directors
PRESIDENT/DIRECTOR
PRESIDENT/DIRECTOR
PRESIDENT/DIRECTOR
Michael Zavolas has been actively involved in volleyball for over 18 years. His love and passion for the sport of volleyball began while training his daughter through her competitive club and high school career. Michael also has coached several sports including competitive soccer at the once Lakeland Futbol Club.
While starting as an assi
Michael Zavolas has been actively involved in volleyball for over 18 years. His love and passion for the sport of volleyball began while training his daughter through her competitive club and high school career. Michael also has coached several sports including competitive soccer at the once Lakeland Futbol Club.
While starting as an assistant at Victory Christian Academy he discovered his love for coaching and has continued since that time, having coached and trained at various volleyball clubs plus conducting camps and clinics throughout Polk County. He has been a staple to the sport and to many athletes in the community. He is also entering his fourth year at All Saints Academy as Head Coach and Director of Volleyball. Michael finds joy in continuing to develop athletes to their full potential while also teaching them the life skills that competitive team sports can offer. Aside from coaching, Michael has the loving support of his wife, daughter, and two pups while maintaining and operating three businesses and being active in the local community.
“My family and I are honored and humbled to build and lead the volleyball program here at 863 Elite Volleyball Academy. My vision for 863 Elite and the sport of volleyball is to bring it to the forefront of competitive sports, putting it on an equal playing field with all others! My goal is to be a leader and teacher for all our athletes and coaches. Being mindful that we will lead with structure, organization, accountability, character, and gratitude all things that make you ELITE. I want all our athletes and coaches to be the best they can be and prepare them for success both on and off the court.”
assistant director
PRESIDENT/DIRECTOR
PRESIDENT/DIRECTOR
Ashley Naughton began playing volleyball in middle school; moving on to play all four years on varsity for Pasco High School in Dade City, FL.
She earned awards such as: All-Sunshine Athletic Conference honorable mention as a junior, and made 2nd team her senior year. She became the second player to ever receive a volleyball scholarship o
Ashley Naughton began playing volleyball in middle school; moving on to play all four years on varsity for Pasco High School in Dade City, FL.
She earned awards such as: All-Sunshine Athletic Conference honorable mention as a junior, and made 2nd team her senior year. She became the second player to ever receive a volleyball scholarship out of Pasco High; going on to join the Warriors at Webber International University in Babson Park, FL. From 2006-2012 Naughton earned a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and a master’s degree in Business Management, all while playing both indoor & beach volleyball. During her time at Webber, the Warriors won the Sun Conference tournament title in 2008 and went to the NAIA National Tournament for the first time in the school's history. She was also named a Sun Conference player of the week in 2008. One of her biggest accomplishments was in 2012 where she won the 2012 Fiesta on Siesta Key beach volleyball Senior Division to be able to compete in the 2012 NCSVA National Championship in Manhattan Beach, CA.
She has not only competed at the collegiate level for beach volleyball but has also played semi-professional in local tournaments throughout the state of Florida. She’s played against some of today’s top-level athletes, like Brooke Sweat (Keri Walsh’s Olympic partner! GO USA!)
Coach Ashley brings over 23 years of playing experience and has coached club competitively for the past 7 years. Currently she is entering her fourth season as Head JV Coach for All Saints Academy. With her high energy and enthusiasm for the game, she
shares this passion with all of those around her! Coach Ashley also serves as Assistant Director for 863 Elite!
STRENGTH & CONDITIONING/JUMP TRAINING
Coach D brings over 10 years of strength and conditioning experience at both the collegiate and high school levels.
Coach D earned his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology from the University of
Wisconsin-Oshkosh. He went on to
complete his Master of
Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in Sports Managemen
Coach D brings over 10 years of strength and conditioning experience at both the collegiate and high school levels.
Coach D earned his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology from the University of
Wisconsin-Oshkosh. He went on to
complete his Master of
Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in Sports Management at
Webber International
University.
He holds certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association
(NSCA) and the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCa), including:
- NSCA - Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
- NSCA - Registered Strength and
Conditioning Coach (RSCC) - CSCCa - Strength and Conditioning
Coach Certified (SCCC
COACHES
Coach Alissa has been deeply involved in volleyball for many years. Her volleyball journey began in middle school, where she quickly developed a passion for the game and its unique combination of teamwork, strategy, and athleticism. Over the course of eight years, she competed at various levels, honing her skills in serving, passing, and
Coach Alissa has been deeply involved in volleyball for many years. Her volleyball journey began in middle school, where she quickly developed a passion for the game and its unique combination of teamwork, strategy, and athleticism. Over the course of eight years, she competed at various levels, honing her skills in serving, passing, and setting, and building a strong understanding of the game.
Transitioning into coaching was a natural progression that Alissa knew she wanted to be a part of. She began by assisting middle school teams and eventually took on greater responsibilities helping volunteer coaching club players this past year. She finds great joy in sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for volleyball with young athletes. Watching her players grow and develop — both on and off the court — is one of the most rewarding aspects of her role. She is looking forward to expanding her role are she begins her first season with 863 Elite Volleyball.
Coaching Philosophy:
Coach Alissa emphasizes the importance of fundamentals, sportsmanship, and teamwork in her coaching approach. She strives to create a supportive and encouraging environment where athletes feel confident taking risks, learning from mistakes, and celebrating their progress. Her goal is to not only help players develop their volleyball skills but also foster a lasting love for the game and a strong sense of self-confidence.
Fun Fact:
I’m obsessed with 90s-era Metallica
Her love for volleyball began about 4-5 years ago through casual play, drawn in by the sport's energy, strategy, and sense of connection. Although Anastasia never had the opportunity to play competitively, her past three years of coaching have sparked a deep passion- not only for the game itself but also for mentoring young athletes. Her
Her love for volleyball began about 4-5 years ago through casual play, drawn in by the sport's energy, strategy, and sense of connection. Although Anastasia never had the opportunity to play competitively, her past three years of coaching have sparked a deep passion- not only for the game itself but also for mentoring young athletes. Her mission is
to help players grow into confident, competitive athletes who share her love for the sport, while creating an environment where every individual feels seen, supported,
and empowered to pursue greatness.
Coach Anastasia is entering her third- year coaching at Stambaugh Middle School, leading both the JV and Varsity volleyball teams. This also marks her second season coaching competitive club
volleyball.
Coaching Philosophy:
She believes in developing confident, resilient athletes by nurturing both their skills and character. Her coaching approach is positive and personalized, meeting players where they are and encouraging them to
grow beyond what they believed
possible.
Coach Andrew grew up playing both baseball and football through his childhood and high school years. He discovered his passion for volleyball when his daughters began playing in middle school, which led him to begin coaching the sport.
Coach Andrew is entering his third season as head coach at Bok Academy South. Last season, under his lead
Coach Andrew grew up playing both baseball and football through his childhood and high school years. He discovered his passion for volleyball when his daughters began playing in middle school, which led him to begin coaching the sport.
Coach Andrew is entering his third season as head coach at Bok Academy South. Last season, under his leadership, the team competed against 17 other middle school teams and earned 1st place in Polk County. He is also starting his second season as head coach of the newly established men’s volleyball team at Lake Wales High School — a program he founded, making it the first in the school’s history.
Coaching Philosophy:
“Building character and teaching athletes the value of teamwork is how I define success. My goal is to help each player improve every day. Winning will be the natural result of their effort and dedication.”
Fun Fact:
I’ve been a law enforcement officer for nearly 19 years.
Coach Clayton began by taking a high school volleyball class and going on
to play Intramural volleyball. He still plays multiple sports, volleyball, ultimate frisbee,
and disc golf.
Coach Clayton is entering his 5th season of coaching high school volleyball at Discovery and his 3rd year coaching club! This will be Coach Clayton's
second seaso
Coach Clayton began by taking a high school volleyball class and going on
to play Intramural volleyball. He still plays multiple sports, volleyball, ultimate frisbee,
and disc golf.
Coach Clayton is entering his 5th season of coaching high school volleyball at Discovery and his 3rd year coaching club! This will be Coach Clayton's
second season with 863
Elite Volleyball.
Philosophy:
"You get out of it what you put into it.
It's fun to work hard!"
Coach Courtney played high school volleyball for Plant City High School, and was on Varsity all 4 years. Received an All-American mention. Played club volleyball for Tampa United. Going on to
Walk-on at Ole Miss before unfortunately experiencing a terrible knee injury. Coach Courtney loved being a student at Ole Miss and considers herself
Coach Courtney played high school volleyball for Plant City High School, and was on Varsity all 4 years. Received an All-American mention. Played club volleyball for Tampa United. Going on to
Walk-on at Ole Miss before unfortunately experiencing a terrible knee injury. Coach Courtney loved being a student at Ole Miss and considers herself a die hard alumni, despite her
collegiate career ending so soon. Hotty
Toddy
Coach Courtney has been an assistant coach to various teams around the country while she followed her husband (Daniel) around while he played professional baseball for a decade. She has also been doing private lessons for 10
years. Coach Courtney
believes in a Competitive but fair environment. Athletes work towards growing into well rounded individuals both on
and off the court!
Did you know.. Outside of volleyball: I'm a wife, a mom of 3 kids - Adeline (5), Tegan (3), and Dakota (6 months), a resident of South Lakeland, and an Account Executive for Toast Tab, a restaurant operations tech company.
Coach Emily started playing volleyball at the age of 11 and has loved it ever since. She played club volleyball for 7 years and trained in beach volleyball
for 5 years with Suncoast VBC. As an adult she's continued to participate in various small
teams and tournaments.
Coach Emily is excited to enter her second season coaching
club volleyball
Coach Emily started playing volleyball at the age of 11 and has loved it ever since. She played club volleyball for 7 years and trained in beach volleyball
for 5 years with Suncoast VBC. As an adult she's continued to participate in various small
teams and tournaments.
Coach Emily is excited to enter her second season coaching
club volleyball for 863 Elite!
She brings in years of experience mentoring kids from her job as a teacher, and looks forward to continue utilizing those skill sets for helping
athletes. Her motto believes that through patience and practice, any
athlete can achieve great things!
Coach Emily also serves a USA Volleyball Official for over 10 years and serves as 863 Elite's head official.
Coach Jocelyn has been playing volleyball since she was 10 years old. She began with two years of recreational volleyball before playing club volleyball for five years. She was a member of the George Jenkins High School volleyball team during her freshman and sophomore years. Unfortunately, due to an injury, she had to stop playing for th
Coach Jocelyn has been playing volleyball since she was 10 years old. She began with two years of recreational volleyball before playing club volleyball for five years. She was a member of the George Jenkins High School volleyball team during her freshman and sophomore years. Unfortunately, due to an injury, she had to stop playing for the school her junior and senior years and shifted her focus to coaching. Although she could no longer participate in club volleyball, Coach Jocelyn continues to play in an adult league, allowing her to stay active in the
sport she loves while protecting her health.
Coach Jocelyn began her coaching journey in high school at St. Paul, where
she coached for two years. She also coached one recreational season at Church For the One. Her passion for coaching continued through high school and she plans to stay involved in coaching
while attending college. "I love seeing the girls I coach fall in love with the
same sport as I did!"
Did you know.. Coach Mike and
Coach Ashley once coached my little sister-and even helped me improve my own
volleyball skills!
Coach Kalin started playing volleyball at the age of 12, and played club volleyball for 5 years before college. In college, while attending Azusa Pacific University she played for her schools club volleyball for all four years and was captain/ president
of the team for two of the years.
Coach Kalin started
coaching club volleyball at
Azusa Pa
Coach Kalin started playing volleyball at the age of 12, and played club volleyball for 5 years before college. In college, while attending Azusa Pacific University she played for her schools club volleyball for all four years and was captain/ president
of the team for two of the years.
Coach Kalin started
coaching club volleyball at
Azusa Pacific University where she led her team to be in the top 10 in the nation for division I volleyball. It was there she realized her passion for coaching volleyball and building individuals to realize their full potential. She is now in her third season of coaching club volleyball and second season with 863 Elite!
Fun Fact Kalin is a professional
spikeball player and has been featured on ESPN.
Coach Kaylee has been playing volleyball competitively since 5th grade. She was on varsity all four years of her high school career and then was nominated and made
the IHSVCA all star team her senior year. Shortly after graduating high school Coach Kaylee committed on a full ride to play beach and indoor at Lake Sumter State College; where
Coach Kaylee has been playing volleyball competitively since 5th grade. She was on varsity all four years of her high school career and then was nominated and made
the IHSVCA all star team her senior year. Shortly after graduating high school Coach Kaylee committed on a full ride to play beach and indoor at Lake Sumter State College; where she made first team FCSAA for NUCAA region 8. Just recently she committed to play on a full ride as an indoor and beach player at Webber International University for her last two years of college.
While at Lake Sumter Coach Kaylee coached for two years. One year under Voltage volleyball and the next under American athletic club. Coach Kaylee just recently moved to Winter Haven, Florida to be closer to Webber and has received an opportunity to continue to coach and play. "I am super excited to see how I can help these girls evolve their athletic careers at 863 Elite Volleyball and help them fall in love with the sport just like I did."
Philosophy
Attitude along with effort & mind over matter. In most sports the mind can make or break an athlete and I think mental training is
just as important as physical training.
Coach Kymber played 3 out of her 4 years at George Jenkins High School as the starting libero on varsity. She brings 5 years of club experience, with 4 years being named team captain. Kymber played at Florida College as a libero/DS, placed 2nd in conference championship, and played in the NAIA national
tournament in Montana.
Coach Kymber ha
Coach Kymber played 3 out of her 4 years at George Jenkins High School as the starting libero on varsity. She brings 5 years of club experience, with 4 years being named team captain. Kymber played at Florida College as a libero/DS, placed 2nd in conference championship, and played in the NAIA national
tournament in Montana.
Coach Kymber has coached several rec- league volleyball teams,
and also coaches softball. She assisted the last 3 seasons on LHMS'
volleyball team. "I am super excited to continue coaching at the next level with 863 Elite and be able to help the coaches that shaped me into the player I am. I can't wait to help girls fall in love
with the game I love!"
Fun Fact
I played 10+ years of softball before playing volleyball and my senior year I joined my high
school's wrestling team.
Coach Larry first learned the game of volleyball as a high school senior at St Pius X high school in Atlanta, Ga. Larry then went on to play on Collegiate Club Teams at Georgia State University and Illinois State University where he played as a setter and
outside hitter.
Coach Larry has been
coaching for over 26 years! He has helped develop
Coach Larry first learned the game of volleyball as a high school senior at St Pius X high school in Atlanta, Ga. Larry then went on to play on Collegiate Club Teams at Georgia State University and Illinois State University where he played as a setter and
outside hitter.
Coach Larry has been
coaching for over 26 years! He has helped develop athletes in Georgia, Illinois, and now Florida! Over the years Coach Larry has coached over 110 athletes that have gone on to play in college. This will be his
fourth season with the 863
Elite Family!
Fun Fact
I love marvel action heroes!
Coach Mariah began playing volleyball in the 6th grade and continued through high school as a right-side hitter at Auburndale High School. During her time there, she helped lead her team to a district championship in her junior year and a runner-up finish in her senior year. She also competed at the club level with LVA and continues to st
Coach Mariah began playing volleyball in the 6th grade and continued through high school as a right-side hitter at Auburndale High School. During her time there, she helped lead her team to a district championship in her junior year and a runner-up finish in her senior year. She also competed at the club level with LVA and continues to stay active in the sport by playing in adult leagues.
Coach Mariah's coaching journey started right after high school, returning to her alma mater to give back to the program that shaped her. She later took on the role of JV coach at Tenoroc High School and coached an 18s AAU team. Now, she’s excited to bring her passion and experience to 863 Elite for the upcoming seasons.
Did you know..
Outside of volleyball, she is a proud mother to a two-year-old daughter and an entrepreneur running two businesses.
fun fact: I am a nail technician with a special talent for character nail art.
Coach Michaela has been involved in the volleyball world since a very young age. She played all 4 of her high school years on varsity at Lakeland Christian and George Jenkins High school. Her senior year she was named team captain. Coach Michaela brings 10+ years of competitive club
volleyball experience.
Coach Michaela's first coaching exp
Coach Michaela has been involved in the volleyball world since a very young age. She played all 4 of her high school years on varsity at Lakeland Christian and George Jenkins High school. Her senior year she was named team captain. Coach Michaela brings 10+ years of competitive club
volleyball experience.
Coach Michaela's first coaching experience began at St. Paul, where she worked with kids of all ages. She started coaching while in high school and continues to coach now while also in college. "I am super excited to coach at 863 and watch girls fall in love with the sport of volleyball. It is a full circle moment coming to coach at 863 as I get to also work with the coaches who coached me during my club years."
Fun Fact:
I am currently going to school in Jacksonville for my Bachelors and Masters in Business Marketing and
Management.
Coach Molly is the youngest of seven siblings, and her earliest memories of volleyball involve her mom tossing her a ball to practice passing during downtime at her siblings’ sporting events. She began playing volleyball in the 5th grade, alongside participating in several other sports. Coach Molly continued playing through high school an
Coach Molly is the youngest of seven siblings, and her earliest memories of volleyball involve her mom tossing her a ball to practice passing during downtime at her siblings’ sporting events. She began playing volleyball in the 5th grade, alongside participating in several other sports. Coach Molly continued playing through high school and joined an intramural league in college. After moving to Lakeland, she played in a co-ed adult league for several years. With two daughters active in the sport—soon entering their 7th and 5th club seasons—Coach Molly has been an enthusiastic supporter and fan of volleyball for many years.
Since relocating to Lakeland nearly 20 years ago, Coach Molly has coached multiple recreational volleyball seasons. She has experience coaching mini-club for 863 Elite and is entering her fourth year as a coach at St. Paul Lutheran School (SPLS).
Coaching Philosophy:
To teach the fundamentals of volleyball (enabling an athlete to get to their next level), to encourage teamwork and build confidence. Her favorite part of coaching is having the opportunity to come along side kids on their athletic journey, watching them test their limits, exceed their own expectations, grow in their love for the sport, build a competitive mindset, and ultimately, see them translate those on the court skills (confidence, leadership, teamwork, etc.) into other areas of their lives.
Fun Fact:
I have two German Shorthaired Pointers.
Coach Samantha began playing volleyball in 6th grade. Played for Steinbrenner
High School, which earned her a scholarship to play indoor and beach volleyball for
Webber International University. During her collegiate years she earned All American her Junior & Senior year, and she also participated
in track and field.
Coach Samantha returns
for
Coach Samantha began playing volleyball in 6th grade. Played for Steinbrenner
High School, which earned her a scholarship to play indoor and beach volleyball for
Webber International University. During her collegiate years she earned All American her Junior & Senior year, and she also participated
in track and field.
Coach Samantha returns
for her second season with
863 Elite bringing over 3
years of being a
competitive club coach. She has assisted for Clubs in the Tampa Area; Tampa Elite, Tampa Attack and Eagles Volleyball, along
with doing private lessons. Samantha has also helped
out with Special Olympics
Volleyball and
Track & Field at Martinez
Middle School.
Did you know.. Samantha was second in the state of Florida for wrestling my Freshman year of
high school.
Coach Saray has been playing volleyball for 11 years. She attended George
Jenkins and led Polk County in digs. Coach Saray attended Club in lakeland
as a Libero/DS and won an All Tournament Player Award & MVP during her 18u season. After graduating, she continued her volleyball career at Indian River where she played 2 years as a Libero/DS
Coach Saray has been playing volleyball for 11 years. She attended George
Jenkins and led Polk County in digs. Coach Saray attended Club in lakeland
as a Libero/DS and won an All Tournament Player Award & MVP during her 18u season. After graduating, she continued her volleyball career at Indian River where she played 2 years as a Libero/DS and won a sportsmanship
award.
Coach Saray brings in
experience from coaching Rec Teams, and by coaching multiple summer camps In Fort Pierce, Okechoobee, and Lakeland, Florida. Also hosting some Libero/DS Clinics as well. "I cannot wait to keep spreading my passion for the game I love to others; all while helping coach for those coaches who have helped formed me into the player
and person I am today."
Philosophy:
"Hard work beats talent when talent
fails to work hard."
Coach Shawn started playing
volleyball when she was 14 years old.
She played as an outside hitter and DS in high school and fell in love with the sport immediately. She then went on to play club volleyball at the University of Kentucky also as an OH
and DS as well.
Coach Shawn has head coached at Boone Middle School and Ridge Community High S
Coach Shawn started playing
volleyball when she was 14 years old.
She played as an outside hitter and DS in high school and fell in love with the sport immediately. She then went on to play club volleyball at the University of Kentucky also as an OH
and DS as well.
Coach Shawn has head coached at Boone Middle School and Ridge Community High School. Currently, she is the Varsity Head coach at Denison Middle and also the head coach for Winter Haven High School Varsity Men's Volleyball team. Coach Shawn is also the Assistant JV coach for Winter Haven's Girl's Indoor Volleyball team as well. For club, she has been the Head coach of several club teams in Polk County and is excited to
make 863 Elite her new home. Her specialty is teaching and focusing on technique, footwork and movement in all volleyball
positions.
Fun Fact:
I used to play basketball
since I was 6 but immediately dropped it when I fell in love with
Volleyball!
Coach Sydney started playing volleyball in middle
school at the age of 12. Then as a high school freshman, started club volleyball. Sydney currently
plays at Webber
International University as a
Setter.
For the past four years Coach Sydney has helped coach volleyball at the middle school level. She finds passion in helping young athletes deve
Coach Sydney started playing volleyball in middle
school at the age of 12. Then as a high school freshman, started club volleyball. Sydney currently
plays at Webber
International University as a
Setter.
For the past four years Coach Sydney has helped coach volleyball at the middle school level. She finds passion in helping young athletes develop a love for the game. Coach Sydney returns for her second season with 863
Elite.
Philosophy :
Hard work pays off!
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