county area. 

Coach Sturgeon currently coaches at Pine Crest School where he has won 4 district championships (14, 15, 17, 19 ) 2 regional championship (14, 17) 1 state runner-up (14) and a State Appearance in (17) . He has also been named Broward County “Coach of the year” in (14, 17).

Claire brings 17 years of volleyball experience and 7 years of coaching experience to Wildfire Volleyball, where she serves as an Assistant Director and Administrator.

Over her past three seasons with Wildfire, Claire has led the 13 National Premier (2025), 13 National Open (2024), and 16 National Premier (2023) teams while also supporting the club’s IAM! and State training programs.

Her coaching journey has included roles with USA South Volleyball, where she assisted two teams and was honored with the Assistant Coach of the Year Award. She has also coached with Rival Volleyball, Spanish River High School boys volleyball, and American Heritage Middle School volleyball.

As a former NCAA Division I and Division II student-athlete and setter, Claire understands the mental, physical, emotional, and technical sides of the game. Her experience as both a player and coach has shaped her approach to helping athletes grow, compete, and build confidence.

Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, you’re guaranteed to hear a few “y’all’s” during her training sessions. When she’s not in the gym, Claire can usually be found at the beach, traveling, playing beach volleyball, or practicing hot yoga.

Her goal is to create an environment where athletes are challenged to compete at their highest level while still loving the game—because volleyball should be more than just a sport. It should be an avenue for athletes to become more confident, resilient, and strong people both on and off the court.

Rezart Belli is a volleyball coach with over 7 years of experience. He began his career in 2019 as an Assistant Coach at Wildfire Volleyball Academy and advanced to become the club’s Assistant Director. Rezi is passionate about volleyball. In his youth, he was a professional player, representing Albania in national competitions. Rezi believes that discipline and consistent effort matter more than talent alone. He coaches with the conviction that every athlete can improve through structured training, honest feedback, and a commitment to fundamentals. He values character as much as skill, and expects his players to show respect, accountability, and a strong work ethic on and off the court. He is a firm believer that “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, practicing, sacrifice, and above all, love what you do.”

Marcos Medina is a seasoned volleyball coach with over 11 years of experience, drawing from his impressive 15+ years as a volleyball player. Beyond the court, he has made his mark in the fitness world as a CrossFit coach for a decade. Not only is Marcos a skilled CrossFit athlete, but he also owns a successful gym. His passion for fitness and sports extends beyond his professional roles, showcasing his dedication as a fitness enthusiast and true sports fanatic.

• 18 Years Volleyball Career
  Monsignor Edward Pace High School
  2006 – 2018 (JV & Varsity Head Coach)
  • 8 District Titles
  • 3 District Runner up
  • 10 Regional appearances

• Rebelle Athletics
  2007 – 2012 (15s, 16s)

• Coastal Volleyball Academy
  2013 – 2018
  Girls’ 15 Regional
  Girls’ 16 Regional
  Girls’ 17 Regional
  Boys’ 15 Regional/17 National
  Lead Coach for 15s–17s National/Head Coach 17U

• Alonzo Mourning Senior High School
  2022 “Coach of the Year”
  2018 – 2022
  • 1 District Title
  • 3 District Runner Up
  • 1 GMAC Title
  • 2 Regional apparencies

• Wildfire Volleyball Academy
  2018 – Present
  Assistant Director for 12/13 Regional Teams

My name is Anissa, I’ve been playing volleyball since 2013. I played on JV my freshman year at high school, West Broward High School. then I made varsity sophomore to senior year. i started playing club volleyball in 2015 at Wildfire, only played 3 seasons of club. Played two seasons in college at Johnson and Wales (NAIA). Started coaching volleyball here at Wildfire in 2016 while I was still in high school and playing club.  I would go to my younger sister’s practices when Ore was her coach and follow his lead. I started in the TAP Program which is now called I AM. My first team was a 12-state black, never finished the season because of the pandemic. Took a year break because I started working a full-time job. I came back in 2022, coached a 12-state black team and a 16-state black team. in 2023, coached another 12-state black team and an 17/18 state black team. This season i decided to challenge myself and coach a national team. Very excited to see the growth of the girls by the end of the season.

Born a military brat, Coach John grew up living in multiple countries—including Japan, Australia, and Sicily—before discovering a love for volleyball overseas at the age of 14. A proud father of three children and a grandfather of two, Coach John brings the same values of family, dedication, and teamwork into every aspect of coaching.

With more than 30 years of experience as both a player and coach, Coach John has dedicated his career to helping athletes grow in skill, confidence, and passion for the sport.

A few achievements & Highlights:

Named 2015 Florida Region Coach of the Year (15s & 16s divisions)

Led team to become Florida Region Qualifier Champions (15s Division)

Consistently qualified for USAV Nationals across American, USA, National, and Open divisions, with a best finish of 5th place in 14 USA

Guided a team to win the 2022 AAU National Championship in the 14 Premier Division

Coach John brings energy, dedication, and true love for the game to every practice and tournament. His goal is not only to build strong athletes but also to inspire players to believe in themselves and embrace the team-first spirit that makes volleyball special.

With a lifelong passion for volleyball, I played competitively throughout middle school and high school before transitioning into coaching. I had the opportunity to coach the middle school volleyball team at Tequesta, where I focused on developing players' skills, teamwork, and confidence. I enjoy helping young athletes grow both on and off the court while fostering a positive and supportive team environment.

São Paulo , Brazil 

•Double Major 

Marketing & Sports Management 

•MBA 

•Player 

Played competitively 18 years 

Brazil – Banespa Volleyball Club (12 years)University Paulista (2 years )

São Paulo State Team (3years)

Drafted Brazilian National Team Sub 17 

United States NCAA Division 1  (4 years)

•Coach 

Over 10 years of experience coaching children, teenagers and adults. 

Assistant Coach NCAA Division 2 (1 year) 

Beach Volleyball Coach Barcelona (8 years) 

Coach Unprivileged Areas & Refugees (4 years) 

Born in São Paulo, Brazil, I have always been passionate about volleyball and have a deep love for teaching. My goal as a coach is to create a positive, challenging, and supportive environment where athletes feel encouraged to push themselves, embrace mistakes as part of learning, and grow with confidence. I believe that success comes from consistency, effort, accountability, and teamwork, and I strive to help every player develop not only their volleyball skills but also the character, resilience, and leadership that will serve them both on and off the court.

Player

* Competed at a high level for 10 years.
* Member of the Federação Paulista de Volleyball for 6 years.
* Played for São Paulo FC for 6 years.
* Represented the São Paulo State Team for 3 years.
* Won 1 National Championship and 3 State Championships with São Paulo FC.
* Represented both middle and high school teams, earning more than 20 first- and second-place tournament medals.

Coach

* Coached middle school teams in Brazil for 4 years.
* YMCA coach for 2 years.
* Wildfire coach since 2023, leading teams from 11U through 14U while also contributing to the I AM developmental program and summer camps on a part-time basis.
* Assistant Coach for Sagemont Preparatory School Varsity, helping lead the program to a District Championship in 2025.

Whether I’m coaching beginners or experienced athletes, my focus remains the same: helping every player improve, compete with confidence, become a great teammate, and develop a lifelong love for the game.

Emilo Ramiro has been coaching volleyball since 1984, starting with Puerto Rico middle and highs schools and various clubs. He also coach in the Gold Coast in Boca Raton and this is his 10th year at Wildfire Volleyball Academy.

I starting coaching in late 80s- early 90s by helping coach the wrestling, surfing, and beach volleyball teams. I did this for about 4 years. I have been coaching South Florida youth sports at Holiday Park since 2005. I focused mostly on soccer but also coached the flag football, baseball, and volleyball teams. I was the assistant volleyball coach for Fort Lauderdale high for 2 years. Head coach for volleyball and soccer for Parkway middle for 4 years and most recently head volleyball and soccer coach at New River middle for 3 years. I helped the new river volleyball and soccer teams get to the playoffs all 3 years with an undefeated regular season in 2 of those 3 years. I was told it was the1st time any New River girls soccer or volleyball team had made the playoffs in 20+ years.

My coaching goal/mission statement is to
"Help athletes advance their skill level through providing a solid foundation in fundamentals, athletic ability and technical skill sets. As well as developing a team with good sportsmanship and core values."

As a parent of 2 volleyball players, a coach of multiple teams, years of volleyball coaching experience, and multiple coaching courses and clinics (many taught by pro coaches), I've learned to understand and respect the goals, motivations, and needs of the youth athlete as well as thier parents. I take great pride in my ability to assess and empathize with the players and create practice plans that will advance the skills of the players as individuals and as a team members.

Fernando Pieras, born and raised in Puerto Rico, has cultivated a distinguished athletic and coaching career.

• 2003-2007: Fernando earned a scholarship to the University of the Sacred Heart, where he competed on both the basketball and volleyball varsity teams and was recognized for his contributions with the Athlete of the Year award.

• 2007 Florida International University: Student Exchange Program

• 2010: He achieved his Physical Education Teacher Certification, initiating various projects focused on elementary physical education. His efforts emphasize manipulative, locomotor, and non-locomotor skills, promoting lifelong fitness for a healthy lifestyle.

• 2010-2020 Championship Academy of Distinction: Physical Education Teacher / Athletic Director

• 2017-Present: Field Sport Director at the American Heritage Summer Camp, sharing his passion for physical education with young children.

• 2020: Certified by USAVB Florida as an Adult Coach of Juniors, Fernando committed to developing the next generation of players, a role he has embraced with dedication.

• 2020-2023: St. Mark Catholic School: Physical Education Teacher and Athletic Director

• 2021-Present: Fernando joined Wildfire Volleyball Club as an assistant coach for girls’ teams ages 12-15, bringing his skills to support young athletes’ growth in volleyball.

• 2023- Present: He expanded his coaching involvement with the I AM Program at Wildfire and began his role at American Heritage School as a Physical Education teacher. At American Heritage, he serves as the JV Boys’ Volleyball Head Coach, and Assists the Varsity Girls’ Volleyball Team.

Fernando Pieras brings a deep passion and expertise in volleyball developed through years of dedicated play up to the college level. Fernando’s coaching philosophy emphasizes growth, skill, and sportsmanship. His diverse experience provides a strong technical foundation, making him an inspiring mentor dedicated to helping every athlete reach their full potential at Wildfire Volleyball Club.

I love coaching volleyball and have played and coached it before. I played volleyball at Calumet College of St. Joseph for three years and have been coaching club volleyball for about three years. I am currently a graduate assistant for the women’s volleyball team at St. Thomas University. There, I keep working on my coaching skills and help athletes reach their maximum potential.

Hello, my name is Hector! I am from Peru, living in US for 23 years, and have played volleyball, mainly defense and right side, since I was 14 years old. I started coaching in Peru until I got to the US, where I have coached here for 9 years now. I’ve coached different teams in South Florida and have gone to numerous types of tournaments including ESPN and AAU Nationals too. I am now in Wildfire and put my best foot forward for my team.

I’ve been coaching volleyball for 11+ years now, and I recently opened my own boys volleyball club — something I’m really excited about after over a decade of working with athletes across South Florida.

Over the years I’ve had the chance to lead programs at North Miami Beach Volleyball Academy, Miami Volleyball Academy, Mater Lakes Academy, John A. Ferguson Senior High School, Coastal Volleyball Club, Doral Academy Preparatory School, and Team Detroit Volleyball Club. Some of the results I’m proudest of: winning the District Championship with Mater Lakes Academy (2021–22) and going 20–2 at Ferguson High in 2018. I also picked up a Silver finish with Coastal Volleyball Club’s Boys 18 team and a 3rd-place finish at the Michigan Power League Tournament with Team Detroit.

Before I got into coaching, I played competitively myself. I was an Opposite Hitter at Lawrence Technological University, where I led the team in kills, aces, and blocks and earned First Team All-Conference honors in the WHAC. In high school at Ferguson, I was a four-year varsity starter and captain and made the All-Star Team. And with Coastal Volleyball’s 18-1 National team, I finished 24th in the country and won AAU Junior Nationals in 2014, followed by 2nd-place finishes at both AAU Junior Nationals and the Florida Regional Championships in 2015.

I’m excited to start my coaching journey at Wildfire! I can’t wait to get on the court, build strong relationships with the athletes, and help each player grow their skills and confidence both individually and as part of a team.

Isabella Rangel from Caracas, Venezuela and has lived in Weston, Florida since 2011. She will graduate in May of 2027 with a bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations with a minor in photography. Isa has been playing volleyball for 10 years and is currently playing for Barry University both Indoor and Beach Volleyball. Her experience includes her time playing for Wildfire Volleyball Club and Cypress Bay high school. She’s been coaching since she was 16 at the IAM program.

My name is Ivana Zujovic, and I’m originally from Tampa, Florida. I now attend Barry University, where I play on the volleyball team as a middle blocker. I’m majoring in biology and hope to do something in the medical field. I’ve been playing volleyball for about 7 years now and finished my last two years at TEAM Kiwi in Tampa, both years where my team won a bid to play at Nationals. I have three brothers and a younger sister who also plays volleyball. This is my first year coaching a team.

26 years as head coach at Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory in Hollywood.

600+ career HS victories (girls and boys combined)

16 district championships and multiple state level appearances

5x Coach of the Year (Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald)

Dedicated to building high character, competitive, and disciplined student-athletes 

Hi! I'm Coach Ky, and volleyball has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I don't coach just to have the title. I coach because I was once in the same position your daughter is in today. Whether it's her first club season, her first sport, or she's simply new to the team, I've been there. I know what it feels like to have a coach who makes you lose your love for the game, but I also know the impact a great coach can have on helping you fall in love with it even more. My goal is to help every athlete become the best player she can be while making the journey fun. I want to build a team that feels like family, create a positive environment, and help each player grow both on and off the court. Outside of volleyball, I love long-distance running, reading, traveling, spending time at the beach, and making memories with my friends and family.

Coach Lee Ann Niesel Gasbarro is the Head Volleyball Coach at Western High School, bringing more than 23 years of coaching experience and a lifelong passion for developing student-athletes.

A multi-sport athlete at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Coach Niesel competed in varsity volleyball and softball from 1995 to 1999 and was a member of the 1995 FHSAA State Championship volleyball team. She continued her athletic career at Nova Southeastern University, where she played both volleyball and softball as a libero and shortstop while earning a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a Master's degree in Education with a concentration in Sports Management. During her collegiate career, she ranked among Nova Southeastern's all-time leaders in digs per match and service aces per match.

Coach Niesel began her coaching career at Nova High School in 2003, where she coached through 2012. During her tenure, she led the Titans to the program's first-ever state playoff appearances in 2010 and 2011 and was selected as the BCAA All-Star Coach in both 2005 and 2009.

Also in 2003, Coach Niesel co-founded Wildfire Volleyball alongside Ore Pablos with the vision of developing athletes one skill at a time. In 2026, her Wildfire 13 Open team qualified for the USAV National Championship in Minneapolis, continuing the program’s tradition of competitive excellence and athlete development. Through her work in both high school and club volleyball, she has mentored countless student-athletes, many of whom have gone on to compete at the collegiate level. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes skill development, discipline, accountability, teamwork, and building confident young leaders both on and off the court.

In addition to coaching, Coach Niesel is an educator at Western High School, where she teaches Algebra 1 and is committed to helping students succeed academically as well as athletically.

Outside of volleyball, Coach Niesel enjoys spending time with her husband, Richie, and their three children, Rocco, Cali, and Tori. She is proud to lead the Western High School volleyball program and 13 National Team at Wildfire. She is committed to building a culture of excellence, integrity, and competitive success while preparing student-athletes for success beyond the game.

Originally from Santa Catarina, Brazil, I studied Communication and Arts at UNIVALI University, specializing in Journalism, Multimedia, and Photography.   

Today I own my independent Travel Advisor business. 

My Volleyball Journey

I started playing volleyball at age six and won multiple medals with Barão do Rio Branco, a club I proudly represented for almost 10 years.

I also played for Sulfabril and Hering, two companies known for supporting sports and young athletes.

I played beach volleyball for 12 years, competing in local and regional tournaments.

I had the incredible opportunity to coach at ADBLU Club, working with underprivileged young athletes, and at CCR Club (Cônsul Carlos Renaux) in Santa Catarina.

2025 Head Coach — Sagemont Varsity: Led the team to a District Championship.

Coached elementary school boys and girls at Sagemont Preparatory School. 

Coached 12U, 13U, and 16U teams at Wildfire.

Coached athletes through the IAM program.

Volunteered through government and nonprofit programs.

* Founder of  WeR1 Volleyball Nation that brings  volleyball communities together and help underprivileged athletes access opportunities through clinics, community support, and shared resources.

My Philosophy

“Volleyball has taught me discipline, sportsmanship, perseverance, ethics, and dedication. Coaching is a gift, and creating beautiful memories one day at a time is truly magical. I am proud to be part of the Wildfire family, both as an athlete’s mom and as a coach.” 

I’m thrilled to be heading into my fourth season with Wildfire Volleyball Academy! Volleyball found me at 13, almost by accident, when a coach nudged me toward a sport I hadn’t considered. I took that nudge and ran with it, working my way up to become one of the top-ranked players on Long Island, NY. From there, I competed with elite club and Junior Olympic teams, which opened the door to a college scholarship. I played at Dowling College, where our team captured multiple ECC Division II championships, before transferring to State University of NY at Stony Brook to finish out my playing career.

That’s where my coaching journey began. With a minor in Education, I started at Long Island Volleyball Club, then moved to South Florida to coach at the high school level within Miami-Dade County Public Schools, where I was recognized by the Florida High School Athletic Association for leadership and commitment to team success. One of my proudest achievements was building a program from scratch and watching those athletes become a competitive force in their district within just a few seasons.

Since joining Wildfire, I’ve had the privilege of coaching both state and national teams, in addition to working with the IAM program,  experiences that have only deepened my belief in what this sport can do for young athletes. Volleyball has always been more than a game to me; it’s a vehicle for building character, discipline, and teamwork. I coach with those values at the center of everything I do.

Looking ahead to this season, my hope is simple: to keep pushing our athletes to new levels on the court while helping them grow into confident, resilient people off of it. I can’t wait to see what this Wildfire family accomplishes together this year.

My love for volleyball started in 1988, sparked by a moment when I was discouraged from playing by a coach because I knew nothing about the game. However, my determination to learn was greater than any obstacle. I went on to play for Miami Beach Senior High School, where we proudly won a District championship. Following high school, I continued my playing career at the collegiate level at Florida Memorial University.

My coaching journey began when Coach Brown-Seetal gave me my first opportunity to coach at Rebelle Volleyball Club and at Monsignor Pace High School. That initial door opened up incredible opportunities to coach at the collegiate level, also at Florida Memorial University. I love coaching and only hope to instill that same passion, resilience, and drive in every player I teach.

My coaching philosophy is one of discipline, teamwork, and supporting one another through every win and learning moment.  Fostering an environment where every athlete feels confident to compete at their highest potential on and off the court is at the top of my list.

Rafael “Rafa” Robert-Rodriguez joins Wildfire Volleyball with a wealth of experience as a player, club director, program director, and coach at the club, high school, and collegiate levels.

As a player, Rafa competed collegiately at Springfield College and Endicott College. He’s a NCAA National Champion, where he won a National Championship with Springfield College in 2018, and he’s also a AVCA All-American where he earned the honor at Endicott College in 2022, recognition reserved for the top players in the country. After college, he went on to play professionally, bringing a championship-level understanding of the game to every gym he walks into.

Rafa is the Owner and Director of Homegrown Elite Volleyball Club in South Florida, where he leads every part of the program, from coaching and player development to scheduling, marketing, and family communication. Under his leadership, the club has built a youth development pathway through skills clinics for players 14 and under, focused on growing young athletes and building a strong foundation for the future.

As Program Director at Downtown Doral Upper Charter School, Rafa oversees the entire volleyball program and has built a winning culture from the ground up. In just three years, he led the program to two district titles, the first in school history. He also previously served as Boys Volleyball Program Director at Cypress Bay High School.

Beyond his own programs, Rafa has spent years helping grow both the women's and men's game in South Florida through teaching and mentoring. His coaching emphasizes strong fundamentals, volleyball IQ, confidence, and a genuine love for the sport.

Rafa also brings a strong background in sports marketing and administration, including his work in sports and digital marketing with Boston University Athletics, giving him an inside look at how successful programs are built both on and off the court.

Rafa holds an MBA and a BS in Sport Management from Endicott College, and he also studied Sport Science & Business at Florida International University. Fluent in English and Spanish, he connects easily with players and families across South Florida's diverse volleyball community. He's excited to join Wildfire and can't wait to get in the gym with his new team this season!

Hi! I’m Savannah, and I’m excited to be part of your volleyball journey!

I’ve been coaching volleyball for over six years and love helping athletes grow both on and off the court. My goal is to create a positive, encouraging environment where players can build confidence, develop their skills, and learn the value of teamwork, discipline, and hard work.

Outside of coaching, I’m currently pursuing my degree to become a Physical Therapist Assistant, which has strengthened my understanding of movement and injury prevention. I believe every athlete has the potential to succeed, and I’m committed to helping each player become the best version of themselves while making the game fun and rewarding.

I can’t wait for a great season and look forward to getting to know all of our athletes and families!

Shane Marcey is entering his 20th year with Wildfire Volleyball Academy in a variety of roles. Shane has coached National and State teams at every age division, including several years with the I AM! Program. He was the head coach at Coral Springs High School for 7 years and 15 seasons at Sagemont Prep, where he also served as the Director of Athletics for 8 years. Shane has recently accepted the head coach position at Coral Springs Charter and is looking forward to the 2026-27 club season with Wildfire!

I am a Miami Floridian and have developed a passion for volleyball at an early age. That
passion grew stronger as I would go on to compete throughout my education journey. I
attended Miami Northwestern High School where I really started to shine. I’ve been
lucky to have had amazing Coaches throughout my volleyball tenure with great tutelage
that always pushed me to maximize my skills in every aspect of the game, which made
competing at high levels worth every moment. I went on to be named Best Defensive
Player and First Team All Dade for the Miami Herald Newspaper.
I started my collegiate volleyball career at Miami Dade Wolfson and made it to Nationals
for two consecutive years, then transferred to Florida Memorial University to conclude
my volleyball career. I then moved on as the Girls/Boys Head Volleyball Coach for
Miramar High School for 12yrs then pivoted to Club. I’m excited to extend my love and
passion for the game.

Coach Tosin is a South Florida native and proud alumna of St. Thomas Aquinas High School before continuing her volleyball career at Howard University. She later went to study abroad in Australia for a masters in Conservation Biology.

As a highly accomplished high school and collegiate player, Coach Tosin is passionate about helping athletes build confidence, compete at a high level, and love the game. Outside the gym, you'll find her caring for plants, spending time with animals, or enjoying the South Florida sunshine and the ocean. 
She's excited to be part of the Wildfire family and can't wait to help her athletes grow, compete, and have fun!

• Current Position: Head Varsity Volleyball Coach at Avant Garde Academy in Hollywood, Florida.
• Playing Experience: Four-year letter winner and outside hitter at Howard University. Experience as middle and OPP as well.
• Athletic Accolades: First Team NCAA Division I All-MEAC (2010); Honorable Mention All-MEAC (2011); 12 year kills record for a match at HU (28). All-Tournament Team selections at Youngstown State (2010), Navy (2010), Rutgers (2011), UConn (2011), and the University of Pittsburgh (2011); Sun-Sentinel and Miami Herald Broward County Player of the Year (2008), with over 400 kills; First Team All-County (2005–2008); First Team All-State Florida (2005–2008); Team USA Junior High Performance bronze medalist (2006); USA Junior Olympic High Performance Championships Best Blocker (2006).
• Coaching Experience: Head and assistant coach across varsity, JV, club, and beach volleyball programs, including youth skill development.
• Education: B.S. in Health Science, Magna Cum Laude, Howard University; M.S. in Conservation Biology, James Cook University, Australia.
   

My name is Victor Castejon. I am a Systems Engineer with a master’s degree in Technology Management from Venezuela, and I have lived in the United States since 2013. I attended a military high school and later a military university, where I played volleyball as a right-side hitter.

I am USAV IMPACT and SafeSport certified, and I have completed the Bronze tier learning path in the USAV Coach Academy. I coach within Wildfire’s IAM program and have also served as a coach for Wildfire State Teams, supporting athletes as they prepare for high-level competition.

I am committed to continuing my development as a coach and sharing my knowledge, experience, and passion for volleyball with young athletes as they grow in the sport.

Victor Gonzalez is from Dominican Republic and comes to wildfire with 8 years of overall volleyball experience. Victor played two years at Mater Lakes Academy High School as an outside hitter and has continued to develop his passion for the sport through five years of coaching at Mater Lakes Academy, as well as one year of coaching with Wildfire. Victor served as an Assistant Varsity Coach, Head Junior Varsity Coach, Head Middle School Coach for both boys’ and girls’ teams throughout his coaching years gaining valuable experience in player development across different age groups. Victor is passionate about fostering teamwork, discipline, and growth in student-athletes while helping them build both technical ability and confidence in the game.


VOLLEYBALL ACCOLADES:

Assistant Varsity Volleyball Coach 
- 4x High School Boys District Champions 
- 3x High School Girls District Champions 
- High School Boys Regional Champions (2024) 
- High School Girls Regional Champions (2024) 
- High School Girls State Runner-Up (2024)

Head Middle School Volleyball Coach 
- Middle School Girls Volleyball Champions (2022-2023) 
- Middle School Boys Volleyball Champions (2023-2024)