Coaches 2025
We're pleased to have an another all star roster of coaches for the 2025 season!
18U Girls
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Sue Soolsma
Head Coach Sue is excited to return to her roots as a proud BCO alum. As a former player on the North Shore, Sue helped lead her BCO team to provincial medals and represented Team BC at the Canada Cup. With over 20 years of coaching experience, she has become a highly respected figure in the volleyball community. Sue's coaching career includes running a volleyball club in Maple Ridge for eight years, serving as the head coach for the Ducks Volleyball Club as well as coaching for 604 Volleyball Club. In addition to her club experience, Sue has made a significant impact in the Team BC programs. She has run the Ignite program, coached multiple winning teams at the Summer Games (both indoor and outdoor), and worked as an assistant for Team BC's U16 team. For the past three years, Sue has been coaching at Capilano University and managing REP North Vancouver. Having two of her three children navigate post-secondary volleyball in both the U.S. and Canada, Sue brings a wealth of insight into the student-athlete journey. As she continues to grow in her coaching journey, she is also working towards completing her Level 3 coaching certification. Sue is ready to come back to the North Shore and help support BCO athletes to become some of the top athletes in the province. |
Austyn Soolsma
Assistant Coach Austyn Soolsma grew up in Maple Ridge, where her passion for volleyball began. With over 14 years of coaching experience in the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland, Austyn has developed a strong reputation for her work with both girls' and boys' teams. She has coached many VBC programs including: BC Zones, Summer Games and Team BC. Currently, Austyn coaches for REP North Vancouver, where she’s been for the last three years, and coached for 604 Volleyball Club for the past two years. She is also an assistant coach for the Capilano University Women’s Volleyball team. Austyn is working towards completing her Level 2 coaching certification, further demonstrating her dedication to the sport and her athletes. She is excited to join the skilled group of coaches at BCO and to continue to help take athletes to the next level on the North Shore. |
17U Girls
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Markus Bratsberg
Co-Head CoachCo-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, where he won 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. Markus has been coaching for BCO as a Club Coach, Sunday League Coach, and Skills Clinic Coach for six years now. He enjoys giving back to the volleyball community through coaching just as much as playing. |
Anika Gatto
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 she won 2 OUA Championships, then transferred to Mohawk College in Ontario where she was named Female Athlete of the Year. Anika now plays for Capilano University on the North Shore. This summer she coached the LGCA senior girls and boys teams and helped them develop their skills and systematic knowledge of the game. Anika has been coaching BCO skills clinics, Sunday league, and beach camps for 5 years now and is happy that she's able to share her knowledge and experience with young athletes. |
Cal Wohlford
Assistant Coach
Assistant Coach
Cal is a very familiar face in the volleyball community and previously spent over 20 years coaching for BCO. He has over 30 years coaching experience, including:
- Assistant Coach - University Fraser Valley (2019-2020)
- Head Coach - Capilano Blues Women's Volleyball (2011-2018)
- Head Coach - Thompson River University Women's Volleyball (2008-2010)
- Assistant Coach - UBC Women's Volleyball
- Assistant Coach - SFU Women's Volleyball
He is also the founder of the well-known local volleyball clothing company, Nothing But Volleyball.
16U Girls
Shannon Hopkins
Head Coach Shannon has been coaching with BCO since 2018. She is a BCO and Queen's University varsity women's team alumni as an outside hitter. 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, and it looking forward to a great season with the 16U girls. |
Jess Young
Assistant Coach Jess grew up in East Vancouver and has coached high school and club volleyball since 2010. She is an alumni of both BCO and SFU where she played as an outside hitter. Jess coached BCO’s U14s in 2017 and 2018 before moving to Chicago for graduate school. She’s excited to be back in Vancouver and with BCO and is looking forward to helping with the U16's this year. |
Danielle Curtis
Assistant Coach
Bio coming soon!
Assistant Coach
Bio coming soon!
15U Girls
Mari Friend
Head Coach - 15U Black Mari grew up in Manhattan Beach, Southern California. She learnt to play volleyball on the beach, and quickly fell 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. |
Vanesa Gatto
Assistant Coach - 15U Black Vanesa played her club career with Ducks Volleyball and Academy Volleyball as an outside hitter. In her transition to University volleyball, she switched to libero. She has been at Capilano University on the North Shore for 5 years now. In her time at Cap, Vanesa acquired 3 all-star awards, a team MVP award, and most notably Libero of the Year in the 2022 season. She has been coaching with BCO since 2019 whether it’s through club, skills clinics, beach camps or Sunday league. Over the summer she coached the LCGA boys’ and girls’ volleyball programs, and previously the York House senior girls’ program where she developed team skills and systems through her knowledge and experience. She looks forward to doing the same with 15U girls this season. |
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Theanh Pham
Assistant Coach - 15U Black TheAnh ("Tay-On") has been actively involved in the volleyball community for over a decade, both as a player and coach. He contributed to multiple medal-winning seasons with Apex Volleyball Club and Capilano University, where he competed as a varsity athlete. Most notably, he helped lead Capilano to a National Championship in 2020 as part of the coaching staff. This year, TheAnh returns to the coaching scene with the Capilano Blues and begins his first season coaching with BCO Volleyball Club. As a recent graduate of UBC with a Master's of Physical Therapy, TheAnh brings valuable insight on athlete health, well-being, and performance development. He is excited to contribute to the growth and success of the next generation of young athletes at BCO. |
Jenny Marineau
Co-Head Coach - 15U Red Jenny is a BCO alumni and former Canadian National team player. She played for Canada for over a decade competing in multiple international events. She was a leader on our National Team and also played numerous season professionally in Europe. Spending 2 years in Belgium and 6 years in France before deciding to settle down on the North Shore. We are delighted to have Jenny back on the bench with BCO for another season. After a successful stint coaching the Brooksbank grade 6 team, Jenny also coached the grade 8 Sutherland team during the 2023 school season. It is clearly the first step in a long and successful coaching career! We are lucky to have her as part of the BCO family! |
Carmen Emslie
Co-Head Coach - 15U Red Carmen grew up in small-town, northern Alberta where she was fortunate to have a number of amazing volleyball coaches who guided her through successful school and club careers. Carmen spent most of her teenage summers playing for Team Alberta, and competed at the Canada Summer Games in 1997. Carmen went on to play for the University of Alberta Pandas from 1996-2001, winning four National Championships. After university, Carmen moved to Vancouver where she fell in love with beach volleyball and played for years until she and her husband started a family. Since then, Carmen has created a mini-volleyball program at her kids’ school, Braemar Elementary, and is loving the chance to give back through coaching. When she’s not in the gym, you can find her working with seniors in the community as a PT, playing with her three kids or hiking the north shore mountains. |
Mia Ruse
Assistant Coach - 15U Red
Bio coming soon!
Assistant Coach - 15U Red
Bio coming soon!
14U Girls
Kailee Deacon
Head Coach - 14U Black Kailee grew up competing in the OVA league in Ontario, where she developed her love of volleyball early on. She has coached extensively at camps and schools for the past 18 years, and was the Head Coach of the 13U Black team this past season. Kailee looks forward to leading the 14U Black team this upcoming season, and to continuing to foster her athletes' own love of the game. |
Nathan Overgaard
Assistant Coach - 14U Black Nathan is a second-year coach with BCO who won a gold medal at provincials with Kailee and the 13U Black team last year. He is excited to build on last season and continue to work with the 14U 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. |
Jayden Easingwood
Head Coach - 14U Red Jayden started playing volleyball in U13 in Dawson Creek, BC, before moving to Calgary. Jayden played for Canuck volleyball club, and Dr. E.P Scarlett High School in Calgary, Alberta. She played her first year of Univeristy at Saint Peter’s University, a division 1 school in New Jersey. Jayden transferred back home to Canada to pursue a degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis at Capilano University where she continued to play. Jayden has played every position but settled into the role of setting at the collegiate level. Jayden coached her first volleyball team when she was in the ninth grade; an elementary team that went on to win their first city championship. Since then Jayden has been coaching various levels for the last 7 years. |
Julia Potyok
Assistant Coach - 14U Red Julia grew up on the North Shore, where her passion for volleyball began while attending BCO camps. She competed with BCO during her 13U and 14U club seasons before continuing her volleyball journey with 604 Volleyball club. Julia is excited to return to BCO, stepping into the role of a coach to share her love for the sport. Currently a senior at Seycove Secondary, Julia has spent the past two years coaching the grade 10 volleyball team where she has gained valuable experience working on skill development and creating a positive team culture. |
13U Girls
Jen Riley
Head Coach - 13U Black 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 turned into a decision to move here for good. Jen spent the next 15+ years playing tournaments on the BC Beach Volleyball Tour with a couple of wins, but more than anything with a passion for the sport. She has continued to give back as a Volleyball BC Board Director, and now as a second year coach with BCO. Outside of volleyball, Jen is a VP at Bosa Properties, mother and founder of a mentorship program for twenty-something women. |
Alyssa Barrie
Head Coach - 13U Red/Assistant Coach -13U Black Alyssa started playing Club volleyball in grade 5 in Vernon, B.C. and has loved the game ever since. After setting for her high school team, she enrolled in UBC’s Human Kinetics & Rehabilitation Science programs. She continued to play volleyball in intramurals, adult leagues, and tournaments in Vancouver. Alyssa is an Occupational Therapist and works with children to enhance motor skill development and performance. She enjoys continuing her coaching work with youth athletics on the North Shore with BCO. Volleyball has brought fun, friends, and positive experiences to her life, so Alyssa enjoys sharing her passion for the sport with the BCO athletes. |
Janna Young
Assistant Coach -13U Red 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 and sharing her love of volleyball with young athletes. |
Barb Bellini
Assistant Coach - 13U Red 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. |
12U Girls
Kelly Evans
Coach A North Vancouver native, Kelly attended Handsworth Secondary, where she discovered her passion for volleyball, largely thanks to the influence of Neil Salkus, a teacher and BCO club founder. Although she competed in multiple sports, she ultimately focused on volleyball and is a strong advocate for the benefits of being a multi-sport athlete. In high school, Kelly played with BCO, earning spots on the BC Summer Games and BC Provincial Team and was selected for the Junior National Team. She continued her volleyball career with a Division 1 scholarship at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, where she served as co-captain. After university, Kelly returned to North Vancouver to coach at Handsworth Secondary and BCO, where it all began. After taking some time away to start a family, she is excited to resume coaching. Outside of volleyball, Kelly serves as the Registrar and a Board Member for North Shore Fast-pitch. She enjoys playing beach volleyball and spending time outdoors with her husband and two children. Kelly is dedicated to creating a positive environment where athletes can grow, develop teamwork, and build lasting friendships. She encourages young athletes to embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and thrive both on and off the court. |
Ian Young
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. He 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 have one daughter and enjoy everything the west coast has to offer. Ian is 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 12U girls. |
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Chris Chong-Ping
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 2 seasons, Chris has coached the Handsworth 8's & 9’s volleyball team to back-to-back undefeated regular seasons. 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. |
Michelle Collens
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! |
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John Martin
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 last year. |
13U Boys
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Geoff Emslie
Head Coach Geoff grew up in Kelowna, BC playing a variety of sports. As a father of three, he has coached many youth sports teams including soccer, hockey, baseball, and alpine ski racing. Geoff was fortunate to be part of a great high school volleyball program at KLO Secondary where he quickly fell in love with the game. He continued to play Team BC, club volleyball, beach volleyball and eventually played for the University of Alberta Golden Bears from 1998-2002. Geoff is very proud of the National Championship the team won in 2002. After moving to Vancouver, he joined the UBC Thunderbirds from 2003-2005. Geoff has always had a passion for beach volleyball and continued competing well into his adult life. Geoff is excited to join the coaching team at BCO and is looking forward to contributing to the growth of boys volleyball on the north shore. |
14U Boys
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Sherry Ann Walters
Head Coach Sherry-Ann grew up in Mission and played AAA volleyball. Sherry-Ann was named female athlete of the year twice and went on to play recreational volleyball until having children. Sherry-Ann returned to the court 2 years ago as a coach of the Grade 10 Sutherland girls volleyball team. Sherry-Ann led the team to the playoffs for their first appearance in 4 years! Last season Sherry-Ann took on coaching the Sr. Girls team at Sutherland where they had a winning record of 9-1 and advanced to playoffs and Zones. Sherry-Ann is very passionate about the game of volleyball and loves being back on the court. Sherry-Ann believes that hard work, communication, and dedication are what makes a strong team. |
Vince Lok
Assistant Coach Vince has coached in Vancouver and North Vancouver schools, training dedicated young athletes to establish new personal limits. He has been committed to growing the North Shore boys' volleyball scene for years. Recently, Vince's school team, the Sutherland Sabres, made their first appearance in decades at the AA Senior Boys' Provincial Championship in 2022. In 2023, Vince's BCO 14U Boys' were gold medallists at Nationals in their tier. Vince has trained athletes who have gone on to play for colleges and universities locally and in the US. He is eager to raise the next generation of athletes and to welcome receptive, diligent, and motivated athletes to grow with BCO. |
15U Boys
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Troy Atkinson
Head Coach Troy grew up in Vernon BC, as a multisport athlete competing in hockey, soccer, basketball, skiing, and volleyball. After playing for the provincial team, Volleyball became his primary sport. With many post-secondary options, Troy decided to step away from Volleyball and focus on school as he attended UVic. However, he was quick to join in men’s and coed teams before starting his coaching career at Oak Bay Highschool. Over the past 4 years, Troy has been an assistant coach for the Oak Bay senior boys’ team as well as the senior level club teams in Victoria. Troy is very active, playing on multiple rec teams and skiing during the winter. He also has a strong passion for photography and travel, having spent most of 2022 living abroad studying for his master’s degree. Troy recently completed his Masters in Global business and has moved to Vancouver to work for his family business as a part of their Global Procurement team. Now that he is settled into his new home in North Van, Troy is eager to continue his coaching career at BCO. |
Chrissy Robinson
Assistant Coach Chrissy is a cognitive science grad from SFU with a passion for volleyball. She led the SFU volleyball club for three years, running the team through tournaments in the United States and throughout the Lower Mainland, all while fostering a fun atmosphere. Born and raised in North Vancouver, Chrissy played volleyball throughout high school, university, and still enjoys the game at a recreationally competitive level. With her love for sports and interest in the mind, she’s all about teamwork and community! |
16U Boys
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Vince Lok
Head Coach Vince has coached in Vancouver and North Vancouver schools, training dedicated young athletes to establish new personal limits. He has been committed to growing the North Shore boys' volleyball scene for years. Recently, Vince's school team, the Sutherland Sabres, made their first appearance in decades at the AA Senior Boys' Provincial Championship in 2022. In 2023, Vince's BCO 14U Boys' were gold medallists at Nationals in their tier. Vince has trained athletes who have gone on to play for colleges and universities locally and in the US. He is eager to raise the next generation of athletes and to welcome receptive, diligent, and motivated athletes to grow with BCO. |
Nolan Chu
Assistant Coach Born and raised on the North Shore, Nolan developed a love for athletics at a young age. He has played many sports, but volleyball became his favourite ever since he first started. Nolan played volleyball all throughout high school and in grade 12, his school team the Sutherland Sabres, managed to make it to provincials. Also in grade 12, he was awarded athlete of the month, and senior volleyball player of the year. As for club volleyball, being forced to fill a role as a first time middle in his first year was a great learning experience for him. Over the years, Nolan has gained a serious appreciation for resilience, leadership, teamwork, and communication. These are some things he is looking forward to encouraging in young athletes. |
17U Boys
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Craig O'Dell
Head Coach Craig has grown up playing and coaching his entire life, representing his Volleyball Club and High School at multiple Provincial Championships in BC. He began coaching in his Grade 12 year, taking on Pacific Christian School's Bantam Boys and Girls Teams and has been coaching ever since 2012. He has coached at many different BC High Schools, gaining experience and wisdom from CCAA and USport Coaches. His love for Volleyball and Coaching led him to pursue a Degree in Sports Management, looking for more and more opportunities to build into the lives of youth. Craig currently works at Lions Gate Christian Academy, where he is the Athletic Director and Senior Boys Volleyball Coach. The young program (started in Fall 2022) has seen amazing growth so far (Top 10 in BCSS Rankings), having 6 rostered players win Gold at Nationals with BCO during the 2023 season! Craig hopes to continue to build up Boys Volleyball on the North Shore, creating a culture of excellence and humility within his team. |
Arvin Imbuido
Assistant Coach After moving to Canada from the Philippines at the age of 15, volleyball became an integral part of Arvin's life, sparking a passion that continued to flourish. Post high school, Arvin embarked on a coaching journey at a high school in Vancouver. He currently coaching at Lions Gate Christian Academy in North Vancouver. His coaching approach extends beyond teaching the technical aspects, aiming to instill a profound love for the game among aspiring athletes. Presently, Arvin works as a dental technician assistant, harmonizing his career with his unwavering love for the sport. He aspires to create an environment where volleyball not only nurtures skill but also fosters personal growth and a deep-seated affection for the game among budding players. |