• 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).

16 Years of volleyball experience

6 Years of coaching experience

Assistant Director (Wildfire Volleyball) – 2024 to Present

• IAM! Training
• State and National Program Training

Head Coach (Wildfire Volleyball) – 2024 to Present

• 13 National Premier
• 13 National Open
• 16 National Premier

Assistant Coach (USA South Volleyball) – 2023

• 13 Mizuno
• 15 Mizuno AAUs
• Youth Academy
• Assistant Coach of the Year Award

Head Coach (Rival Volleyball) – 2020, 2021, 2022

• 14 Regional
• 16U State
• Setter Training
• All Skills Clinics

Head Coach JV Boys (Spanish River High School) – 2022

Head Coach (American Heritage Middle School, Delray Campus) – 2021

Child Athletic Development Assistant Trainer (Chadwicks Fitness) – 2019

Williamson County Parks and Recreation Volleyball Camp Counselor – 2019

NCAA Division I Student Athlete (Jacksonville State University) – 2018, 2019

NCAA Division II Student Athlete (Lynn University) – 2020, 2021

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. I am committed to creating a fun, energetic, and supportive environment where young athletes can develop their full potential. My goal as a coach is to help kids not only master new skills and excel in the game but also learn the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and self-confidence.

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 over 20 medals for 1st and 2nd place in tournaments.

Coach:
Coached middle school teams in Brazil for 4 years. YMCA coach for 2 years.
Wildfire coach since 2023.

Through my years of experience as both a player and a coach, my aim is to inspire and guide the next generation of athletes, helping them thrive both on and off the court.

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.

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.

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.

Meet Lee Ann Niesel Gasbarro.  Lee Ann’s journey began with a successful high school career at St. Thomas Aquinas as a Varsity Volleyball and Softball player from 1995 to 1999, winning a state volleyball championship in 1995.

Taking her talents to Nova Southeastern University from 2000 to 2002, Lee Ann played both Volleyball and Softball. A libero on the court and shortstop on the field, Lee Ann achieved a Bachelor’s degree in business administration and a Master’s Degree in Education Sports Management.

Lee Ann’s achievements include ranking 6th all-time for digs per match (33) and 3rd all-time for service aces per match (8) during her time at Nova Southeastern University.

Beyond her playing days, Lee Ann transitioned into coaching, dedicating a decade to Nova High School from 2003 to 2012. Lee Ann led the Titans to their first state playoff appearances in 2010 and 2011. She was selected to serve as the BCAA All-Star coach in 2005 and 2009.

In 2003, she was a founding member of Wildfire Volleyball along side Ore Pablos, with their goal of building volleyball players one skill at a time.

Currently, Lee Ann is a physical education teacher and head coach for the girls and boys volleyball teams at Tequesta Trace Middle.

In her personal life she finds joy in being happily married to Richie Gasbarro and raising three children—Rocco, Cali, and Tori in Plantation.

Lee Ann Niesel Gasbarro’s journey is a testament to her passion for the game and her enduring impact on the players she mentors.

I’m excited to be kicking off another year with the Wildfire Volleyball Academy family! My volleyball journey began at the age of 13, when a coach suggested I try another sport. Instead of being discouraged, I took that challenge head-on, and with years of determination and hard work, I grew into one of the top-ranked players on Long Island, NY. Along the way, I competed with elite club and Junior Olympic teams, experiences that ultimately earned me a college scholarship. I went on to compete at Dowling College, helping the Lady Golden Lions capture multiple ECC Division II championships. Later, I transferred to Stony Brook University, where I concluded my playing career and laid the foundation for the next stage of my volleyball journey, coaching. With a Minor in Education, I started coaching at Long Island Volleyball Club before moving to South Florida, where I continued teaching and mentoring athletes at the high school level. During my time in Miami Dade County Public Schools, I was honored by the Florida High School Athletic Association for my leadership and commitment to team success. One of my proudest accomplishments was building a volleyball program from the ground up, guiding young athletes not only to learn the game but to become a competitive force in their district within just a few seasons. For me, volleyball has always been more than just a sport, it’s a vehicle for building character, instilling discipline, and fostering teamwork. Those values are at the heart of how I coach. I’m excited to share my passion for the game, push my players to reach new levels on the court, and help them grow as individuals off of it.

My love for volleyball started in 1988. I was discouraged from playing by a coach. I knew nothing about the game. However, my determination to learn was greater. I played for Miami Beach Sr. High where we won a District championship. I then went on to play college volleyball at Florida Memorial University. Coach Brown-Seetal gave me my first opportunity to coach at Rebelle volleyball club and at Monsignor Pace High School. That opportunity opened the doors to coaching at the College level at Florida Memorial University. I love coaching and only hope to instill that same passion in the players I teach.

My name is Sarah Willey and I am from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I attend Barry University and I am studying Business Healthcare Administration, I also play volleyball there and I am a Libero/DS. I played my first 2 years of volleyball at Boomers Volleyball Academy, then finished my last 3 years here at Wildfire Volleyball Academy, playing in the national team and winning a bid to compete at Junior Olympics my 17’s year. This is my first year coaching and hope for many more year of this experience!

Shane Marcey is entering his 19th 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 just finished his 15th season at Sagemont Prep, where her also served as the Director of Athletics for 8 years. Shane has recently taken a position at Coral Springs Charter and is looking forward to returning full-time to Wildfire for the 2025-26 club season!

I developed a passion for volleyball at an early age during summer camps at African Square Park in Miami Fl. That passion grew stronger as would go on to compete throughout my primary and secondary education journey. I attended Miami Northwestern High school where I really started to shine under the amazing tutelage of Coach Ralph Minus who always pushed for me to maximize my skills in every aspect of the game. There were not many options to play club volleyball, but I took all my practice time seriously and with the support and dedication of my coach and teammates, it made competing at high levels all worth it. We were called the Magnificent 7 and went on to claim state runner up in 1995. I went on to be named Best Defensive Player that year and First Team All Dade for the Miami Herald Newspaper my senior year in 1996.

I started my Collegiate volleyball career at Miami Dade Wolfson for two years where my team made it to Nationals for both. I then transferred to Florida Memorial University to conclude my volleyball career as a player.

Lastly, I went on to be the Girls Head Volleyball Coach for Miramar High School for 12yrs and 2 years of club volleyball. I’m excited extend my love and passion for the sport.

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!
 

My name is Victor Castejon. I am a Systems Engineer with master’s degree in technology management from Venezuela, and I have lived in the US since 2013. I attended a military high school and a military university, where I played volleyball as a right side hitter. I am USAV IMPACT and Safe Sport Certified, and on the Bronze tier learning path on USAV Coach Academy. I started coaching at Wildfire’s IAM program two years ago. I am very excited to start my third year of coaching and share my knowledge about volleyball with young players.

Victor Gonzalez is from Dominican Republic and comes to wildfire with 7 years of overall volleyball experience. Victor played 2 years in Mater Lakes Academy Highschool as a outside hitter and has also coached there for 5 years. Victor served as an Assistant Varsity Coach, Head Junior Varsity Coach, and 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)