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Markus Brastberg
18U 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
18U 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.
Cal Wohlford
18U ASSISTANT COACH
Cal Wohlford is a professional volleyball coach with extensive experience across multiple levels of play—from 14U club to professional international adult teams in both indoor and beach volleyball. He started coaching for BCO in 1989. Recognized as a clear communicator who builds positive, productive relationships with players and staff, Cal was a head coach at Capilano University from 2012-2018, where he led the women’s volleyball team to multiple provincial bronze medals and a national championship appearance. He has also served as the head coach at Thompson Rivers University and the Lindesburg Volleyball Elite team in Sweden. Prior to that, he has been the assistant coach at UBC, Simon Fraser, and the University of the Fraser Valley. He has also been an instructor at the West Vancouver Academy. Currently, Cal is a mentor coach for all the BCO club teams, where he continues to inspire and guide young athletes and coaches.
18U GIRLS
Mark Mahl
17U HEAD COACH
With over 30 years of coaching experience at the High School, Club, Provincial Team, College & University, levels of the game — from grassroots to national competition — for both men’s and women’s programs. His career highlights include 2 Women’s Provincial Golds and a National Gold medal, as well as time spent coaching with Canada’s Junior National Teams. Mark is passionate about helping young women grow their skills, understand the finer points of the game, and develop strong on-court strategy. He believes volleyball should always be fun, supportive, and a place where athletes can thrive both on and off the court. ​"It is all about the experience and the journey!"
Devlyn Lohnes
17U ASSISTANT COACH
Devlyn is back with the club after stepping away briefly for post-secondary studies. He 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 3 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 U17 girls team!
Shayan Molaie
17U 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.
17U GIRLS
TheAnh Pham
16U HEAD 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
Mari Friend
16U ASSISTANT COACH
Mari grew up in Manhattan Beach, Southern California. She learnt to play volleyball on the beach, and quickly feel in love with the game and moved to indoor. As a left handed setter, she found her attacking mindset was able to get her to the next level. Mari was offered a full-scholarship and played 4 years for UC Santa Barbara, a NCAA div 1 program. Most notably she was part of the team that won the Big West Conference and made it to the Sweet 16. ​ Mari met her husband, a UCSB soccer player which eventually brought them back to Vancouver to raise their family of 3 kids. Mari is a certified pilates instructor and has worked with many professional athletes keeping them healthy and supporting them back from injury. She now loves being on the court with the BCO athletes seeing the love and skill of volleyball develop within each of them. ​
Meghan Friesen
16U 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.
Simon Friesen
16U ASSISTANT 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.​
16U GIRLS
BLACK TEAM
Charlotte Hill
16U HEAD COACH
Charlotte Hill grew up on the North Shore as a dedicated multi-sport athlete, focusing primarily on volleyball and soccer. She played volleyball throughout high school at Sentinel Secondary and continued her passion for the game in intramural and recreational leagues while completing her Kinesiology degree at UBC. A former BCO setter from 15U to 18U, Charlotte brings to the club 9 years of experience coaching youth sport; soccer, volleyball and multisport programs. She was the assistant coach of the BCO 13U Black team during the 2020/21 season. Now a graduate with more time to give back, Charlotte is excited to inspire and mentor the next generation of volleyball players.
Aspen Nemeth
16U ASSISTANT COACH
Aspen has been actively involved in the volleyball community for several years, she has competed across school and club earning multiple provincial medals along the way. Her accomplishments include representing her region at the BC Summer Games, winning a BC High School Provincial Championship, and securing silver and bronze finishes at BC Club Provincials. In addition to her competitive background she has experience volunteering as a youth coach, sharing her knowledge and passion for the sport with younger athletes. Aspen is a certified personal trainer, bringing a strong understanding of strength development, movement mechanics, and athlete performance to her coaching. She is eager to bring her experience, enthusiasm, and dedication to athlete growth to BCO Volleyball Club this season.
Ashley LeSage
16U ASSISTANT COACH
Ashley grew up on the North Shore playing soccer and volleyball. Ashley played both sports all her high school years at Sentinel Secondary and continued her volleyball career playing at Capilano University. She spent 3 years with the Blues earning a PacWest Silver medal while also earning her Communication Degree. She helped coach the Blues team in the year after she finished playing. ​ A former BCO middle at 17U and 18U Ashley is excited to help mentor the next generation of BCO athletes
16U GIRLS
RED TEAM
Kailee Deacon
16U HEAD COACH
Kailee is entering her fourth season coaching with BCO. Last year, she and assistant coach Nathan Overgaard guided the 14U Black girls team to an outstanding Tier 1, 2nd-place finish at provincials, and a gold in Tier 2 Nationals in Calgary. 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 three seasons. This year, Kailee is excited to be the Head Coach for the 15U 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.
Natalie Crews
16U ASSISTANT 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 11 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.​
Nathan Overgaard
17U ASSISTANT COACH
Nathan is a third-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 on last season and continue to work with the 15U team 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.
15U GIRLS
BLACK TEAM
Caren Rose
15U HEAD COACH
Caren started playing volleyball at Handsworth in grade 8, and BCO in grade 9, under the leadership of Neil Salkus and Mike Rockwell. She had 3 successful years on the Handsworth team from grades 10-12 finishing 1st, 2nd and 4th at provincials, cementing the impact of volleyball on her development as an athlete and teammate. Caren went on to play junior varsity volleyball at UBC. Caren has returned to coaching in the last few years taking on the BCO U13 Red team in 2024, and Handsworth grade 8s and 9s in 2024 and 2025. When she is not on the volleyball court, you can find Caren playing ultimate or pickleball somewhere. Caren is excited to come back to BCO to coach the U15 Red team.
Ashley Smith
15U 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.
Shannon Hopkins
15U ASSISTANT COACH
This is Shannon’s 8th consecutive year coaching for BCO Volleyball Club. As a BCO alumni, Shannon returned back to the club in 2016 following the completion of her varsity career as an outside hitter at Queen’s University. Shannon has a variety of experience coaching North Shore athletes. She has coached a range of club age groups, coached at North Vancouver’s Volleyball Canada Regional Excellence Program, and was an assistant coach with the women’s varsity team at Capilano University. Shannon loves to help young athletes strengthen and develop the foundational volleyball skills.
15U GIRLS
RED TEAM
Alyssa Barrie
14U HEAD COACH
Alyssa discovered her love of club volleyball in grade 5 and played as a setter throughout high school. During her time at UBC, she studied Human Kinetics and Rehabilitation Sciences while continuing to enjoy the game through intramurals, adult leagues, and tournaments. Now in her fourth season and sixth team with BCO, Alyssa enjoys helping young athletes build skills, confidence, and a love for the sport. As an Occupational Therapist, she works with children to support growth and development, and she brings that same encouragement and positivity to the court. Volleyball has given Alyssa lifelong friendships, and she is grateful for the opportunity to share that joy with the BCO community.
Jen Riley
14U ASSISTANT 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.
Markus Bratsberg
14U ASSISTANT 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
14U ASSISTANT 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.
14U GIRLS
BLACK TEAM
Barb Bellini
14U CO-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.​
Janna Young
14U 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.
Cole Appleton
14U ASSISTANT COACH
Bio Coming Soon!
14U GIRLS
RED TEAM
Kelly Evans
13U CO-COACH
A North Vancouver native, Kelly discovered her passion for volleyball at Handsworth Secondary, inspired by teacher and club founder Neil Salkus. While she competed in multiple sports, volleyball became her focus. She played with BCO, earned spots on the BC Summer Games and BC Provincial Team, and was selected for the Junior National Team. Kelly continued her career on a Division 1 scholarship at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, where she served as co-captain. After university, she returned home to coach at Handsworth and BCO. Last season, Kelly coached club again and thoroughly enjoyed supporting the development of young athletes and seeing the tremendous strides they made both on and off the court. She looks forward to building on that momentum with the U13s this year. ​ Outside of volleyball, Kelly serves as Registrar and Board Member for North Shore Fastpitch. She enjoys playing beach volleyball and spending time outdoors with her husband and two children. Kelly is committed to creating a positive, growth-focused environment where athletes can embrace challenges, develop teamwork, and build lasting friendships.​
Michelle Collens
13U CO-COACH
Coach Michelle was introduced to club volleyball in grade 8, where she found her passion playing for Ichiban Volleyball Club. A graduate of Centennial high school, she captained the team to an undefeated season, winning the AAAA BC High School Provincial Championships. With numerous core memories made from team road trips and experiences playing at the BC Games, Canada Games and later with the UBC Thunderbirds it was a natural fit to transition from player to coach and share her passion for sport. Coaching U15-U17 with both Kelowna Volleyball Club and Thunder Volleyball Club for 10 years, Michelle has extensive experience supporting athletes in their growth and development as they prepare for post secondary recruitment. Michelle is an active member of the amateur sport community having volunteered with Volleyball BC, BC Golf, KidSport Vancouver, UBC Thunderbird Athletics Council, and is currently on the board of Golf Canada and the 2025 Invictus Games. Now a resident of North Vancouver, she is excited to return to coaching with BCO and learn all things about tripleball! Her key goals with athletes is to instill confidence, foster teamwork and develop great work ethic. Let’s go BCO!
13U GIRLS
BLACK TEAM
Ian Young
13U CO-COACH
Ian grew up in Ontario playing every sport he could. In high school he started playing club volleyball and was all set to play at Brock University when the men’s program folded just before his first year. Ian quickly switched gears and walked on with the varsity swim team where he was lucky to find an amazing coach who changed his life athletically. While it all worked out for the best, it was tough to leave competitive volleyball behind! Ian and his wife moved to BC in 2008 and never looked back. They’ve got one daughter and enjoy everything the west coast has to offer. Ian excited to get back to this great sport, to learn from the experienced coaches and staff at BCO, and to chip in where he can to foster a positive introduction to club volleyball for our 13U girls.
John Martin
13U CO-COACH
John grew up in rural Ontario playing multiple sports where he was fortunate to have a great high school volleyball coach that led to an opportunity to play for the University of Windsor Lancers and later for the Bermuda national indoor and beach teams. John has been in Vancouver since 2008 and has three daughters. He has been coaching soccer teams over the last 11 years and coached a U14 volleyball club team in the 2024 year​.
13U GIRLS
RED TEAM
Chris Chong-Ping
12U 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 3 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
Karissa Kirkwood
12U ASSISTANT COACH
Karissa played with BCO from U13 to U18 as a left side hitter. During her time with BCO, she won a provincial gold and two provincial bronze medals. She also had success in beach volleyball, winning three consecutive provincial championships and capturing a national championship in 2024. At Sentinel Secondary, she won a provincial championship and was named a BC school sports First-team All-Star for two consecutive years. Karissa has been coaching the BCO Sunday League for three years and spent her summer at LGCA, helping coach at the BCO High-Performance Camps. ​ Off the court, Karissa is pursuing her studies in engineering at Capilano University, with plans to transfer to the University of British Columbia next year. She is looking forward to the fun season ahead!​
12U GIRLS
BLACK 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.
Felicity Brempong
12U ASSISTANT 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
Anna Liniewski
12U ASSISTANT 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
RED TEAM