Meet Our Coaches
Guiding Athletes, Inspiring Growth
Our dedicated coaching staff brings years of volleyball expertise and a heartfelt commitment to every young athlete’s journey. We believe in nurturing both skills and confidence in a supportive, team-first environment.
Meet Our Team
We are a dedicated team of professionals committed to delivering excellence.
Rick Thompson
Head Coach 11U, 12U
Head Coach Rick Thompson has over 10 years of coaching experience at all levels of middle school, high school and club volleyball. He is a former statistician and volleyball official and brings a wealth of knowledge to the position. He might look big and scary, but he’s a teddy bear at heart!
Sue Kalahar
Assistant Coach 11U, 12U
Coach Sue Kalahar has 30+ years of coaching and officiating experience at all levels, including college level volleyball. She’s a caring and encouraging coach and always wants the best for the EVJ Athletes.
Val Thompson
Club Director
Val Thompson serves as our Club Director and Gal Friday doing all of the administrative tasks and helping coach as needed. She is a business owner and loves volleyball!
Haddi Thompson
Social Media & Marketing Director
Haddi Thompson runs our social media accounts and helps with all office tasks. Haddi is a former club, high school and college player as well as the coach of an elite club team in Iowa.
Our Coaching Philosophy
Empowering Young Athletes Through Mentorship and Expertise
At Estes Valley Juniors Volleyball Club, our coaches are more than instructors—they are mentors, role models, and champions for every player’s growth. Our experienced staff brings a passion for youth development and a caring approach, helping each athlete build confidence, skills, and a love for the game.
Certified and Experienced Coaches
Our coaching team is USA Volleyball certified, bringing years of competitive and teaching experience to every practice.
✓ Certified by USAV and RMR Volleyball
✓ SafeSport and Impact Certified
✓ Extensive playing and coaching backgrounds
✓ Dedicated to ongoing training and education
Mentorship Beyond the Game
We believe in shaping strong, confident individuals—on and off the court. Our coaches serve as positive role models, fostering resilience and leadership.
✓ Personalized encouragement and support
✓ Focus on teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship
✓ Guidance that extends beyond volleyball
Player-Centered Skill Development
Each athlete receives individual attention tailored to her needs and goals, ensuring steady progress and joyful learning in a supportive setting.
✓ Customized skills training
✓ Clear progression paths for all levels
✓ Emphasis on safe, positive learning environments
Our Approach to Player Growth
At Estes Valley Juniors Volleyball Club, every athlete’s well-being and development come first. We prioritize safety in every session, ensuring your child is cared for and comfortable at every stage of their journey.
Our coaching philosophy centers on nurturing both skills and confidence. Through hands-on guidance and positive encouragement, we help players master volleyball fundamentals while building resilience and self-assurance.
Inclusivity is at the heart of our club. We welcome athletes of all backgrounds and experience levels, creating a supportive team environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to reach their potential.
Connect With Our Coaches
Ready to learn more about our dedicated coaches and how we support your child’s growth on and off the court? We’re here to answer your questions and welcome you into our Estes Valley Juniors Volleyball family.