Coaches
Tara Smith (Withers)
DIRECTOR & COACH / 16U GRIT & 12U COURAGE
Coach Tara Smith started playing club volleyball when she was eight years old. She was a four-year Varsity player at Quince Orchard High School where she was honored All-Met, Gazette, and team MVP all four years. In addition to playing club and high school volleyball, she enjoyed traveling to play grass and beach doubles. In 2010, Tara was honored as part of the Montgomery County All-Decade team, as a setter and outside hitter. Tara has been the girls JV volleyball coach and assistant girls Varsity coach at Northwest High School since 2009, assisting in Varsity’s 4th straight Regional Championship, 5th consecutive State appearance, and 4th ever State Championship. Prior, she coached boys and Co-Ed at Poolesville High School from 2006 to 2014. Tara loves everything about coaching and looks forward to sharing that love with her players!
Sarah Watson (Smith)
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR & SKILLS COACH / ALL TEAMS
Coach Sarah Watson started playing club volleyball when she was ten years old. She was a four-year Varsity player at Quince Orchard High School. Sarah was a two year All-County player as a setter and right-side (lefty) hitter. Sarah coached the Quince Orchard HS Varsity Volleyball team from 2010 to 2018. Prior, Sarah coached the Boys Varsity Volleyball team at Poolesville High School from 2008 to 2009. Sarah loves everything about coaching and looks forward to sharing that love with her players. Sarah has coached the Coed Varsity volleyball team at Quince Orchard since 2011. She has led them to the County Championship Finals and Semi-finals matches 3 out of the last 5 years.
Melba Rojas
CLUB COORDINATOR
Melba is a proud volleyball mom who fell in love with the sport when her daughter began playing in 2015. She is an MEVC OG who was “team mom” for the 16s CHAOS team during our inaugural year. She now plays an essential role in MEVC operations, including organizing club team tryouts, coordinating club team uniforms, setting up club kits, and serving as travel and tournament coordinator for our club teams. Melba serves as liaison between players, parents, coaches and club management, and is available to answer questions and help resolve issues.
Jessica Dawson
WEBMASTER & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Jessica Dawson is a vibrant, multi-talented and passionate business-oriented woman whose experience in the content and branding industry has propelled her creativity, professionalism, and understanding of the business environment. She has over the years gathered massive experience in several business fields such as marketing, administration, and management. Fueled by her passion to always create she birthed her own branding company where she creates without restriction nor barrier.
Her company, Creative Point specializes in website design, graphic design, and photography. Creative Point has a mastery of the processes of effectively communicating a brand’s message in a thoughtful and appealing way. She has joined MEVC to further expand the brand and help to be an interactive team member in the class registration process, website development, and overall communications with parents, newsletters, and announcements.
Hillary Benson
TREASURE
Hillary Benson has been managing budget and expenses for multiple companies throughout the years and happens to be a friend of Tara’s. She has graciously stepped up to collect and track Club payments, which will be mailed or sent direct to her. Please reach out directly to Hillary via the email address provided above.
Marie Davis
COACH / 18U APEX
Coach Marie started playing serious volleyball in college, where she played all four years at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). Coach Marie, originally from Burkina Faso, West Africa at the age of fourteen won a High School scholarship to attend schooling in France for her track and field (heptathlon) abilities. She won the bronze medal at the France Junior National Championship and gold at the African Junior Championship. After High School and joining UDC, she found her passion for volleyball where she played all four years. Coach Marie is currently the JV volleyball coach at Seneca Valley High School, where she started in 2017. Coach Marie has over thirteen years of experience in the health care industry and can’t wait to put love for helping and coaching others to work!
Billy Van
COACH / 17U SUMMIT
Coach Billy Van started playing volleyball freshman year in High School. He was a four-year Varsity player at Watkins Mill High School and captain 2 years. He joined the military in 2009 and had the opportunity to travel the world and play volleyball with other international players in Japan, Korea, and Europe (Germany). Returning to the states in 2015 to finish his degree he continued to play rec around the Montgomery County area, In 2016 he started coaching club working with 10-12s, 14s, 15s, and 16s. Then in 2017, joined Quince Orchard as the Girls and Co-ed Varsity assistant coach . He continues to play around the area and at UMD when he has time.
Allison Cable
COACH / 17U FLEX
Coach Allison started playing club volleyball when she was 11 years old. She was a four-year Varsity volleyball libero in Howard County from 2009 to 2013 where she was honored both All-Met and All-County. After high school, Allison continued playing volleyball at Lebanon Valley College from 2013 to 2017. She has coached club volleyball, middle school volleyball, recreational volleyball, and is the newest head Varsity volleyball coach at Quince Orchard High School.
Leah Bierly (Fuller)
COACH / 16U UNITED
Coach Bierly started playing volleyball in sixth grade in western Pennsylvania. She was an all-conference, 4-year starter at United High School and played her first year at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. She has been coaching for a total of four years, both in western Pennsylvania and in Montgomery County. She has been the girls JV coach at Poolesville High School for the past two years and she is the current girls head varsity coach at Gaithersburg High School. Coach Bierly looks forward to sharing her passion and commitment with her players.
Erin Cathcart
COACH / 15U PREMIERE & 12U COURAGE
Coach Erin Cathcart started playing recreation and club volleyball at the age of 13. Originally from Pennsylvania, she was a four-year varity High School middle hitter and all-round player. During her High School career she was twice named the district All Star, as well as named to the York County Senior All Star team. After high school Erin played volleyball at West Chester University as a defensive specialist. Coach Erin coaches the JV girls volleyball team at Northwest High School with Coach Tara. She is also an Adapted Physical Education teacher at Montgomery Village Middle School where she also coaches girls basketball. Erin looks forward to sharing her love and passion of the game with her players!
Jayanie Bubar (Basnayaka)
COACH / 15U COMMITTED
Coach Jayanie stated playing volleyball when she was 12 years old. She was a four-year Varsity volleyball player at Northwest High School and a three-year club defensive specialist player. After high school Jayanie went on to play volleyball at Montgomery College from 2009 to 2011 where she helped to lead her team to the NJCAA Division III National Finals Tournament. Jayanie assisted in coaching club volleyball for three years and currently plays recreational volleyball.
Christina Neidlinger
ASSISTANT COACH / 15U COMMITTED
Coach Christina aka Coach Neids discovered her love for volleyball during freshman year of high school in Howard County. She played on JV as a middle and libero for two years, transitioning to setting as a varsity captain for two years. Throughout high school, she also played club volleyball and competitive softball. Coach Neids currently teaches and coaching the JV volleyball team at Gaithersburg High School. As a 5’ 2” volleyball player, Coach Neids is excited to share her knowledge of the value of versatility, mindset, and big-picture thinking with her players!
Alejandra Borja
ASSISTANT COACH / 15U COMMITTED
Erin Lester
COACH / 15U or 16U MOMENTUM
Dennis Lopez
ASSISTANT COACH / 15U or 16U MOMENTUM
Coach Dennis Lopez started playing competitive volleyball at the age of 17 while he was at Montgomery Blair High school. He fell in love with the game and continued to play throughout college in recreational indoor and beach leagues. Coach Dennis starting coaching at John F. Kennedy High School in 2017 and is the Head Girls Varsity and head CoEd Varsity coach there. He coached girls Club volleyball in 2017 and 2018 and is looking forward to coaching with MEVC. In addition to coaching, Dennis also continues to play in and outdoor competitive volleyball on adult leagues. 2019 will be Coach Dennis’ first year coaching with MEVC and he is excited to share his passion for volleyball with a new club!
Jessica Salomon
COACH / 14U PRIDE
Coach Jessica Salomon starting playing club volleyball when she was 10 years old and continued until graduating High School. She played one year of JV, three years of Varsity, and four years of CoEd Volleyball at Norhtwest High School as a setter and all-round player. Jessica attended the University of Maryland where she played four years of intramural volleyball, officiated, and coached three years of Club. Jessica loves everything about volleyball is looking forward to coaching with MEVC!
Kelly Salomon
ASSISTANT COACH / 14U PRIDE
Coach Kelly Salomon started playing volleyball when she was eight years old. She played nine years of club volleyball, one year of JV, three years of Varsity, and to years of CoEd volleyball at Northwest High School. During her High School career, she assisted her team in their second straight Regional Championship, second consecutive State appearance, and 1st ever State Championship! Coach Kelly played club and intramural volleyball at the University of Maryland, as well as officiated there. Coach Kelly has been coaching recreational volleyball and camps for years and is excited to coach for MEVC and to get to know all the wonderful players!
Taryn Lowery
COACH / 14U IMPACT
Coach Taryn started playing volleyball at the young age of 11 years old. Excelling as a defensive specialist and libero, Coach Taryn played and captained all four years at at North Point High School, as well as played for Charles County Juniors Volleyball Club. Coach Taryn played four years of club and intermural Volleyball at the University of Maryland, College Park. Since college, Coach Taryn has continued to play recreational volleyball on women’s, Co-Ed, outdoor, and sand teams. Coach Taryn is currently an assistant coach for the JV and Varsity volleyball programs at Quince Orchard High School. Coach Taryn looks forward to sharing her love of the sport and coaching with MEVC!
Olivia Addis
COACH / 13U FORCE
Coach Olivia Addis started playing volleyball when she was 13 years old. She played two years of JV, two years of Varsity, and two years of CoEd volleyball at Norhtwest High School, assisting her team in their fourth straight Regional Championship, fifth consecutive State appearance, and 4th ever State Championship. In addition to playing club volleyball, Olivia also played and plays competetive beach volleyball, and has coached youth recreational volleyball teams. She is excited to be apart of MEVC and get back to coaching!
Ellison Withers
ASSISTANT COACH / 13U FORCE
Coach Ellison Withers started playing Men’s USA Volleyball in 1980. In 1983 he helped lead his team in VA USA State Champs and Regional Finals runner up in 1984 and 1988. He played grass and beach doubles and continues to play recreational. Ellison coached club volleyball from 1991 to 2003, coaching all three of his daughters, and hasn’t stopped since!
Jacob Alley
COACH / 13U HUSTLERS
Coach Jacob Aley went to his first volleyball game at the age of 3 weeks and have been around volleyball ever since. Coach Jacob was captain of the men’s Varsity Volleyball team at Poolesville High School for three of his four years on the team. He has played in recreational leagues since Elementary School and currently plays and/or subs in for several local adult leagues. Coach Jacob primarily played as a setter and outside hitter. He really enjoy helping other players develop their skills!
Kerry Bonhag (Collins)
ASSISTANCE COACH / 13U HUSTLERS
Coach Kerry Bonhag started playing club volleyball when she was 13 years old. She was a four-year girls and Co-Ed player at Sherwood High School. Kerry started her freshmen year at Sherwood HS as a JV player and was moved up to Varsity during the same season. During her high school season, Kerry helped lead the school to their first ever girls State Championship in 2006 as well as helping Co-Ed win back-to-back County Champions in 2006 and 2007. Kerry was voted MVP in 2006, 2007 and 2008, honored All Examiner Second Team in 2006 and All-Gazette First Team in 2007. After high school she accepted a volleyball scholarship to play at Wilmington University (New Castle, DE) where she was the teams starting setter. Kerry is the assistant JV girls volleyball coach at Northwest High School and co-coached the Northwest High School Co-Ed volleyball team in 2017. Kerry looks forward to sharing her love of the game with her players.
Tony Malinauskas
ASSISTANT COACH / ALL TEAMS
Coach Tony Malinauskas has been playing volleyball for over 20 years, and competitively coaching since 2013. He was a four-year Varsity player at Wootton High School and grew up playing on the mens club team Maryland Volleyball Program (MVP). Tony is the head JV volleyball coach and assistant girls Varsity coach at Wootton High School, as well as the head Varsity boys volleyball coach. His favorite part of coaching is helping players work on their individuals skills and technique.
Jacob Ricker
ASSISTANT COACH / ALL TEAMS
Coach Jacob Ricker started playing volleyball when he was six years old. He was a four-year Varsity player at Quince Orchard High School. He played on a mens club team with the Maryland Volleyball Program (MVP) in College Park, MD, and traveled to Junior Olympic nationals in 2001 and 2002. In 2002 he received the US army scholar athlete award. While attending Penn State University, focusing on his engineering degree, he played club and rec volleyball, assisted in Quince Orchards volleyball tryouts and found a new love of coaching. After graduating in 2007, he coached several seasons in the Gaithersburg city league including middle school girls, high school girls, and high school boys. In 2017, he joined Quince Orchard as the JV volleyball head coach. He continues to play in several leagues around the county.
Justin Lee
ASSISTANT COACH / ALL TEAMS
Coach Justin Lee started playing vollebyall when he was 9 years old. He was a four-year Varsity player at Poolesville High School, four-year club player during High School, four-year University of Maryland club player, and played on various nine man teams. He spent four and a half years working with the University of Maryland Women’s Volleyball program coached under both Adam Hughes and Steve Aird where he participated in coaching and organizing and working UMD Volleyball skill camps. Justin looks forward to sharing his knowledge and love for the game with others.
David Ma
ASSISTANT COACH
Coach David Ma started playing volleyball when he was nineteen years old. He was introduced to the sport from a friend and fell in love with it. Coach David is an outdoor sand and indoor player and plays recreationally. David plays and coaches any chance he can get and looks forward to sharing his passion for the game!
Cynthia Alfaro
ASSISTANT COACH
Coach Cynthia started playing volleyball when she was 13 years old. Her volleyball career began her freshman year at Clarksburg High School where she was a four-year Varsity player. Cynthia then went on to play volleyball at Montgomery College in 2011, and then Towson University, where she played club from 2012 to 2015 where she also graduated with a Bachelor’s in Sports Management. Currently, Cynthia plays, coaches and referees recreationally. Her mission is to reach and help athletes become the best they can in volleyball and life, through everything she has learned and grown in.
Victoria (Rosie) Barry
ASSISTANT COACH
Coach Rose Barry started playing volleyball when she was 14 years old. She was a four-year Varsity and two-year Co-Ed player at Poolesville High School. Rosie continued her volleyball career at the University of Delaware where she played on the schools division 1 club team all four years and was the president of the team her senior year. In addition to playing, she coached at Tower Hill College Prep School in Wilmington, DE, finishing the season 10-2, the schools first winning record in two years. Rosie looks forward to sharing her experiences and knowledge on the court with others.
CJ Leaird
ASSISTANT COACH
Coach CJ Leaird started playing volleyball when he was 14 years old. He was a four-year Varsity player at Northwest High School, four-year club player during High School, four-year University of Maryland club player, and played on various nine man teams. He spent five years working with the University of Maryland Women’s Volleyball program coached under both Adam Hughes and Steve Aird. CJ is looking forward to sharing his knowledge and love for the game with others.
Dasha Kurochkina
COACH / 12U CONQUEST
Coach Dasha started playing recreational and club volleyball when she was 10 years old and has not since stopped! Coach Dasha was a four-year player on the Varsity Volleyball team at Norhtwest High School where she not only started, but helped her team to win four consecutive years of Regional Championships and four consecutive years of State Championships. Coach Dasha has helped coached numerous Summer and Recreational Volleyball teams and is very excited to coach with MEVC!
Morgan Lowrey
ASSISTANT COACH
Coach Morgan Lowrey started playing volleyball when she was eleven years old. She was a four year player at Northwest High School, three of which were played on Varsity, helping to win three consecutive years of State Championships. Morgan played five years of competitive club volleyball, has helped coach numerous Summer and recreational volleyball teams/leagues, and is super excited about coaching with the 12U!
Talyah Huss
SUMMER COACH
Coach Talyah Huss has been playing volleyball for the past eight years. She was a four-year Varsity player, who set the record for the most amount of assists in one season (as a setter), was awarded All Conference player at her previous high school, and helped lead the Northwest High School volleyball team to their State Championship in 2017. Talyah received a volleyball scholarship to play at Montgomery College, where she is currently playing.
Julian Vaughn
PERSONAL TRAINER OWNER OF PRO-FIT BASKETBALL AND VOLLEYBALL TRAINING
Julian played at Georgetown University on a full scholarship from 2008-2011. While there, Georgetown was ranked top 25 nationally his junior and senior years, and participated in the NCAA Tournament. After graduation and a few workouts with the Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards, he went overseas to play professionally in Europe. During his career Julian played in Greece, Czech Republic, Russia, Belgium, Poland and Venezuela. Julian is NASM CPT/PES certified.