Meet the Coaches
Leading a team of players to victory is no easy feat and requires only the best minds in the game. That is why VIBE Volleyball chose the very best coaches in the greater Edmonton area. Read on to meet them and see what they specialize in and how they help our team members fulfill their true potential.
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We love using current Club, Junior High, High School and University coaches as our leads, supported by current University and college players as support.
U-12 VIBE ELITE
WAYLON AUGER
With over a decade of coaching experience at the junior and senior high school levels, Waylon Auger has guided athletes who've gone on to play in the ACAC for both men's and women's volleyball. Recently, he served as an assistant coach for Team Alberta 17U Men's Volleyball, leading them to gold at the 2024 Canada Cup. He will continue in this role with the 18U team at the 2025 Canada Summer Games.As a former ACAC men's volleyball player—despite his self-proclaimed 5'11" stature—Waylon's experience as an undersized outside hitter has shaped his coaching philosophy, emphasizing first-contact skills and jump technique. He advocates a player-centered approach, fostering growth both in sport and life. Waylon is currently working towards his Advanced Development Coach certification and is eager to begin his next chapter with VIBE.
U-12 VIBE VARISTY
JACQUELINE BROWN
Jacqueline Brown is an essential part of the VIBE Volleyball team, leading our U 12's with expertise and care. She brings her background as a Junior High School counselor and Volleyball Coach to our U-12 Athletes, helping young athletes build not just their physical skills, but also their mental toughness, inclusiveness, and teamwork. As a former University athlete Jacqueline will work on the fundamentals of Volleyball fostering an environment of performance and growth. As the mother of an avid volleyball player, Jacqueline understands the challenges that young athletes face, and she uses her experience to guide and support our athletes. Jacqueline aims to create a positive and supportive environment, where all players can develop their skills and learn how to work together as a team.
U-13 VIBE ELITE
JUSTIN TURNER
Our coach, Justin Turner, brings a wealth of experience to the volleyball court, having coached at various levels and played as a setter for the NAIT Ooks Men’s Volleyball team. His accolades include being an ACAC bronze medalist and earning a spot on the 1st team ACAC all-star.
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With Justin at the helm, our program emphasizes both technique and teamwork, creating a fun and supportive environment where players can thrive and develop their passion for the sport. Justin is committed to helping your child reach their full potential and achieve their volleyball goals.
U-13 VIBE ELITE AST COACH
LEXI GEDNEY
With a rich playing history that includes stints with renowned clubs like the Taber Wham and the Panthers Volleyball Club, Coach Lexi’s journey has been marked by dedication and excellence. Transitioning seamlessly from player to coach, Coach Lexi now channels her extensive experience into shaping the next generation of volleyball stars.Coach Lexi’s prowess on the court for NAIT spans various positions, showcasing versatility and adaptability that are invaluable assets in coaching. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes strategic decision-making, precise technique, and fostering a strong team dynamic, ensuring that every player under her tutelage reaches their full potential.With a string of accolades, including multiple All-Star selections and prestigious MVP awards, Coach Lexi’s achievements speak volumes about her commitment to excellence. Beyond her individual accomplishments.
U-14 VIBE ELITE
TARYN LAMB
Taryn brings a wealth of experience to the court. Having played for STAVC for three years, she earned MVP honors during her grade 11 year of high school volleyball and also competed in the 2020 Alberta Winter Games. Taryn is versatile, with experience as a middle, libero, and right side, but her primary position is as a left-side hitter.
She spent her first year of college at Seneca College in Ontario, where she studied business marketing and served as an assistant coach for the U15 Venom Vipers. Under her guidance, the team secured a gold medal at the 2024 Canada Nationals. Now, Taryn is staying closer to home to pursue Architectural Technologies and is dedicated to continuing her passion for inspiring and challenging young athletes on the court.
U-15 VIBE ELITE
VANESSA O'LEARY
Vanessa has been involved in coaching volleyball for 11 seasons, working at both the junior high and club levels (14U-18U). Throughout these seasons, she has helped players develop their game to the next level. Many of her athletes have gone on to play at the CCAA and USports levels. Vanessa was also Team Alberta’s drill coach for the 2021 and 2022 seasons and the Girls Zone 5 Alberta Winter Games Assistant Coach in 2023.
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Vanessa strongly believes in a team-first attitude and makes every team feel like family. She cares deeply about all her athletes, both on and off the court. Her coaching philosophy mirrors how she was coached: "hard work, dedication, and determination will result in success." She believes these qualities are essential for becoming a Division 1 player and has successfully pushed her athletes to achieve their goals.
Vanessa is NCCP Advanced Development certified and is excited to join Vibe. She is eager to see what this season holds!
U-15 VIBE ELITE ASST
EMMA TRAN
Emma brings multiple years of high-level playing experience to VIBE Volleyball. She played for the STAVC Saints for four years, earning MVP awards for both the 18U team and her high school team. Additionally, Emma received Metro Athletics All-Star awards in both her grade 11 and grade 12 years of school volleyball. While she has experience in every position, her main role is as a libero/defence specialist.
Currently, Emma plays as a libero/defence specialist for the Concordia University of Edmonton Women's volleyball team and is also a member of the university's badminton team. She is in her second year pursuing a Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Biology. This marks Emma's second season coaching, and she is eager to get back on the court!
U-15 VIBE ELITE ASST
VERN TRENNERY
Vern has been immersed in competitive sports his entire life, both as an athlete and a coach with over 25 years of experience. For the last 20 years, he has been actively involved in volleyball as a parent, spectator, and fan, always eager to learn and share his insights.
As a coach, Vern excels at motivating athletes and identifying their strengths to elevate their game. He values team unity and believes every player, whether on the court or the bench, plays a crucial role. Vern also understands the importance of the social aspects of sports, fostering relationships and teaching essential life skills.
With a passion for coaching and competition, Vern finds fulfillment in helping athletes grow through hard work and confidence. He looks forward to joining the 15U Elite team as an assistant coach alongside his daughter, Coach Vanessa.
U-15 VIBE VARISTY
RYAN DRAKE
Coach Drake is a seasoned coach with over 20 years of volleyball coaching experience and a strong track record in developing young players. He is the current Senior Girls coach at Lorne Akins Junior High. His personal experience through his daughter's successful volleyball journey with VIBE and his extensive school coaching expertise make him uniquely qualified to guide and mentor aspiring athletes.
Coach Drake's approach focuses on skill development, teamwork, and building confidence, ensuring that each player reaches her full potential. His dedication and passion for the sport are evident in the success of his teams and the improvement of individual players. With his guidance, your daughter will have the best chance at an amazing club experience in 2024!
U-15 VIBE VARISTY ASST
CHAR VANDENEZEN
Charlotte Vandenezen is an accomplished volleyball player currently competing at NAIT. Her passion for the sport extends beyond playing, as she also serves as a dedicated coach for VIBE Volleyball.
With her extensive experience and in-depth understanding of the game, Charlotte is committed to developing young athletes, fostering their skills, and helping them reach their full potential on and off the court.
U-15 VIBE PERFORMANCE
DEREK NICOL
Volleyball has been central to Coach Derek's life for over 35 years, evolving from a successful university playing career into 20 years of coaching with various clubs, and now VIBE Volleyball. He learned from some of Canada's best coaches and is passionate about sharing his knowledge. Derek’s coaching journey began after a collegiate career at GPRC and the U of A Bears, with notable success in guiding high-performance athletes. A standout achievement was leading a U14-U18 team, where 11 out of 12 players received post-secondary offers.
His coaching focuses on technical skill, athlete awareness, teamwork, and building mental toughness. Family is at the heart of his life, with his wife, Lana Nicoll, a MacEwan University volleyball legend, co-coaching alongside him. When not in the gym, they’re supporting their four children in various sports.
U-16 VIBE ELITE
LAURA BODNAREK
From Laura's first club season at age 10, she quickly fell in love with volleyball, starting with FOG U13 and eventually playing up for NAVC and Pandas. I competed in the Alberta Winter Games in 2014 and earned multiple MVP awards throughout junior high and high school, where I was also named Female Athlete of the Year from grades 10-12. My dedication to the sport included early morning training, Olympic lifting, and maintaining a strong GPA, which earned me a scholarship to NAIT. I played as a starting setter for two years while pursuing personal training. Volleyball has shaped me not just as an athlete but as a person, teaching me invaluable life skills like leadership, responsibility, and the importance of teamwork. Over the past five years, ILaura has assisted in coaching school and club teams, as well as providing one-on-one setter training, all while continuing to play in women’s leagues to stay connected to the game she loves.