2025-26 Wisconsin Elite Coaches

2022 – Senior Year at DI Bellarmine – 4 Year Player
ASUN Honor Roll recipient…ASUN Honors Graduate recipient…Ranked third on team in kills per set (2.12), total points (195) and points per set (2.35) and was fourth in total kills (176) and blocks (32)…Tallied 38 digs…Appeared in 27 matches and played in 83 sets…Reached double-digit kills on five occasions, including a season-high 13 against Austin Peay on Sept. 23…Registered at least one block in 19 matches and notched two blocks or more in seven of those…Racked up a season-high five blocks Sept. 3 against Miami (Ohio)…Tied season best with five digs Sept. 30 against North Alabama and Nov. 5 against FGCU.

BEFORE BELLARMINE: Played high school volleyball at Germantown in Wisconsin and was a four-year varsity starter and team captain as a junior and senior…Named honorable-mention All-State as a junior and senior, first-team All-Conference as a senior and second-team All-Conference as a junior…Honored as Team MVP her junior and senior years and earned All-Academic Team plaudits those seasons as well…Also as a senior, recognized on All-County Team and broke school record for career blocks with 400 from 2015-18…Lauded as Prep Digs Player of the Week in junior year…Member of Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society and PEERS for PEERS Leader…Played club volleyball for four years with Motion Volleyball Program…Was team captain as a senior, named to Ultra Ankle JVA Watch List and cited on President’s Day Classic All-Tournament Team.

Growing up as the oldest of five kids, and the fourth oldest of twenty-five grandkids, teaching and coaching have always been an integral part of Nick Potts’s life. He grew up in the Milwaukee area and attended New Berlin Eisenhower HS. He then graduated from UW-Madison where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education. While attending UW, he served as Vice President and a four-year starter for the Men’s Club Volleyball Team. Upon graduating, he began teaching middle school art & design and coaching in the Madison area, which he continued for eight years. After having an opportunity to live abroad in Helsinki, Finland for a year, Nick moved back to the Milwaukee area and teaches middle school art in the Muskego-Norway School District.

Nick’s energy and passion for the game motivate players to want to grow and become better for their teammates. Drawing from a vast knowledge base in different learning styles, he strives to assist his teams in cultivating a solid foundation of technique and strategy, and seeks to help each athlete grow into well-rounded players and passionate students of the game. Nick takes pride in helping athletes build confidence, develop into leaders, and strengthen mental fortitude through the game of volleyball.

Coaching Experience:

University of Wisconsin Volleyball Summer Camps: 2016-Present

Wisconsin Elite Volleyball Club 16-1s: 2021-2022 (Finished 18th at AAU Nationals)

MVP 15-1s: 2020-2021 (Finished top 25 at AAU Nationals)

Wisconsin Select Volleyball Club 15-1s: 2015-2017

Mount Horeb 8th grade Head Coach: 2015-2017

Mount Horeb JV Head Coach & Varsity Assistant: 2013-2014

Mount Horeb 8th grade Head Coach: 2012

Mount Horeb 7th grade Head Coach: 2011

Marshall HS JV Head Coach & Varsity Assistant: 2010

Wisconsin Performance 15s Head Coach: 2009

UW-Madison Men’s Club Volleyball Team- Vice President & Coach: 2006-2011

UW-Whitewater Women’s Club Volleyball Head Coach: 2005-2006

Julia is entering her third year at Wisconsin Elite Volleyball but has been around the game most of her life. Originally from Michigan, Julia attended DI Calvin University and was a 4-year member of the volleyball and basketball teams, a career that included all-conference honors in both sports, several conference championships, a National Runner-Up, and a National Championship. After college Julia lived on the East Coast for several years to attend graduate school to study nutrition and public health and then found her way to the Milwaukee area where she’s been ever since. Since moving here, she’s enjoyed getting into the volleyball scene by playing in leagues and tournaments and is thrilled to now get into the coaching game as well. In her free time, Julia enjoys cooking, gardening, and traveling.

• Was ranked #37 overall and #8 as MB on prep volleyball senior aces list. 
• Attended the USA High Performance Holiday Camp in four consecutive seasons (2011-14) and the USA High Performance A1 Team in 2012 and 2013. 
• Was a four-year varsity starter for Muskego. At Muskego was a two-time second team all-state honoree, and a 2015 first team all-conference selection.  In 2013 we won conference championship, and a runner-up state championship finish in 2014. 
• Currently still holds three state tournament records, including block assists in a three-set match (20), block assists in a five-set match (12), and total blocks in a five-set match (12).
• For club played at sports performance volleyball. At SPRI played in Japan, and Dominican republic while hosting/playing china twice. 
• Won 2 AAU 18 Open National Championship titles (Sports performance 2015,2016)
• Won 1 AAU 18 Open World title 2016 (Sports performance)
• 1 AAU open 16s runner up 2014(Sports performance)
• Committed to Marquette in 8th grade
• 3 NCAA Tournament appearances (Marquette)
• 2 Sweet 16 appearances (Marquette)

Amanda is a 5th-year returning coach for Wisconsin Elite. Last year she and Emma coached the 17-Elite team. Growing up in the Kenosha area, she played nine years of club volleyball as well as high school. She graduated from Milwaukee School of Engineering where she played volleyball for 4 years and studied BioMolecular engineering.

Emma is a fifth-year returning coach for Wisconsin Elite. She and Amanda have coached at the 15s age level the last two seasons, both regionally and nationally. During the 2024-25 season she coached the 17-Elite team. Growing up in the Waukesha area, she played five years of club volleyball as well as high school. She also played collegiately at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, graduating recently with a degree in Biomedical Engineering. 

Paul is a 2nd-year coach with the Wisconsin Elite program. With a strong background as a personal trainer, he has worked with athletes of all levels, from football players to volleyball players, specializing in general health, strength training and athletic performance. His focus is on helping athletes maximize their potential through individualized coaching, skill development, and injury prevention.

Active in the Milwaukee volleyball community, Paul not only coaches but also competes in leagues and weekend tournaments. His firsthand experience on the court brings a practical approach to training, and he looks forward to contributing to the growth and success of the athletes in the club.

Asher is entering his 5th year with the program at Wisconsin Elite Volleyball.

Ally is returning for her second season as an assistant coach for 16-Elite. She took 5th at Nationals in her first season with 16-Elite. She is a D1 player at Marquette Volleyball. She played for Elite for a season and with Jon and Patrick for an additional season.

Hannah is a current JV1 Head Coach at University School of Milwaukee and Varsity Assistant Coach. She is a long-time club player, former coach at Wisconsin Premier Volleyball Club and Wisconsin Volleyball Academy, and eager to begin at Wisconsin Elite Volleyball. She is also a former collegiate volleyball athlete at Marian. She has 5+ years of club coaching experience and several in high school.

Cass played for Jon and Patrick several years ago. She has coached our 16-Red team and 15-Blue this past season. She knows the system well and is eager to push our 16-Blue squad this season. She currently plays at Carthage College and has numerous accomplishments, including honorable all mention NACC for the second straight year.

She played on the volleyball team at Campbell Sport High School and the golf team for one year. She is planning to major in exercise science to become a physical therapist.

Coming soon.

He played D2 Volleyball at D’Youville Unversity in Buffalo New York. He played club for 8 years at played at Sting and Lake Country. He’s eager to coach the 16-White team.

Monica has coached for the Wisconsin Elite for three years and really developed the 14-Regional program in the 22-23 season and 16-Blue team for the 2023-2024 season. During the 2024-25 season, she anchored 16-Red with Angela. She is a coach by day, ref by night, and celebrity TikToker as well (@monica.vball). She also is a Marketing Director in the Milwaukee area. You can always count on Monica to be on top of the girls, highly organized, and a passionate coach.

Angela is a highly experienced coach with 17 years of experience coaching high school volleyball and 9 years of experience coaching long-distance track. In addition to her passion for coaching and volleyball, Angela also loves running. This is Angela’s fifth year with Wisconsin Elite Volleyball, and she is very excited to work with the 15s program to grow their skills and love of the game!

McKenna started working at Muskego Norway Schools in 2021 and graduated from Carroll University in 2020. She has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education. She has a true passion for coaching and playing volleyball.

This will be D’Janae’s second year as a 12s coach for Wisconsin Elite and second year working with 15-Blue. A little about her playing career so far at Lakeland.

2022: As a freshman was a member of the Muskies’ varsity reserve squad and did not play in a varsity match.

High School: Three-year letter winner on volleyball team… Three-time team captain… Second team all-district selection as a sophomore.

Personal: Daughter of Tarawn Gilley and Irais Macias and has three brothers (Marcel, Xavier and Kamoni)… Majoring in exercise science.

Favorite TV Show: Grey’s Anatomy
Favorite movie: How to Train Your Dragon
Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite holiday: Halloween
When not playing sports you will find me: Drawing or working out
Why did you choose Lakeland? Small campus, great environment, great coaches and players

She is a player at Lakeland University and a coach for Wisconsin Elite Volleyball.

Here are two seasons of history.

2023: In her sophomore season played in 13 matches and a total of 30 sets, frequently as a serving specialist… Finished with three digs, three service aces and two assists… Served a pair of aces against Concordia Chicago Oct. 28.

2022: As a freshman appeared in nine varsity matches and a total of 12 sets… Finished with five kills without an error in 10 attack attempts for a .500 hitting percentage… Added four digs, one block assist and one service ace… Made varsity debut against UW-Oshkosh Sept. 7 and finished with two kills… Also posted two kills against Ripon Sept. 24.

This will be Michelle’s third year coaching with BC Junior Lancers and Emily’s second and they are coaching one of our 8th Grade teams.  Michelle and Emily are Carroll University Alums – both played collegiately for Carroll and are Physical Therapists.

This will be Michelle’s third year coaching with BC Junior Lancers and Emily’s second and they are coaching one of our 8th Grade teams.  Michelle and Emily are Carroll University Alums – both played collegiately for Carroll and are Physical Therapists.

Grace played volleyball at Nicolet High School and for Jon and Patrick. She went on to play at Aurora University and now coaches at Nicolet High School. We look forward to her defensive and 1st contact expertise as the head coach of 15-Silver. More to come.

Samantha currently plays for Carroll Volleyball as a DS/L. She played for Sports Performance Volleyball for 10 years and knows our club well, given its similar training style. She has also coached the GLC Elite middle school program at Sports Performance for two years and has coached summer camps there as well. She will be an excellent addition to Wisconsin Elite, given her extensive background in systems training.

Coming from Rockford, Illinois, Annalissa has worked with multiple age groups in the coaching realm. She coached for VC-United, Rockford Volleyball and coached our 12-Red team this past season. She plays volleyball at MSOE and is eager to continue coaching in the Milwaukee area for Wisconsin Elite. She is a long-time player and is looking to bring that experience to the 13-Elite team.

Angela is a highly experienced coach with 17 years of experience coaching high school volleyball and 9 years of experience coaching long-distance track. In addition to her passion for coaching and volleyball, Angela also loves running. This is Angela’s fourth year with Wisconsin Elite Volleyball, and she is very excited to work with the 15s program to grow their skills and love of the game!

My first season coaching and I’m glad to start the journey at Wisconsin Elite. Played 8 years of club volleyball and was a four year varsity starter at Bradford High School in Kenosha. Graduated from Quincy University with a Bachelor of Science: Criminal Justice where I played 4 more years of Division II volleyball.

I began playing club volleyball at age 12 and continued through high school, junior college, and then Division III at Beloit College. I have also served as the Head Coach for West Bend Girls Lacrosse for the past two years, which has provided me with valuable experience in leadership and team management. In addition, I currently coach a 7th/8th grade volleyball team for the Kewaskum Athletic Association.

With my playing experience, I bring a strong knowledge of volleyball technique, and my teaching background allows me to effectively manage and connect with athletes.

This will be Jason’s third year coaching with Wisconsin Elite Volleyball. His coaching style is one that engages his players, encourages confidence, motivates teammates, and hopefully grows each player’s love for the game. As a former collegiate volleyball player, he’s turned his passion for playing into a passion for coaching and developing volleyball athletes. Jason played volleyball at Augustana College where they were nationally ranked each year for D2.

Jason is married to the best volleyball mom and together they have 3 daughters who all play for Wisconsin Elite. At home there is usually a volleyball being touched or bounced off the walls. Jason still plays sand volleyball and enters a few grass 3’s tournaments each year. 

My name is Jillian Wolf, and I’m excited to be joining Wisconsin Elite as the Assistant Coach for 14 White and Co-Coach for 14 Silver. I grew up in Oak Creek, WI, where I fell in love with the game of volleyball and have been playing for nearly 12 years. I started my club career with Next Level from 11s-16s and finished with 414 Milwaukee Elite for 17s and 18s, playing as a libero. I also played for Oak Creek Middle and High School, earning a spot on the varsity team for three seasons and serving as team captain during my junior and senior years.

I recently graduated from Concordia University of Wisconsin with a nursing degree and currently work at Children’s Wisconsin. Although I chose not to play collegiate volleyball to focus on my academic and career goals, I never left the game behind. I’ve continued playing in rec leagues and intramurals and have never lost my passion for the game.

Volleyball has shaped who I am—not only as an athlete but also as a person. It has taught me invaluable lessons in character, perseverance, patience, and resilience. As a coach, my goal is to pass on these lessons and help my players grow both on and off the court. I’m committed to fostering a positive, hardworking, and supportive environment where each athlete can thrive.”

Coming soon.

Hello Wisconsin Elite Community,

My name is Sarah Mendelson, and I am the head coach for 13-Red. I was born and raised in Elmwood Park, Illinois, where my passion for volleyball emerged. Following my high school career, I continued to play volleyball for several seasons at St. Norbert College. Upon graduating from college in 2024, I embarked on my teaching career, initially serving as a middle school science and social studies instructor. Subsequently, I assumed the role of a middle school girls’ volleyball coach at St. Eugene School.

I am eager to embark on this new chapter at Wisconsin Elite. My coaching philosophy emphasizes fostering a positive and energetic environment during each game.

Genevieve was a player for Wisconsin Elite and has helped for several years in our Development Program and in the 12s program. She assisted with the 12-Red and 12-Blue team last year. She is eager to coach and will be assisted by 18-Elite players.

Kylie is a Middle Blocker and Opposite Hitter for Carroll. She is from Beaver Dam, Wisconsin and is a sophomore now. Here are just a few of her 2023 stats: Appeared in 28 sets over 13 matches with 2 matches started…scored 51 points with 43 kills, seven digs, and 13 blocks…nailed 10 kills on 21 attempts with one block against Lawrence on 10/18/23…recorded three blocks and two kills against Dubuque on 9/29/23. She is eager to jump into coaching with veteran Payton Depies. This will be her second year as the 12-Elite Assistant Coach.

This will be D’Janae’s second year as a 12s coach for Wisconsin Elite. A little about her playing career so far at Lakeland.

2022: As a freshman was a member of the Muskies’ varsity reserve squad and did not play in a varsity match.

High School: Three-year letter winner on volleyball team… Three-time team captain… Second team all-district selection as a sophomore.

Personal: Daughter of Tarawn Gilley and Irais Macias and has three brothers (Marcel, Xavier and Kamoni)… Majoring in exercise science.

Favorite TV Show: Grey’s Anatomy
Favorite movie: How to Train Your Dragon
Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite holiday: Halloween
When not playing sports you will find me: Drawing or working out
Why did you choose Lakeland? Small campus, great environment, great coaches and players

She is a player at Lakeland University and a coach for Wisconsin Elite Volleyball.

Here are two seasons of history.

2023: In her sophomore season played in 13 matches and a total of 30 sets, frequently as a serving specialist… Finished with three digs, three service aces and two assists… Served a pair of aces against Concordia Chicago Oct. 28.

2022: As a freshman appeared in nine varsity matches and a total of 12 sets… Finished with five kills without an error in 10 attack attempts for a .500 hitting percentage… Added four digs, one block assist and one service ace… Made varsity debut against UW-Oshkosh Sept. 7 and finished with two kills… Also posted two kills against Ripon Sept. 24.