Cody Hanson - Owner / Club Director
e-mail Cody: www.fortworthfirevolleyball@gmail.com
Cody was born and raised in Amarillo, Texas. He has been married to his wife and high school girls friend Christi for over 20 years. Together they have two daughters, Celeste and Courtney. Cody played baseball at Angelo State University and then finished his degree up at UTA. He has a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction as well as a Masters Degree in Educational Technology. He was a teacher for 15 years.
Cody played all sports growing up. He has been coaching since 1999 (baseball, football, basketball, track, swimming, and of course, volleyball). He has been a club coach for over 10 years. This will be Cody’s fourth year with FW Fire. In addition to his club and HS coaching experiences, Cody has coached teams that traveled and played in Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, Milan, Florence and all over Australia.
Cody is Impact and Safe Sport certified. In addition, he has his Gold Medal Squared and CAP 1 certifications.
Favorite quotes:
“To be really good, failure is not only okay...it is necessary. Only then can we learn and move forward.”
e-mail Cody: www.fortworthfirevolleyball@gmail.com
Cody was born and raised in Amarillo, Texas. He has been married to his wife and high school girls friend Christi for over 20 years. Together they have two daughters, Celeste and Courtney. Cody played baseball at Angelo State University and then finished his degree up at UTA. He has a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction as well as a Masters Degree in Educational Technology. He was a teacher for 15 years.
Cody played all sports growing up. He has been coaching since 1999 (baseball, football, basketball, track, swimming, and of course, volleyball). He has been a club coach for over 10 years. This will be Cody’s fourth year with FW Fire. In addition to his club and HS coaching experiences, Cody has coached teams that traveled and played in Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, Milan, Florence and all over Australia.
Cody is Impact and Safe Sport certified. In addition, he has his Gold Medal Squared and CAP 1 certifications.
Favorite quotes:
“To be really good, failure is not only okay...it is necessary. Only then can we learn and move forward.”
11 Coaches
Stephanie Kalbfleisch - 11 Purple Head Coach
e-mail Stephanie: fortworthfirevolleyball@yahoo.com
This will be Stephanie's seventh year with Fort Worth Fire. She was Fire's founding owner. Stephanie was a volleyball/basketball coach and an art teacher for over 16 years at Southwest Christian School and served part of that time as an athletic director. She also was a volunteer volleyball/basketball coach for the Benbrook YMCA for 3 years. Currently she has over 23 years of coaching experience. She is IMPACT/CAP I certified. Gold Medal Squared certified. Stephanie played college volleyball and basketball at Texas Wesleyan University all four years where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management. Stephanie was a two-year All-American volleyball player and was selected on the 1st Team All-Tournament Nationals Team in volleyball and All-Conference and All-District teams in basketball. She has been married for 26 years, has two children, loves outdoor activities and teaching private art lessons(p0ttery) and maintaining physical fitness doing Crossfit and APEC at Game On. Stephanie is also an active member at Trinity Bible Church in Willow Park and serving at Beautiful Feet Ministries and supporting Grace House Ministries in Weatherford, Texas and serves on the board of directors at Rehema Home in Nairobi Africa.
e-mail Stephanie: fortworthfirevolleyball@yahoo.com
This will be Stephanie's seventh year with Fort Worth Fire. She was Fire's founding owner. Stephanie was a volleyball/basketball coach and an art teacher for over 16 years at Southwest Christian School and served part of that time as an athletic director. She also was a volunteer volleyball/basketball coach for the Benbrook YMCA for 3 years. Currently she has over 23 years of coaching experience. She is IMPACT/CAP I certified. Gold Medal Squared certified. Stephanie played college volleyball and basketball at Texas Wesleyan University all four years where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management. Stephanie was a two-year All-American volleyball player and was selected on the 1st Team All-Tournament Nationals Team in volleyball and All-Conference and All-District teams in basketball. She has been married for 26 years, has two children, loves outdoor activities and teaching private art lessons(p0ttery) and maintaining physical fitness doing Crossfit and APEC at Game On. Stephanie is also an active member at Trinity Bible Church in Willow Park and serving at Beautiful Feet Ministries and supporting Grace House Ministries in Weatherford, Texas and serves on the board of directors at Rehema Home in Nairobi Africa.
12 Coaches
13 Coaches
Ariane Durham: 13 Purple Head Coach
Email Coach Ari : arianedurham@live.com
Coach Ari has played volleyball since the age of 10 in her home town, Belo Horizonte-MG, in Brazil. In Brazil, volleyball options were through clubs and with her club team they were State Champions for 3 years in a row. Ari started pursuing professional teams in Brazil after graduating from high school. She played semi-professionally for two years before she was recruited to play for Northwestern State University of Louisiana, a Division I school in the USA. With no English, the school sent her to play her first two years of college at NEO, in Miami-OK, where she earned All-American in her Freshman year. She graduated at NEO as a sophomore and transferred to NSU in 2006. At NSU, she lead the team in blocks, kills and service aces. Ari graduated in 2009 and moved to Fort Worth.
After College she coached for KSA volleyball Club for 4 years as a 15's-16's head coach, She was also JV/Varsity assistant coach at Calvary Christian Academy for the same 4 years.
She is married to Tyler Durham, and mother of Rachel, Emily, and the new addition Isabella. She has been coaching for Fort Worth Fire for this past 3 years as a white and purple team coach. While she is not coaching she is a homeschool mom, a pastors wife, and a ministries volunteer. Coach Ari has the passion for coaching and a passion for the Lord. Her coaching approach comes from teaching a solid and consistent fundamental skill of volleyball while developing the athlete's passion for the sport and for the ways of the Lord. Coach Ari is IMPACT and SAFE SPORT certified.
Email Coach Ari : arianedurham@live.com
Coach Ari has played volleyball since the age of 10 in her home town, Belo Horizonte-MG, in Brazil. In Brazil, volleyball options were through clubs and with her club team they were State Champions for 3 years in a row. Ari started pursuing professional teams in Brazil after graduating from high school. She played semi-professionally for two years before she was recruited to play for Northwestern State University of Louisiana, a Division I school in the USA. With no English, the school sent her to play her first two years of college at NEO, in Miami-OK, where she earned All-American in her Freshman year. She graduated at NEO as a sophomore and transferred to NSU in 2006. At NSU, she lead the team in blocks, kills and service aces. Ari graduated in 2009 and moved to Fort Worth.
After College she coached for KSA volleyball Club for 4 years as a 15's-16's head coach, She was also JV/Varsity assistant coach at Calvary Christian Academy for the same 4 years.
She is married to Tyler Durham, and mother of Rachel, Emily, and the new addition Isabella. She has been coaching for Fort Worth Fire for this past 3 years as a white and purple team coach. While she is not coaching she is a homeschool mom, a pastors wife, and a ministries volunteer. Coach Ari has the passion for coaching and a passion for the Lord. Her coaching approach comes from teaching a solid and consistent fundamental skill of volleyball while developing the athlete's passion for the sport and for the ways of the Lord. Coach Ari is IMPACT and SAFE SPORT certified.
Kenley Buckholt: 13 Purple Asst. Coach
e-mail Kenley: kenleyelam@gmail.com
Kenley has been with FW Fire since the beginning and has worked with multiple teams throughout her time here in the 13’s-14’s age divisions. She also enjoys being active in the summer programming that Fire offers.
Kenley grew up playing volleyball in the DFW area at multiple clubs. She also played on the 2009 Sisters Cities USA junior olympic team that participated in the Tricolore Olympiade in Reggio Emilio, Italy. Kenley graduated from Western Hills HS where she was a 3x All District First Team selection, 2x MVP, and scholar athlete. Kenley attended Southern Nazarene University, NCAA DII school in Bethany, Oklahoma to play volleyball where her team made four post conference tournament appearances during her time there. In 2016, they became the first team in school history to receive a Great American Conference Championship title and went on to the NCAA National Tournament. Kenley graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from SNU and also holds a Master of Science in Kinesiology from Texas Woman’s University. Kenley is currently a physical education/health teacher and volleyball/softball coach at Azle High School.
Aside from sports, Kenley also has a passion for mission service and has lead teams in Kosovo, Albania, Macedonia, and Australia teaching English classes, doing children/youth outreach, and sports ministry.
1st Corinthians 9:24-25 “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
e-mail Kenley: kenleyelam@gmail.com
Kenley has been with FW Fire since the beginning and has worked with multiple teams throughout her time here in the 13’s-14’s age divisions. She also enjoys being active in the summer programming that Fire offers.
Kenley grew up playing volleyball in the DFW area at multiple clubs. She also played on the 2009 Sisters Cities USA junior olympic team that participated in the Tricolore Olympiade in Reggio Emilio, Italy. Kenley graduated from Western Hills HS where she was a 3x All District First Team selection, 2x MVP, and scholar athlete. Kenley attended Southern Nazarene University, NCAA DII school in Bethany, Oklahoma to play volleyball where her team made four post conference tournament appearances during her time there. In 2016, they became the first team in school history to receive a Great American Conference Championship title and went on to the NCAA National Tournament. Kenley graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from SNU and also holds a Master of Science in Kinesiology from Texas Woman’s University. Kenley is currently a physical education/health teacher and volleyball/softball coach at Azle High School.
Aside from sports, Kenley also has a passion for mission service and has lead teams in Kosovo, Albania, Macedonia, and Australia teaching English classes, doing children/youth outreach, and sports ministry.
1st Corinthians 9:24-25 “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
Shelly Elam: 13 White Head Coach
e-mail Shelly: s.r.e@sbcglobal.net
Shelly played volleyball at Everman High School, where her team went to the state tournament her senior year. Attending Bethany Nazarene College (currently Southern Nazarene University) on a volleyball scholarship, she earned Academic All-American honors and a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education.
After graduation and marriage, Shelly attended TCU on a graduate assistant scholarship, receiving aMaster of Science degree in Kinesiological Studies. Shelly coached volleyball and taught PE at Crowley High School and coached and directed the original Cowtown Junior Volleyball Association, which was run out of CHS. After starting a family, Shelly taught part-time at TCC in the PE department.
Since 2000, Shelly has been a Physical Education Specialist at Waverly Park Elementary School, in FWISD. At Western Hills High School, she was a freshman coach and varsity assistant coach for four years. Shelly has been with Fort Worth Fire since its beginning, coaching 13’s and 14’s, managing uniforms and equipment and filling in where ever needed. She considers it a blessing to be a part of FWFire and values her friendship with Stephanie and the opportunity to give back to the game of volleyball and impact players’ lives in a positive way.
Shelly is a FWISD Teaching Chair of Excellence award winner, a NASPE certified Director of Physical Activity, USA Volleyball IMPACT and CAP l certified and is working to complete CAP ll certification. She was named campus teacher of the year for the 2015-2016 school year.
Shelly is a long-time member of CrossPoint Nazarene Church, where she has been the Children’s Bible
Quizzing Coach and is a member of the church board. She is active in the Waverly Park PTA, serving in several leadership positions: 1st Vice President for Membership and as the Healthy Lifestyles Coordinator. Shelly spends free time with her husband, Kenny, owner of Ken’s Automotive and son, Kasey, who works full-time at Fresherize Foods. Her daughter Kenley, an All-District player at WHHS and a COWTOWN Volleyball Club player and coach, is currently a Senior at SNU. Shelly enjoys watching SNU volleyball, is an avid reader and loves to hang out with family and friends.
Proverbs 5:12 The Message
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life!
e-mail Shelly: s.r.e@sbcglobal.net
Shelly played volleyball at Everman High School, where her team went to the state tournament her senior year. Attending Bethany Nazarene College (currently Southern Nazarene University) on a volleyball scholarship, she earned Academic All-American honors and a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education.
After graduation and marriage, Shelly attended TCU on a graduate assistant scholarship, receiving aMaster of Science degree in Kinesiological Studies. Shelly coached volleyball and taught PE at Crowley High School and coached and directed the original Cowtown Junior Volleyball Association, which was run out of CHS. After starting a family, Shelly taught part-time at TCC in the PE department.
Since 2000, Shelly has been a Physical Education Specialist at Waverly Park Elementary School, in FWISD. At Western Hills High School, she was a freshman coach and varsity assistant coach for four years. Shelly has been with Fort Worth Fire since its beginning, coaching 13’s and 14’s, managing uniforms and equipment and filling in where ever needed. She considers it a blessing to be a part of FWFire and values her friendship with Stephanie and the opportunity to give back to the game of volleyball and impact players’ lives in a positive way.
Shelly is a FWISD Teaching Chair of Excellence award winner, a NASPE certified Director of Physical Activity, USA Volleyball IMPACT and CAP l certified and is working to complete CAP ll certification. She was named campus teacher of the year for the 2015-2016 school year.
Shelly is a long-time member of CrossPoint Nazarene Church, where she has been the Children’s Bible
Quizzing Coach and is a member of the church board. She is active in the Waverly Park PTA, serving in several leadership positions: 1st Vice President for Membership and as the Healthy Lifestyles Coordinator. Shelly spends free time with her husband, Kenny, owner of Ken’s Automotive and son, Kasey, who works full-time at Fresherize Foods. Her daughter Kenley, an All-District player at WHHS and a COWTOWN Volleyball Club player and coach, is currently a Senior at SNU. Shelly enjoys watching SNU volleyball, is an avid reader and loves to hang out with family and friends.
Proverbs 5:12 The Message
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life!
Pete Houpt: 13 Black Head Coach
Email Pete: ptrhoupt@gmail.com
Pete is from Mesquite, Texas where he played multiple sports. He has been married to his wife Heather for 17 years and they have three kids, Tori, Caitlyn, and Nate. He has a Bachelor's degree in History, a Masters of Art in Christian Education, and is about to return to school and get a degree in counseling. Pete has been a youth minister, pastor and teacher/coach.
Pete has always played sports at a high level and has enjoyed playing just about every sport out there such as; football, baseball, tennis, softball, soccer, basketball and of course volleyball. He has led little league baseball and softball teams to the World Series. He has coached football, basketball, baseball and track in large school districts and is currently the Varsity Volleyball, Junior High Basketball, Varsity Lacrosse, and Varsity Golf Coach at High Point Academy. In his first year at High Point, he coached 4 All-District players in volleyball and two All-State players in golf. Pete has also been a certified tennis coach through USPTR and is Gold Medal Squared certified for volleyball. He is really looking forward to coaching 13’s this year for FW Fire.
Favorite Quote:
To get the best from others, you must first give the best of yourself.
Email Pete: ptrhoupt@gmail.com
Pete is from Mesquite, Texas where he played multiple sports. He has been married to his wife Heather for 17 years and they have three kids, Tori, Caitlyn, and Nate. He has a Bachelor's degree in History, a Masters of Art in Christian Education, and is about to return to school and get a degree in counseling. Pete has been a youth minister, pastor and teacher/coach.
Pete has always played sports at a high level and has enjoyed playing just about every sport out there such as; football, baseball, tennis, softball, soccer, basketball and of course volleyball. He has led little league baseball and softball teams to the World Series. He has coached football, basketball, baseball and track in large school districts and is currently the Varsity Volleyball, Junior High Basketball, Varsity Lacrosse, and Varsity Golf Coach at High Point Academy. In his first year at High Point, he coached 4 All-District players in volleyball and two All-State players in golf. Pete has also been a certified tennis coach through USPTR and is Gold Medal Squared certified for volleyball. He is really looking forward to coaching 13’s this year for FW Fire.
Favorite Quote:
To get the best from others, you must first give the best of yourself.
14s Coaches
Abby Zipoy 14 Purple Head Coach
e-mail Abby: abigailzipoy@hebisd.edu
Abby is from Austin, Texas, where she played 4 years of Varsity volleyball at McNeil High School. She played club volleyball for Texas Eclipse Junior Volleyball and competed at the National Championships. She continued her collegiate career as an Outside Hitter/Libero at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth. At TWU she was named Libero of Week, Hitter of the Week, All-SAC Honorable Mention, All-SAC 2nd Team, All-SAC 1st Team, and AVCA All-South Central Regional Team. Abby graduated from Texas Wesleyan in May of 2016 with a degree in Athletic Training. Abby graduated from Texas Wesleyan University in May of 2016 with a degree in Athletic Training. Currently, she teaches English and is the Varsity Assistant/JV volleyball coach at L.D. Bell High School in Hurst, Texas. She has coached at Fort Worth Fire for 3 years. Abby is also Impact, Safe Sport, and CPR/AED Certified
e-mail Abby: abigailzipoy@hebisd.edu
Abby is from Austin, Texas, where she played 4 years of Varsity volleyball at McNeil High School. She played club volleyball for Texas Eclipse Junior Volleyball and competed at the National Championships. She continued her collegiate career as an Outside Hitter/Libero at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth. At TWU she was named Libero of Week, Hitter of the Week, All-SAC Honorable Mention, All-SAC 2nd Team, All-SAC 1st Team, and AVCA All-South Central Regional Team. Abby graduated from Texas Wesleyan in May of 2016 with a degree in Athletic Training. Abby graduated from Texas Wesleyan University in May of 2016 with a degree in Athletic Training. Currently, she teaches English and is the Varsity Assistant/JV volleyball coach at L.D. Bell High School in Hurst, Texas. She has coached at Fort Worth Fire for 3 years. Abby is also Impact, Safe Sport, and CPR/AED Certified
Morgan Reese - 14 Purple Assistant Coach
e-mail Morgan: reese.morgan@hotmail.com
Morgan was born and raised in Denton, Texas. She started playing volleyball when she was in 4th grade all the way through 4 years of college volleyball. A three-time Team MVP at Denton High School.
First two years of playing college volleyball she attended North Central Texas College. Her sophomore year of college she ended up making a recorded of 865 assists helping NCTC win their conference. Finishing up her last two years of volleyball and school she moved to Fort Worth to go to Texas Wesleyan. This will be her third year of coaching. 2014 she coached 14s at Dallas Juniors, and then moved to Fort Worth Fire in 2015. She assisted for the 12 purple, and currently is the assistant for 14 purple along side Abby.
e-mail Morgan: reese.morgan@hotmail.com
Morgan was born and raised in Denton, Texas. She started playing volleyball when she was in 4th grade all the way through 4 years of college volleyball. A three-time Team MVP at Denton High School.
First two years of playing college volleyball she attended North Central Texas College. Her sophomore year of college she ended up making a recorded of 865 assists helping NCTC win their conference. Finishing up her last two years of volleyball and school she moved to Fort Worth to go to Texas Wesleyan. This will be her third year of coaching. 2014 she coached 14s at Dallas Juniors, and then moved to Fort Worth Fire in 2015. She assisted for the 12 purple, and currently is the assistant for 14 purple along side Abby.
: 14 White Head Coach
email
Maddi Utley: 14 White Asst. Coach
Email Maddi:
I am from Fort Worth, Texas. I started playing volleyball in the 3rd grade and continued all the way through my sophomore year of college. A four-time varsity letter at Chisholm Trail High School as a DS/L. I continued my career playing at Clarendon College my freshman year and Vernon College my sophomore year. During high school I received numerous All-District honors, as well as the NJCAA All-Academic First Team my two years of college. I graduated from Vernon College with Honors and received an Associate of Science degree. I currently reside in Weatherford, Texas and am attending Weatherford College to get my Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology. I will be graduating from the program in 2020 and will become a licensed x-ray tech. This will be my first year coaching and I am really looking forward to it.
Email Maddi:
I am from Fort Worth, Texas. I started playing volleyball in the 3rd grade and continued all the way through my sophomore year of college. A four-time varsity letter at Chisholm Trail High School as a DS/L. I continued my career playing at Clarendon College my freshman year and Vernon College my sophomore year. During high school I received numerous All-District honors, as well as the NJCAA All-Academic First Team my two years of college. I graduated from Vernon College with Honors and received an Associate of Science degree. I currently reside in Weatherford, Texas and am attending Weatherford College to get my Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology. I will be graduating from the program in 2020 and will become a licensed x-ray tech. This will be my first year coaching and I am really looking forward to it.
Fred Bandol: 14 Black Head Coach
e-mail Fred: meiel1626@yahoo.com
Fred was born in the Philippines. He was a Public School Math Teacher and Head Coach of 13U Volleyball Girls from 2004 - 2009 wherein, in 2008 his team ranked 6th place out of 17 Regions in the Philippines National Games. In the U.S., he is an active player in the NAGVA Tournaments, where he last played in Austin, TX back July of 2017. His team placed 5th Place out of 29 teams in the under B Division. He has coached club volleyball with Metro Heat VBC for the last 2 years at the 15U and 13U levels. This will be his 1st year with Fort Worth Fire. Fred is USAV IMPACT and Safe Sport Certified and is currently working towards his CAP I certifications. In addition, Coach Fred has attended GOLD MEDAL SQUARED Coaching Clinics and loves learning all there is to know about the game of Volleyball.
e-mail Fred: meiel1626@yahoo.com
Fred was born in the Philippines. He was a Public School Math Teacher and Head Coach of 13U Volleyball Girls from 2004 - 2009 wherein, in 2008 his team ranked 6th place out of 17 Regions in the Philippines National Games. In the U.S., he is an active player in the NAGVA Tournaments, where he last played in Austin, TX back July of 2017. His team placed 5th Place out of 29 teams in the under B Division. He has coached club volleyball with Metro Heat VBC for the last 2 years at the 15U and 13U levels. This will be his 1st year with Fort Worth Fire. Fred is USAV IMPACT and Safe Sport Certified and is currently working towards his CAP I certifications. In addition, Coach Fred has attended GOLD MEDAL SQUARED Coaching Clinics and loves learning all there is to know about the game of Volleyball.
15s Coaches
Cody Hanson - 151 Purple Head Coach
e-mail Cody: coachh33@gmail.com
Cody was born and raised in Amarillo, Texas. He has been married to his wife Christi for nearly 19 years. Together they have two daughters, Celeste and Courtney. Cody played baseball at Angelo State University and then finished his degree up at UTA. He has a Masters Degree in Education as well as a Masters Degree in Educational Technology. He was a teacher for 15 years.
Cody played all sports growing up. He has been coaching since 1999 (baseball, football, basketball, track, swimming, and of course, volleyball). He has been a club coach going on 8 years. This is Cody’s fourth year with FW Fire. In addition to his club and HS coaching experiences, Cody has coached teams that traveled and played in Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, Milan, Florence, and all over Australia. Cody is Impact and Safe Sport certified. In addition, he has his CAP 1 certification.
Club Coaching Experience:
Cody has been coach club teams in the DFW area since 2010. He has been fortunate enough to have teams compete in both the AAU and USAV National Championships.
College Playing Experience:
“To be really good, failure is not only okay...it is necessary. Only then can we learn and move forward.”
e-mail Cody: coachh33@gmail.com
Cody was born and raised in Amarillo, Texas. He has been married to his wife Christi for nearly 19 years. Together they have two daughters, Celeste and Courtney. Cody played baseball at Angelo State University and then finished his degree up at UTA. He has a Masters Degree in Education as well as a Masters Degree in Educational Technology. He was a teacher for 15 years.
Cody played all sports growing up. He has been coaching since 1999 (baseball, football, basketball, track, swimming, and of course, volleyball). He has been a club coach going on 8 years. This is Cody’s fourth year with FW Fire. In addition to his club and HS coaching experiences, Cody has coached teams that traveled and played in Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, Milan, Florence, and all over Australia. Cody is Impact and Safe Sport certified. In addition, he has his CAP 1 certification.
Club Coaching Experience:
Cody has been coach club teams in the DFW area since 2010. He has been fortunate enough to have teams compete in both the AAU and USAV National Championships.
College Playing Experience:
- University of Texas @ Arlington Men’s Club Volleyball Team
- Angelo State University, Division II Baseball Player
- Invite tryout with the Arizona Diamondbacks (1998)
“To be really good, failure is not only okay...it is necessary. Only then can we learn and move forward.”
Whitney Woody: 151 Purple Assistant Coach
Email Coach Whitney:
Bio Coming Soon
Email Coach Whitney:
Bio Coming Soon
Allie Lee: 152 Purple Head. Coach
Email Coach Allie:
Allie is from Arlington, Tx, and played volleyball since she was 8. She played for
& graduated at Lamar High School, while playing club volleyball for 7 years. After
high school, she went on to play two years of volleyball at Brookhaven College in
Dallas. Her second year at Brookhaven, they won conference and qualified for and
went to Nationals In Minnesota. She continued her volleyball career by staying
involved with coaching. She has not only worked with indoor volleyball, but has
coached sand as well. Allie is currently a full time student and planning on
finishing her degree and graduating in Fall 2019 with a B.S. in Kinesiology. She is
Impact and Safe Sport certified and CPR/AED certified. Allie is going into her
sixth year coaching, and is going into her third year with Fire. She is looking
forward to another great season this year!
Coaching Info:
2013-2014: Assistant Coach at Ace Volleyball Club
2014-2016: Head Coach at Dallas Starlings Volleyball Club
2017- Current: Head Coach at Fort Worth Fire Volleyball Club
2019 – Team qualified for regionals, placed 1st overall at the Lonestar National
Qualifying Tournament, and finished top 10 in the Gold Bracket every single
tournament.
Email Coach Allie:
Allie is from Arlington, Tx, and played volleyball since she was 8. She played for
& graduated at Lamar High School, while playing club volleyball for 7 years. After
high school, she went on to play two years of volleyball at Brookhaven College in
Dallas. Her second year at Brookhaven, they won conference and qualified for and
went to Nationals In Minnesota. She continued her volleyball career by staying
involved with coaching. She has not only worked with indoor volleyball, but has
coached sand as well. Allie is currently a full time student and planning on
finishing her degree and graduating in Fall 2019 with a B.S. in Kinesiology. She is
Impact and Safe Sport certified and CPR/AED certified. Allie is going into her
sixth year coaching, and is going into her third year with Fire. She is looking
forward to another great season this year!
Coaching Info:
2013-2014: Assistant Coach at Ace Volleyball Club
2014-2016: Head Coach at Dallas Starlings Volleyball Club
2017- Current: Head Coach at Fort Worth Fire Volleyball Club
2019 – Team qualified for regionals, placed 1st overall at the Lonestar National
Qualifying Tournament, and finished top 10 in the Gold Bracket every single
tournament.
Jourdie: 152 Purple Asst. Coach
e-mail Jourdie:
Coming Soon
e-mail Jourdie:
Coming Soon
Abby Zippoy 15 White Head Coach
e-mail Abby: abigailzipoy@hebisd.edu
Abby is from Austin, Texas, where she played 4 years of Varsity volleyball at McNeil High School. She played club volleyball for Texas Eclipse Junior Volleyball and competed at the National Championships. She continued her collegiate career as an Outside Hitter/Libero at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth. At TWU she was named Libero of Week, Hitter of the Week, All-SAC Honorable Mention, All-SAC 2nd Team, All-SAC 1st Team, and AVCA All-South Central Regional Team. Abby graduated from Texas Wesleyan in May of 2016 with a degree in Athletic Training. Abby graduated from Texas Wesleyan University in May of 2016 with a degree in Athletic Training. Currently, she teaches English and is the Varsity Assistant/JV volleyball coach at L.D. Bell High School in Hurst, Texas. She has coached at Fort Worth Fire for 3 years. Abby is also Impact, Safe Sport, and CPR/AED Certified.
e-mail Abby: abigailzipoy@hebisd.edu
Abby is from Austin, Texas, where she played 4 years of Varsity volleyball at McNeil High School. She played club volleyball for Texas Eclipse Junior Volleyball and competed at the National Championships. She continued her collegiate career as an Outside Hitter/Libero at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth. At TWU she was named Libero of Week, Hitter of the Week, All-SAC Honorable Mention, All-SAC 2nd Team, All-SAC 1st Team, and AVCA All-South Central Regional Team. Abby graduated from Texas Wesleyan in May of 2016 with a degree in Athletic Training. Abby graduated from Texas Wesleyan University in May of 2016 with a degree in Athletic Training. Currently, she teaches English and is the Varsity Assistant/JV volleyball coach at L.D. Bell High School in Hurst, Texas. She has coached at Fort Worth Fire for 3 years. Abby is also Impact, Safe Sport, and CPR/AED Certified.
Jim Zimmermann: 152 White Head Coach
e-mail Jim: zimmermannjim@gmail.com
Jim was born in Arlington, TX. He has been a public-school educator for 8 years and a girl and
boys’ coach for 6 years. Although he has coached multiple sports at both the middle school and
high school level, volleyball remains as his most enjoyable. “Watching the performance level of
each individual grow as the season progresses is the reason why I love to coach.”
Jim has 5 children, Kristen, Kenzi, Madison, Karson, and Keaton and 2 grandchildren, Jaden and
Cambri. He is involved with Autism Awareness and special needs programs with his oldest son
Karson.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in human services
Master’s degree in education: Curriculum and Instruction Specialist
Master’s degree in education: Educational Administration
I am Impact, Safe Sport, and Gold Medal Squared certified.
e-mail Jim: zimmermannjim@gmail.com
Jim was born in Arlington, TX. He has been a public-school educator for 8 years and a girl and
boys’ coach for 6 years. Although he has coached multiple sports at both the middle school and
high school level, volleyball remains as his most enjoyable. “Watching the performance level of
each individual grow as the season progresses is the reason why I love to coach.”
Jim has 5 children, Kristen, Kenzi, Madison, Karson, and Keaton and 2 grandchildren, Jaden and
Cambri. He is involved with Autism Awareness and special needs programs with his oldest son
Karson.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in human services
Master’s degree in education: Curriculum and Instruction Specialist
Master’s degree in education: Educational Administration
I am Impact, Safe Sport, and Gold Medal Squared certified.
16s Coaches
David Rainwater 16 Purple Head Coach:
e-mail David: txsagg12@gmail.com
David grew up playing Baseball, Football, and Volleyball. His volleyball journey began at about age 15 playing sand volleyball with his best friends. He later went to college to play Baseball and while there discovered indoor volleyball. This led him to practice and play with the men’s club team as a setter and defensive specialist. After college, he went to work for the North Richland Hills Fire Department where he is still employed as a firefighter and paramedic. David began his coaching career when his second oldest daughter, Kaity showed an interest in playing, and he began coaching beginner players in a developmental academy. 10 years ago he began coaching club volleyball and has coached almost every age group between 12U and 18U. He and his wife have five kids, are strong christians, and he continues to coach his two youngest daughters Daisy and Molly in the sport he loves. He is a USAV CAP II certified coach and he adamantly believes in teaching players the complete game of volleyball. This will be David's first year with FW Fire and we are exited to have him.
e-mail David: txsagg12@gmail.com
David grew up playing Baseball, Football, and Volleyball. His volleyball journey began at about age 15 playing sand volleyball with his best friends. He later went to college to play Baseball and while there discovered indoor volleyball. This led him to practice and play with the men’s club team as a setter and defensive specialist. After college, he went to work for the North Richland Hills Fire Department where he is still employed as a firefighter and paramedic. David began his coaching career when his second oldest daughter, Kaity showed an interest in playing, and he began coaching beginner players in a developmental academy. 10 years ago he began coaching club volleyball and has coached almost every age group between 12U and 18U. He and his wife have five kids, are strong christians, and he continues to coach his two youngest daughters Daisy and Molly in the sport he loves. He is a USAV CAP II certified coach and he adamantly believes in teaching players the complete game of volleyball. This will be David's first year with FW Fire and we are exited to have him.
Alex Opperborn 16 Purple Asst. Coach
e-mail Alex:
Alex grew up in St. Louis, MO and began playing volleyball at an early age. She has played every position on the court but ultimately ended as a Middle Hitter/Defensive Specialist. Alex played 4 years of Varsity volleyball at Francis Howell North High School and played for multiple clubs in the St. Louis area including Rockwood Thunder. After receiving multiple awards in her District and Conference, she continued her volleyball career at Western Illinois University where she played defense. After transferring to Oklahoma State University, she developed competitive men and women's club teams that competed in tournaments nationwide. Alex graduated with a degree in Zoology and has traveled around the world working in the wildlife conservation field. Once Alex moved to Texas, she volunteered to coach for local recreational leagues before accepting a JV/Varsity Assistant coaching position at Trinity Valley School. Alex is Impact and Safe Sport Certified. This will be Alex's first year with Fort Worth Fire and she is looking forward to joining the club and continuing her coaching career and love for volleyball.
e-mail Alex:
Alex grew up in St. Louis, MO and began playing volleyball at an early age. She has played every position on the court but ultimately ended as a Middle Hitter/Defensive Specialist. Alex played 4 years of Varsity volleyball at Francis Howell North High School and played for multiple clubs in the St. Louis area including Rockwood Thunder. After receiving multiple awards in her District and Conference, she continued her volleyball career at Western Illinois University where she played defense. After transferring to Oklahoma State University, she developed competitive men and women's club teams that competed in tournaments nationwide. Alex graduated with a degree in Zoology and has traveled around the world working in the wildlife conservation field. Once Alex moved to Texas, she volunteered to coach for local recreational leagues before accepting a JV/Varsity Assistant coaching position at Trinity Valley School. Alex is Impact and Safe Sport Certified. This will be Alex's first year with Fort Worth Fire and she is looking forward to joining the club and continuing her coaching career and love for volleyball.
Brian Raczy: 16 White Head Coach
e-mail Brian: brian.raczy@gmail.com
Brian has over 15 years of experience coaching all ages of youth sports from recreational to select. Brian believe everyone has the ability to be a stellar athlete and it’s his job as a coach to help them believe in themselves. He believes in learning the correct techniques and forms, learning the many aspects of the game, and how to play each position to be a well rounded player. Together this provides a great foundation to a successful future in volleyball. Brian is married to his beautiful wife Nicole, they have 6 kids, and live in Keller. Brian says he is looking forward to a successful season with Fort Worth Fire.
e-mail Brian: brian.raczy@gmail.com
Brian has over 15 years of experience coaching all ages of youth sports from recreational to select. Brian believe everyone has the ability to be a stellar athlete and it’s his job as a coach to help them believe in themselves. He believes in learning the correct techniques and forms, learning the many aspects of the game, and how to play each position to be a well rounded player. Together this provides a great foundation to a successful future in volleyball. Brian is married to his beautiful wife Nicole, they have 6 kids, and live in Keller. Brian says he is looking forward to a successful season with Fort Worth Fire.
Cindy Westfall: 16 White Assistant Coach
Email Cindy: cindy_westfall@hotmail.com
Cindy grew up playing every sport offered to her. She played 3 years of varsity volleyball, basketball, softball and track at Pantego Christian Academy in Arlington. She was awarded numerous all-district and all-state awards on the way to state championships in volleyball, softball and track. She attended the University of North Texas and the University of Texas in Arlington. She took a position coaching JV volleyball and assisting with varsity softball at Pantego. She coached the varsity softball team at Southwest Christian School for 4 years, leading them to the programs first play-off appearance. She coached the middle school volleyball at SCS for 5 years. She has developed a real love for coaching kids when they are first starting out and watching how much they grow and develop, both as athletes and young ladies. Cindy has been married to her high-school sweetheart for 16 years and has 5 daughters!
Email Cindy: cindy_westfall@hotmail.com
Cindy grew up playing every sport offered to her. She played 3 years of varsity volleyball, basketball, softball and track at Pantego Christian Academy in Arlington. She was awarded numerous all-district and all-state awards on the way to state championships in volleyball, softball and track. She attended the University of North Texas and the University of Texas in Arlington. She took a position coaching JV volleyball and assisting with varsity softball at Pantego. She coached the varsity softball team at Southwest Christian School for 4 years, leading them to the programs first play-off appearance. She coached the middle school volleyball at SCS for 5 years. She has developed a real love for coaching kids when they are first starting out and watching how much they grow and develop, both as athletes and young ladies. Cindy has been married to her high-school sweetheart for 16 years and has 5 daughters!
Ashley Holland: 16 Black Head Coach
e-mail Ashley:
Ashley Holland is a full time student who is looking to grow in her career as a coach and being a positive influence in young female athletes lives. Ashley started coaching in 2016 at Christian Life Prep School and still currently coaches there.
Prior to coaching at CLPS Ashley has volunteered for 3 years at the YMCA North Arlington Volleyball program. Ashley offers a wide range of coaching techniques for all positions and has also run several volleyball camps for CLPS. This will be Ashley's third year with FW Fire VBC and she is looking forward to both working with and mentoring the girls on her team.
e-mail Ashley:
Ashley Holland is a full time student who is looking to grow in her career as a coach and being a positive influence in young female athletes lives. Ashley started coaching in 2016 at Christian Life Prep School and still currently coaches there.
Prior to coaching at CLPS Ashley has volunteered for 3 years at the YMCA North Arlington Volleyball program. Ashley offers a wide range of coaching techniques for all positions and has also run several volleyball camps for CLPS. This will be Ashley's third year with FW Fire VBC and she is looking forward to both working with and mentoring the girls on her team.
17s Coaches
Lesa Master: 17 Purple Head Coach
Email Lesa: lesa.master@yahoo.com
Lesa was born and raised in Haltom City, Texas. She graduated from Haltom High School in 1988 lettering in volleyball and basketball. From there, she attended Texas Wesleyan University on a volleyball scholarship as a setter. During her student teaching experience, she served as the Head Volleyball Coach and JV Basketball Coach at The Oakridge School in Arlington. After graduation, Lesa was hired by Birdville ISD as a teacher/coach at Richland High School. She spent 13 years there, 12 of which she served as the Head Volleyball Coach. Throughout her career, she has worked numerous camps and clinics throughout the DFW area. After leaving Richland, she served 1 year as assistant principal at North Richland Middle School. For the past 10 years, she has held the position of Assistant Athletic Director for Birdville ISD. Two years ago, Lesa got back into coaching club and coached a 15's travel team for TNT. This will be Lesa’s fourth season with Fort Worth Fire as she continues her relationship with her former college teammate, Stephanie. Lesa is IMPACT certified, has been married for 24 years, and has one 18 year old son who is a senior at Shanon High School. Lesa is an active member of Glenview Baptist Church and joins in supporting Mercy Heart Ministries.
Email Lesa: lesa.master@yahoo.com
Lesa was born and raised in Haltom City, Texas. She graduated from Haltom High School in 1988 lettering in volleyball and basketball. From there, she attended Texas Wesleyan University on a volleyball scholarship as a setter. During her student teaching experience, she served as the Head Volleyball Coach and JV Basketball Coach at The Oakridge School in Arlington. After graduation, Lesa was hired by Birdville ISD as a teacher/coach at Richland High School. She spent 13 years there, 12 of which she served as the Head Volleyball Coach. Throughout her career, she has worked numerous camps and clinics throughout the DFW area. After leaving Richland, she served 1 year as assistant principal at North Richland Middle School. For the past 10 years, she has held the position of Assistant Athletic Director for Birdville ISD. Two years ago, Lesa got back into coaching club and coached a 15's travel team for TNT. This will be Lesa’s fourth season with Fort Worth Fire as she continues her relationship with her former college teammate, Stephanie. Lesa is IMPACT certified, has been married for 24 years, and has one 18 year old son who is a senior at Shanon High School. Lesa is an active member of Glenview Baptist Church and joins in supporting Mercy Heart Ministries.
Calise Costello: 17 White Head Coach
Email Calise: calisecostello@gmail.com
Calise is new to the Fort Worth Fire volleyball community. She graduated from Penn State University and was a part of their competitive club team. Calise moved from California a year ago where she taught mathematics and coached volleyball for 5 years at the high school level. She also coached a 14s club team for two years at Vertical Extreme in Central California. This past year she coached a 16s team with Eagle Mountain volleyball. Calise is excited to start her first season with Fort Worth Fire and looking forward to sharing her love for the game.
Email Calise: calisecostello@gmail.com
Calise is new to the Fort Worth Fire volleyball community. She graduated from Penn State University and was a part of their competitive club team. Calise moved from California a year ago where she taught mathematics and coached volleyball for 5 years at the high school level. She also coached a 14s club team for two years at Vertical Extreme in Central California. This past year she coached a 16s team with Eagle Mountain volleyball. Calise is excited to start her first season with Fort Worth Fire and looking forward to sharing her love for the game.
18s Coaches
Chyanne Perkins: FW Fire 18 Purple Asst. Coach
Email Chyanne: Chyanneperkins18@gmail.com
Chyanne Perkins is a former player and graduate of TCU. She is originally from Los Angeles, CA. This will be Chyanne's second year on the coaching staff at FW Fire and continues to add energy and experience to the young athletes. Providing them with advice for playing at the next level and how to achieve it if they so desire. Chyanne played both basketball and volleyball in high school earning a Div. 1 State Championship title her senior year with the volleyball team. She played 4 years with TCU volleyball as well as one year on the TCU Beach Volleyball team.
Email Chyanne: Chyanneperkins18@gmail.com
Chyanne Perkins is a former player and graduate of TCU. She is originally from Los Angeles, CA. This will be Chyanne's second year on the coaching staff at FW Fire and continues to add energy and experience to the young athletes. Providing them with advice for playing at the next level and how to achieve it if they so desire. Chyanne played both basketball and volleyball in high school earning a Div. 1 State Championship title her senior year with the volleyball team. She played 4 years with TCU volleyball as well as one year on the TCU Beach Volleyball team.