coaches on the beach by Michael Hobson

Billy Allen is the Assistant Coach and Player Development Coordinator for Stanford Beach Volleyball. Since joining in 2023, he has helped guide the Cardinal to record-breaking seasons, including their first MPSF championship and multiple AVCA All-American honors. A former three-time AVP champion and member of the USA Beach National Team, Allen brings elite playing experience along with a strong coaching background at the club, collegiate, and professional levels. He is also the co-host of the Coach Your Brains Out podcast and author of two coaching books.

Angie Akers is the Associate Head Coach of the Texas Longhorns beach volleyball team. A former elite collegiate and professional beach volleyball player, Angie began her coaching career internationally with the Dutch national teams, including at the Rio Olympics, and reached the pinnacle as head coach of the USA’s gold-medal-winning duo at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics. After two successful seasons as Assistant Head Coach at Loyola Marymount—where she helped secure back-to-back conference championships—she joined Texas in 2023 and was promoted in 2025. Since her arrival, the Longhorns have captured their first-ever CCSA title and earned a spot in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. Known for her athlete-first approach and dedicated mentorship, Angie is deeply respected for both her competitive insight and her ability to build character on and off the sand. A Notre Dame alumna, she still holds school records in aces and kills and even completed the 2001 Boston Marathon in 3:24. Married to former Notre Dame football standout Jeremy Akers, she brings elite-level experience, leadership, and a passion for holistic athlete development to the Forty Acres.

Dan Stephens, Head Beach Volleyball Coach at Corban University, has been instrumental in building the Warriors into a national powerhouse since the program’s launch in 2020. After serving as an assistant, he took over as head coach in 2023 and quickly led the team to multiple Cascade Collegiate Conference titles, national tournament runs, and a 49–7 overall record. Named the 2025 CCC Coach of the Year, Stephens emphasizes fundamentals, hard work, and spiritual growth, fostering both athletic excellence and character development in his athletes. A longtime volleyball competitor and club coach, as well as a successful business owner, he brings decades of experience and leadership to the program.

Kelly Reeves is in her second season as an assistant coach with UCLA Beach Volleyball, returning to Westwood where she made history as a Bruin. As a player, she helped UCLA win the 2011 NCAA Indoor Championship and became the program’s first beach All-American in 2013.

On our 100th episode published we brought back a hard hitter! Beth Van Fleet! Need I say more... its always an amazing conversation with Beth!

Michael Henchy is an Assistant Coach for Penn State Women’s Volleyball, entering his second season after helping lead the team to a national championship in 2024. He previously served as Associate Head Coach at James Madison, guiding them to NCAA Tournament appearances and a Sun Belt title. Henchy has also coached at American University and Springfield College, where he won AVCA Division III Assistant Coach of the Year in 2019.

Josh and Rachel Marsh lead Mercer University’s beach volleyball program as a dynamic husband-and-wife coaching duo. Josh, a former U.S. Army paratrooper and AVP competitor, took over as head coach in 2019 and quickly guided the Bears to multiple conference championships, while also emphasizing academic excellence. Rachel, who joined the staff in 2024, brings over a decade of coaching experience across youth, high school, and club levels, with a strong track record of player development. Together, the Marshes bring a disciplined, player-centered approach rooted in leadership, growth, and a shared passion for the game.

Alex Luna is the assistant coach for Boise State's beach volleyball team. He joined the program in 2024 and helped lead the Broncos to their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance and Southland Conference title. Before Boise State, Luna founded and coached the beach program at Stephen F. Austin, earned two AVCA 30 Under 30 honors, and spent a season at South Carolina, helping the Gamecocks reach new milestones.

Ashley Emery is the head coach of Missouri State Beach Volleyball, where she’s quickly built a competitive and record-setting program since taking over in 2022. Under her leadership, the Bears posted a historic 26-win season in 2024 and earned back-to-back Conference USA postseason appearances. A former collegiate standout at Southwest Baptist and experienced coach at the high school and college levels, Emery brings a player-first approach and a proven ability to develop both talent and culture on and off the sand.SUBSCRIBE:https://www.youtube.com/@UCpUJHPUbdaw6tT_5A7d6gVA https://open.spotify.com/show/3YJcjINBNRfV8s6QManQqnhttps://www.instagram.com/coaches_on_the_beach/

Chris Flood is an Assistant Development Coach with USA Beach Volleyball, bringing a wealth of experience from youth to Olympic-level coaching. He previously coached at Pepperdine University, led powerhouse high school and club programs, and helped Team Canada to a top-5 finish at the Tokyo Olympics. Known for his technical precision, video analysis expertise, and athlete-centered approach, Flood emphasizes mental toughness, teamwork, and making practice harder than the game. His coaching philosophy centers on helping athletes understand the “why” behind their actions to foster lasting development and performance.

Cassidi Stabile is the Associate Head Coach of Tulane Beach Volleyball, bringing over a decade of experience in player development and coaching. Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, she founded the first beach volleyball club in the state and has coached at every level—from youth to NCAA. Her coaching journey includes roles at Colorado Northwestern, Stephen F. Austin, and as head coach at Central Arkansas. Known for her player-first approach and passion for growing the game, she now helps lead Tulane’s rising program.

Just two beach coaches talking about how to make our teams better and what our process is. We also give Colling a little beach volleyball quiz at the end!

Take a walk down memory lane as we recap the 2025 season!

Sarah Riedell is the assistant beach coach at Austin Peay State University. After a long storied beach career at Coastal Carolina University, Sarah is now giving back to the athlete's she gets to coach.

As we celebrate two years of Coaches on the Beach we take a look back at our top 10 rated episodes (according to Spotify).

Damien is the head coach at the College of Charleston

The season has built up to one weekend. Winner takes all... we are talking about the CotB Bracket Challenge! Get your brackets in here:

Its crunch time and this is what it all comes down to!

Thank you all for your continued support and listening to us just talk.

Get a first look at some bracket predictions from Collin and Michael!

Lets discuss some NCAA Beach Volleyball as we are getting ever closer to the end of a season and crowning a national champion.

Talking NCAA Beach Volleyball week 5 recap and week 6 glance.

Talking week 4 recap and how nice a bye weekend feels!

NCAA Beach Volleyball week 3 recap and week 4 preview!

Recapping week 2 and previewing week 3 of the NCAA beach volleyball season!

Coaches on the Beach talking all things headed into week 2 of the season. Special guest appearance from the weekly CotB Beach Chair award, Steve Grotowski!

Welcome back to Coaches on the Beach! Season 2 we are trying something a little different with a video aspect of the podcast. Watch or listen in on week 1 of the 2025 NCAA beach volleyball season.

Cesar is the assistant coach for the LMU Beach team.

John Hyden is the owner and director of Hyden Beach Volleyball. After a successful indoor and beach volleyball playing career he move to Nashville, TN and started his coaching career.

Charlie is the head director of beach volleyball at Rally Volleyball.

Brian is a member of the USAV Beach Staff.

Mike has been the Owner and Executive Director of The Lab since the inception of the idea in 2018. Mike has provided a unique, quality option to play beach volleyball for the Colorado community. He has assisted 25+ athletes in achieving their goal of playing at the collegiate level. 

Andrew Fuller is the Stanford Beach Volleyball Head Coach.

Mike Campbell is the Head Beach Volleyball Coach for Long Beach State University.

Russel is the head beach volleyball coach at LSU. He has been there since the creation of the program turning them into a powerhouse in the beach volleyball world.

Pri is the first ever head beach volleyball coach at University of South Florida.

Daniel Foo is the head beach volleyball coach for UTEP.

Brooke Niles is a decorated player and the head beach volleyball coach at Florida State University.

Zack Gale is a compliance coordinator for Georgia State University. He stops by to help discuss what new actions are happening with the NCAA.

Erin Martin has just been officially given her title of head beach volleyball coach at UCA after spending the last year with the team.

Gary Hodge is going into his third season at San Jose State as the Head Beach Volleyball Coach.

Jeff is the Head Beach Volleyball Coach at Santa Clara University

Steve is the Head Beach Volleyball Coach at FAU. Steve has played at a really high level and has really help bring FAU to the top of the country.

Bryan was just elevated to Ottawa University (AZ) Head Beach Volleyball Coach. Check out his story.

Darin is the head beach volleyball coach and the assistant indoor volleyball coach at UT Chattanooga.

Delaney is going into her second year as the UAB beach volleyball head coach.

Lauren Erickson is the new assistant coach at Feather River College. She was the previous assistant coach at ULM with Michael.

Wayne Holly, from Beach Prospects, joins us to talk June 15th recruiting. Also we discuss the new College Beach Navigator.

Jeff Patton is the head coach at EKU. Check out what his journey has been and how EKU is continuing to grow!

Michael has just been named Austin Peay State University's Head Beach Volleyball Coach. Learn about the program and whats to come.

Yasmin Tan is the McNeese State Beach Volleyball Head Coach. Learn about her and her program!

Chris Sweat is the head coach at FGCU.

Get to know Jeff Lamm of University of Tampa.

The big dance for NCAA Beach Volleyball is here! Congratulations to all the teams who have made it. Get involved and fill out you bracket. See the Coaches on the Beach instagram page for more details.

With one conference champion already crowned there are still eight to play! Big time week for a lot of programs throughout the country. Special teams, special plays, special players!

The championships are right around the corner. Who are you picking?

NCAA Beach Volleyball week 7 recap with updated rankings and NCAA predictions as well as a preview to week 8.

Week 6 recap and week 7 preview for the NCAA Beach Volleyball Season.

Week 5 recap and a look forward at week 6 of the NCAA Beach Volleyball season.

Lots of conference matchups this week as we are starting to narrow into the end of the season and champions will be crowned in just 4 to 5 weeks.

Week 4 of the NCAA Beach Volleyball season is approaching and there are some heavy hitter matches about to happen!

Week 2 recap of the NCAA Beach Volleyball season as well as a preview of week 3.

Recap of week 1 with a preview of week 2 in the NCAA Beach Volleyball world!

Week 1 of the NCAA Beach Volleyball season is here! Lots of great matches happening throughout the country!

We are switching up the format of our show as we get into the NCAA Beach Volleyball Season. We explain some of the changes as well as how you can get involved.

Scott is the USA Beach Volleyball Developmental Coach.

New start or just a pause that has been resumed? You decide.

Jae-Lyn is the first every assistant coach at the new USF Beach Volleyball team.

Jo Kremer is the assistant coach at Stanford. She had a remarkable playing career at USC. After graduation she tried out the pro circuit before getting into coaching which she never knew she was going to do.

Meagan Owusu is the head coach at Cal Beach Volleyball. Meagan is a Golden Bear for life and always finds her way back.

Sarah is the head coach at Spring Hill College. She spent her college days there playing and then transitioned smoothly into a coaching role.

In part 2 of our holiday special, we talk volleyball!

Happy holidays to all of you! Today we asked back all our previous guests to come talk about their holiday traditions, shopping habits, and other things.

Shayne is a decorated beach volleyball player at the University of Washington and has spent the past 3 years as the assistant coach at the College of Charleston.

Avery Thibbodeaux is the interim head coach for the University of New Orleans Privateers.

Jenny is the Head Coach at UCLA. Helping the team to back to back national championships.

Todd is the head coach at Cal Poly Slo. After a remarkable playing career himself, he tells us about all he has learned, his journey, and what is next.

Angela was named an assistant coach at LMU this past summer. After running her own club, an impressive pro career and so much more.

Majo is the associate head coach at TCU. She has been with the Horn Frogs since their rise to the top of the NCAA beach scene.

From student athlete to coach! Maddy Delmonte is the new assistant coach for Georgia State. After competing for the Sandy Panthers for 5 seasons she now assumes a new role!

WHY NOT?!? That is the question Terri Del Conte asks. New head coach at FIU, Terri tells her story of how she got here and the most impactful moments.

David Fischer is the associate head beach and indoor volleyball coach at UNCW. With his extensive experience building programs and an amazing skill to play the piano this is a must listen!

Kristen is the head coach at Arizona State University. Starting her first season at ASU she has a proven past of winning and building a program.

Vince is the owner of Prime Beach Volleyball Club out of Little Rock, AR. He has had experience playing pro as well as coaching in the NCAA.

RJ is the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the University of South Carolina. He has been with the program ever since the start 11 years ago. Listen to his thoughts and journey as a coach and join him in this emotional rollercoaster of a episode.

Mike is the recruiting coordinator at Wave Volleyball Club. Mike also is a huge supporter and promoter of NCAA Beach volleyball managing the collegebeachvb.com website. He also serves as the coach for Miles Pertain and Andy Benesh as they fight for a spot in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Pairs.

Alex is the assistant beach coach for Boise State University. He was just named as a member of the 2023 AVCA 30 under 30 list after Boise State concluded a 25 win season.

Dave is a current AVP pro and owner of Palm Coast Academy. He has such an amazing story and insight on the beach game.

Jay Hosack is the head men's volleyball coach at George Mason University. Jay brings a unique perspective to not only the beach volleyball game but all aspect of coaching in general.

Dylan is the head coach at Jacksonville University. He has been around the game for a long time from the club level all the way up to the pros. Learn how he is making JU his own and what he has in store for the future.

Sarah is off to start a new chapter as the Coastal Carolina Assistant Coach. Learn about her journey and also the makeup of the best doughnut.

Cati Leak is the assistant coach at LSU. Listen to her story as she talks about moving from an athlete to a coach at one of the power house schools in our community. Cati also talks about all the impactful players she has coached and played with and how players in her eyes make big impacts even if they are not playing. Cati, Collin, and Michael also get deep talking about coaching struggles and what they would like to see out of our game in the future.

Kaleb VanDePerre is the head coach at University of North Alabama. After gaining valuable insight and experience while at Liberty University, Kaleb came to UNA this past December. Get to hear his perspective and some of his craziest stories from this past season.

Kristi is the assistant coach at FAU. We talk about her ten year span at FAU from student athlete to coach. We also talk about the legacy of FAU Beach Volleyball and the impact of Capri Grotowski. She also tells us about her "why" of coaching and what she would like to see out of the NCAA beach game moving forward.

Beth is entering her 11th season at her alma mater, as Georgia State's beach volleyball head coach. She had a record setting indoor career before moving to California and playing professional beach volleyball for eight seasons. She finished her beach playing career with five, top ten finishes on tour and two medals in NORCECA competitions.

Gary is the newly elevated Head Beach coach at Texas A&M Kingsville and has been a part of their program since forming in 2017. He has also served as the assistant coach for TAMUK indoor program during that time. Gary presents a very unique thoughts on his program as they were just getting started as well as how serving in the military has allowed him to be a better coach.

Steve McFadden is the assistant coach at the University of Washington. Steve walks us through his progression as a coach and his moves from coast to coast.

Zach Weinberg is the beach head coach and indoor associate head coach at Tennessee Tech. Being a newly added program he talks about the first year learning curve and what this season meant to him and his team. He talks about the team moving forward as well as gives insight on his position with the AVCA.

Get to know the history of NCAA Beach Volleyball with Collin, Michael and special guest Wayne Holly. The first NCAA Championship took place not to long ago in 2016, but what happened before that? Who are some notable players and coaches that have help shape what NCAA Beach volleyball is today?

We invite on special guest Wayne Holly, former coach and current recruiting consultant, to talk about recruiting. We touch on the recruiting process and how it has changed, what are some best practices for recruiting from coaches and potential student athletes, as well as what does a commitment mean.