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18U GIRLS
Devlyn Lohnes
18U HEAD COACH
Devlyn played volleyball as a setter in high school, and played in local competitive beach leagues during college, where there was no varsity team. Devlyn has coached with BCO and various high school teams for 4 seasons, where he enjoys bringing his passion for sport and coaching together to help athletes improve and reach their goals. He's looking forward to another great season with the U18 girls team!
Shayan Molaie
18U ASSISTANT COACH
Shayan has been playing volleyball since the age of five and has continued to pursue the sport through every stage of his life. After moving to Canada in 2018, he competed with Team BC and Ducks Volleyball Club, and later trained with the Capilano University men's team as a red-shirt player. He has since stayed active in the game through recreational play, men’s league, super league, and various tournaments. Last season, he coached the Handsworth senior team, and now hopes to share his knowledge, experience, and love for the sport while giving back to the volleyball community.
TheAnh Pham
17U CO-COACH
TheAnh ("Tay-On") has been part of the volleyball community for over a decade, both as a player and coach. He has contributed to multiple medal-winning seasons with Apex Volleyball Club and Capilano University, where he also competed as a varsity athlete. Most notably, TheAnh was part of the Capilano University coaching staff that led the blues to a National Championship in 2020. ​ Currently, he serves as an assistant coach with the Capilano University men's volleyball program and is thrilled to step into the role of Head Coach for the 16U Black team in his second year with BCO. Outside of coaching, TheAnh works as a physiotherapist, bringing valuable expertise in athlete health, injury prevention, and performance optimization. He is passionate about fostering both the athletic and personal growth of the next generation of BCO
Simon Friesen
17U CO-COACH
Simon grew up in Abbotsford playing school volleyball for MEI, and club volleyball for FVVC. He moved to the North Shore in 2015 to go to University and play volleyball at Capilano where he played for 5 years and had a successful career there. Notable accolades include 2018 PACWEST and CCAA Player of the Year, and 2020 PACWEST and CCAA Gold Medal, and the 2020 CCAA Nationals tournament MVP. Recently, Simon has been playing volleyball recreationally in the men’s Vancouver Super League. He is also assistant coaching the Capilano Men’s Volleyball team.​
Meghan Friesen
17U ASSISTANT COACH
Meghan grew up on the North Shore, playing volleyball at Argyle, and through the BCO club system from U13 to her U18 team, winning a national championship in 2015. She decided to continue her volleyball career at Capilano University, where over her 5 years she played as a leftside, libero, and middle, winning 3 PACWEST bronze medals, a PACWEST all-rookie team, and PACWEST first team all-star award. She was also recognized for excellence in academics with a CCAA academic all-Canadian award. She has assistant coached several previous teams including Capilano University Blues from 2020-2022, Sunday leagues, BCO teams at the U15, U16, and a U18 team through the COVID lockdown season.
Carmen Emslie
17U ASSISTANT COACH
Carmen Emslie grew up in a small town in northern Alberta, where there was not much to do but play volleyball. She was extremely fortunate to have amazing coaches throughout her school, club and provincial team careers. Carmen played for the University of Alberta Pandas from 1996-2001, collecting four national championships while she was there. After university, Carmen moved to Vancouver where she fell in love with beach volleyball, competing for many years, and winning the Vancouver Open to cap it off. Carmen started coaching volleyball when her kids were young, starting a mini-volleyball program at their elementary school. She has since coached with the BCO girls program for three seasons, as well as the Handsworth Secondary boys program for one season. Carmen is looking forward to joining the BCO coaching team once again.
17U GIRLS
Natalie Crews
16U HEAD COACH
Nat grew up playing volleyball with BCO as a Middle Blocker before moving on to compete at every level of post-secondary in Canada — first at VIU (PACWEST), then Queen’s University (OUA), and finally at UFV (CanWest). Most notably, she went on to play professionally in Germany. Nat brings a wealth of playing experience and technical knowledge to the court, and she values teaching athletes not only how to improve but also why — building a deeper understanding of the game. Nat has been coaching volleyball for over 13 years, including several seasons with BCO as a Sunday League Coach and Skills Clinic Coach. She is passionate about helping athletes grow, and she loves seeing their enthusiasm for the sport develop.​
Tova Rae
16U ASSISTANT COACH
Tova has been coaching development, high school and club volleyball for the past 12 years. Most recently, she has continued to grow her high performance coaching experience at the post-secondary and provincial team levels. Some highlights she has seen with teams she has head coached over the past few years have been a Provincial U18 gold in 2023 and a Canada Cup Gold in 2024 with Team BC U16 girls. She played in the PacWest for VIU from 2016-2018 where they brought home two provincial championships, a national bronze and two National championships. She participated in the inaugural year of Volleyball BC's Female Coach Mentorship Program in 2023 and has hosted professional development coaching workshops in the local community for elementary school teachers to continue growing the skills and love for volleyball in young athletes in North Van.
Kailee Deacon
16U ASSISTANT COACH
Kailee is entering her fifth season coaching with BCO. Last year, she, Natalie Crews and Nathan Overgaard guided the 15U Black girls team to an outstanding Tier 1, 3nd-place finish at provincials, and a top 10 finish in Tier 1 at Nationals. Kailee’s love for volleyball began early, growing up in Ontario where she competed in the club OVA league as well as for her school. For the past 20 years, she has shared that passion through extensive coaching in schools, camps, and with BCO over the past four seasons. This year, Kailee is excited to be one of the assistant coaches for the 16U Black team. She looks forward to continuing to inspire her athletes and supporting their growth both in skill and in their love for the game.
16U GIRLS
BLACK TEAM
Mitra Shad
16U HEAD COACH
Mitra Shad is the co-founder and current Director of the Kitsilano Women's Beach Volleyball Club (KWVC), hosting competitive events for women throughout the beach season since 2017. In addition to running KWVC, Mitra is a current beach volleyball athlete playing on the Volleyball BC Pro Tour since 2016 and a member of the VBC Player's Committee. She has previously coached indoor U16 at Pacific Coast Beach Volleyball Club, but has now returned to her roots on the North Shore and is excited to make an impact with BCO, her hometown club. Mitra's career as a marketing executive has also given her ample experience in leading, coaching and mentoring teams across multiple markets like Canada, US and Asia.
16U GIRLS
RED TEAM
Markus Brastberg
15U CO-HEAD COACH
Markus grew up playing Volleyball on the North Shore for BCO while attending Argyle Secondary School. Shortly after his club career, he began his post-secondary endeavours at Capilano University, winning a national championship with the team in 2020 as a libero. After post-secondary Markus spent a year playing with the 2022 Canadian beach National team in Ontario, where his knowledge of the game grew alongside some incredible experiences. He has been coaching for BCO for seven years now, and enjoy giving back to the volleyball community through coaching just as much as playing.
Anika Gatto
15U CO-HEAD COACH
Anika grew up playing volleyball for the Coquitlam Ducks and Academy Volleyball as a libero. She played at the University of Toronto where they won 2 OUA Championships then transferred to Mohawk college in Ontario where she was named Female Athlete of the Year. To finish her University career, she played at the Capilano University on the north shore. This summer Anika coached the LCGA senior girls and boys teams and helped them develop their skills and systematic knowledge of the game. She has been coaching BCO skills clinics, Sunday league, and beach camps for 6 years now and is happy that she is able to share her knowledge and experience with young athletes.
15U GIRLS
BLACK TEAM
Cole Appleton
15U HEAD COACH
Cole Appleton enters his third season with BCO Volleyball Club. Bringing five years of coaching experience across U11–U18 development programs, private training, camps, and club teams. Most recently serving as an assistant coach for the U14 Red team in the 2025/2026 season. As a coach, Cole focuses on developing strong technical skills while helping athletes build confidence, compete with purpose, and understand the game. His own experience as a collegiate athlete with the Capilano University Men’s Volleyball Team from 2022–2025 has shaped his approach to coaching and given him an appreciation for the work that goes into developing athletes both on and off the court Beyond the volleyball court, Cole serves as the Head Coach at Kelowna Yacht Club, bringing over 8 years of leadership in outdoor sport management and youth instruction. Across all disciplines, his goal remains the same. Empowering athletes to build confidence, master their craft, and forge a lifelong passion for sport.
Melissa Pesch
15U ASSISTANT COACH
Melissa is an enthusiastic and dedicated coach who brings a deep-rooted passion for athletic development and positive team culture to the BCO staff. Growing up as a multi-sport athlete, her dedication earned her a spot as a middle on the Capilano University varsity team, where she was proud to be part of the team during their 2024 return to nationals after 17 years. That varsity experience taught her firsthand the value of role modeling, work ethic, and selfless team commitment. With nearly 10 years of coaching experience across volleyball, basketball, gymnastics, and strength training, she brings a broad athletic foundation to the gym. Her volleyball background includes four-plus years with the BCO Sunday League, alongside two years of experience head coaching grade 8 and junior high school girls volleyball teams. As a multi-time CCAA National Scholar, she understands the discipline required to balance high academic standards with competitive sport, bringing that same structured focus to her coaching. Melissa blends high-level technical feedback with a warm, supportive style built on integrity, growth, mutual respect, and accountability, focusing on developing resilient, self-confident athletes while transforming individual talent into cohesive team success.
15U GIRLS
RED TEAM
Nathan Overgaard
14U HEAD COACH
Nathan is a fourth-year coach with BCO who won a gold medal at provincials with Kailee and the 13U Black team 2024 year. He is excited to build with a new team for 14U this season. Nathan also coaches volleyball for his former high school's team. Nathan grew up on the North Shore playing volleyball with BCO, and attended Queen's University for his undergrad. He is now attending UBC for a graduate program in nursing. He has continued to play intramural and beach volleyball since graduating in 2019, and loves both playing and coaching the sport at a high level.
Ashley Smith
14U ASSISTANT COACH
Ashley grew up playing and coaching volleyball on the North Shore with Handsworth, BCO, and Thunder as a setter from 2016 to 2020. She captained the Handsworth Senior Team to a 4th-place finish at AAAA Provincials, co-captained U18 BCO Black, and was named North Shore Player of the Year and First Team All-Star in 2020. ​ Ashley brings extensive experience in leadership, strategy, and models a growth mindset. She is passionate about developing young athletes not only in their technical skills but also in their confidence, understanding of the game, and ability to reach their full potential.
Barb Bellini
14U ASSISTANT COACH
Barb grew up in South Surrey and started playing volleyball in Gr. 8 and found an instant passion for the sport. Barb continued to play Team BC and club volleyball in White Rock until she was recruited to play at UBC. Barb played at UBC from 1995 - 2000 and eventually earned a spot on the Team Canada Women's Volleyball roster. Barb represented Team Canada from 1997 - 2004 as well as played on various Professional Teams throughout Europe, Asia and Puerto Rico during that time. Barb is grateful for all the amazing experiences she had through volleyball from the friendships, coaches, and competitions. She recognizes all that sport can contribute to an athlete's life at any level and is excited to be coaching a younger generation of future athletes.​
14U GIRLS
BLACK TEAM
TBD
14U HEAD COACH
Bio Coming Soon!
14U GIRLS
RED TEAM
Chris Chong-Ping
13U HEAD COACH
Meet Coach Chris, a volleyball enthusiast who found the sport after high school and has been making up for lost time ever since. While you won’t find any impressive College or National team stats in his bio, you will find a consistent track record of adult recreational leagues, tournaments on beach, grass, and indoor courts alike. Perhaps Coach Chris’s finest volleyball achievement was meeting his wife through indoor volleyball and convincing her to let him join her coed team. For the past 4 seasons, Chris has head coached the Handsworth grade 8’s/9’s volleyball team and this season helped guide the 8’s team to win the Northshore Championships. Known for his dedication in executing perfect tosses and hitting down balls, Coach Chris is here to help young players develop solid volleyball fundamentals, technique and IQ
Skye Rohani
13U ASSISTANT COACH
Skye grew up playing volleyball on the North Shore, including with BCO, and has been involved in coaching since her senior year of high school. She recently graduated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Science and came back to coach Vancouver club teams last year. She is passionate about helping young athletes develop their skills, confidence, and love for the game.
13U GIRLS
BLACK TEAM
Alyssa Barrie
13U CO-COACH
Alyssa’s coaching philosophy is centred on helping young athletes build a strong foundation of skills, confidence, and teamwork that will support their volleyball development for years to come. At 13U, athletes are at an important stage of developing technical skills and learning the game, and she loves creating a positive, competitive, and development-focused environment where players can challenge themselves, have fun, and grow together as a team. With a background in Occupational Therapy and professional experience supporting children’s development, motor skills, and well-being, Alyssa brings a thoughtful and empowering approach to teaching volleyball. She draws on her understanding of movement and motor learning to break down technical skills, develop strong movement patterns, meet athletes where they are, and encourage them to take an active role in their own development. Having played club volleyball from a young age herself, Alyssa knows how meaningful the sport can be beyond the court. She is passionate about building a team culture where athletes learn to compete for one another, support their teammates, and take pride in contributing to the group—on and off the court. This will be Alyssa’s seventh team with BCO, and she is especially excited to coach 13U Red alongside Coach Felicity this season.
Felicity Brempong
13U CO-COACH
Felicity Brempong, originally from North Vancouver, discovered her love for volleyball at a young age. She graduated from Handsworth Secondary School in 2002 and played club volleyball with BCO every year throughout high school, where she built many fond memories and lifelong friendships that continue to this day. She also competed at the BC Summer Games, further fueling her passion for the sport. Her hard work paid off when she earned a full NCAA scholarship, going on to play at Western Carolina University and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, where she graduated in 2006. During her time in North Carolina, Felicity met her partner, and together they have built a life back in North Vancouver, where they are now raising their three children. After stepping away from the game to focus on family and her professional career, Felicity is thrilled to return to volleyball as a coach with BCO. She is passionate about giving back to the sport that has given her so much and looks forward to helping young, dedicated athletes develop their skills, grow their confidence, and discover the same love of the game that shaped her own journey
13U GIRLS
RED TEAM
Jen Riley
12U HEAD COACH
Originally from Toronto, Jen had the unique experience of walking on to the varsity team at Queen’s University without previous club experience and finished her four year tenure as MVP and team captain. She moved west in 2003, where a summer of beach volleyball at Kits that turned into 15+ years playing tournaments on the BC Beach Volleyball Tour, and moving here for good. She has continued to give back as a Volleyball BC Board Director, and now as a third year coach with BCO both indoors and on the beach (her true love!). Outside of volleyball, Jen is the CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce, a mother and founder of a mentorship program for twenty-something women.
Janna Young
12U CO-COACH
Janna grew up in Calgary, AB. She started playing volleyball in Grade 7 and immediately fell in love with the sport. She played volleyball year-round; on school teams, on the U of C club team and on the Alberta provincial team until she graduated from high school. Janna continued her volleyball career, playing on the UBC volleyball team from 1994-1999. Janna stayed in Vancouver after graduation and continued studies at UBC to become an Occupational Therapist. Janna now lives and works in North Van. When not working, Janna loves spending time with her family and enjoys swimming, biking, hiking and running. Janna is looking forward to coaching with BCO, sharing her love of volleyball with young athletes.
Anna Liniewski
12U CO-COACH
Anna grew up playing volleyball for Ducks Volleyball Club as a Middle Blocker before competing at both the CCAA and USPORTS levels in Canada. Anna is a Saint Mary’s University alum and currently plays with the Capilano Blues as both a Middle Blocker and Rightside. Anna has coached for about 6 years, ranging across local clinics, Sunday League, BCO skills clinics, beach camps and prep camps. She is passionate about improving athletes technical skills while maintaining a fun environment for athletes to thrive in.
12U GIRLS
Jen Riley
11U HEAD COACH
Originally from Toronto, Jen had the unique experience of walking on to the varsity team at Queen’s University without previous club experience and finished her four year tenure as MVP and team captain. She moved west in 2003, where a summer of beach volleyball at Kits that turned into 15+ years playing tournaments on the BC Beach Volleyball Tour, and moving here for good. She has continued to give back as a Volleyball BC Board Director, and now as a third year coach with BCO both indoors and on the beach (her true love!). Outside of volleyball, Jen is the CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce, a mother and founder of a mentorship program for twenty-something women.
Andrea Barrett
11U ASSISTANT COACH
Andrea Barrett is a former high-performance volleyball athlete with experience at the varsity, national, and international levels in both indoor and beach volleyball. She played varsity volleyball as a libero at Simon Fraser University and was a member of the Women's Senior National Indoor Team in 2007. On the beach, Andrea was part of the very first Team BC Beach Team and, with her partner, won the U20 Beach Volleyball National Championship and a bronze medal at the 2001 Canada Games. In 2002, the pair competed at the U21 Junior World Championships in Italy, finishing 9th. Today, Andrea is co-owner, personal trainer and fitness coach at Elite Performance in Vancouver, where she helps adults and teens move well, build strength, and train for their goals. Having been shaped by some amazing coaches throughout her career, she is excited to give back as an assistant coach with the BCO U11 girls team. As a mom of two young kids who are both interested in volleyball, she is looking forward to sharing her love of the game with the next generation.
Marlis Yassin
12U ASSISTANT COACH
Marlis has been passionate about sports from a young age, growing up as a multi-sport athlete. Her athletic experience included the opportunity to compete at the BC Summer Games in volleyball, giving her an early appreciation for competitive sport and teamwork. She went on to enjoy competitive adult leagues with friends, both indoors and on the beach. For the past two years, Marlis has been an assistant coach at Handsworth for the Grade 8 and 9 teams. As a coach, Marlis is excited to share her love of volleyball with young athletes while helping them build strong fundamentals, confidence, and a positive approach to competition. She believes sport is about more than developing skills – it is also an opportunity for athletes to learn teamwork, resilience, sportsmanship, and how to support one another. Her goal is to create a positive and encouraging environment where players work hard, have fun, and develop a lasting love for the game.