2010 AVHS Volleyball Coaching Staff
Head Coach, Gordy Hagert introduces himself and his staff:
Gordy Hagert
Head Coach
I've been involved in coaching for 27 years as a head coach (volleyball, track and field, and cross country), assistant coach (GBB, JH baseball, JH VB), and athletic director. I began my career as a head coach in Buffalo Lake, MN, having never seen a volleyball game and taking over a team that hadn't won a game in the previous two years. In 5 short years, we won the first girls conference championship in school history, earned a #1 seed in districts, and I was named District 16 Coach of the Year. In 2002, I joined the AVHS volleyball family as 9A coach. After three years as 9A coach, I moved up to serve as JV coach for 1 year, and then Varsity Assistant to Dan Seppala.
Dan Seppala
Varisty Assistant
Dan is one of the finest young coaches in Minnesota. His knowledge of the game is years beyond most coaches twice his age. His ability to design drills and practices that isolate skills and techniques makes him a valuable technician on our team. Dan is also an accomplished player and understands the game both technically and strategically. His ability to relate to kids, "Red Bull" level of enthusiasm, and positive approach infects all those who work with him.
Jeff Groves
General Manager
Jeff is the gear that makes this engine run. His organization skill and attention to detail allows the rest of us to focus on the team. Jeff will manage our bus times, schedule workers, refs, and manage all our equipment. When it's about the "details" it's Jeff's job. Jeff also has deep connections to juniors and the South Metro Volleyball League as well as state-level volleyball organizations. The wheels on this bus don't go 'round and 'round without "Grover".
Kelley Gowling
Junior Varsity
Kelley is new to Apple Valley, but has joined our own Gowling family (Jill Gowling Award) and understands the deep history and tradition of Eagle Volleyball. Kelley has NCAA Division III experience as both a head coach (Washington College, Chestertown, MD) and assistant coach. She's also planned, organized, and run volleyball camps and clinics at the Naval Academy, University of Connecticut, and Delaware. Kelley also has a background in strength/conditioning and nutrition and will manage our in-season conditioning program for the varsity and JV levels.
Lindsay Witte
B Team
Lindsay, like Dan, is a Valley graduate and former Eagle volleyball player. After a one year absence, Lindsay returns to our program to command the B team. Lindsay has served in our 9th grade program, as B coach, and as JV coach. She's also worked in the Northern Lights Juniors programs as an assistant coach to Walt Weaver. Lindsay is also returning to run our specialized volleyball training program, Soaring Eagles, this summer. Welcome back, Linds!
Shelly Lundin
Volunteer Assistant
I am thrilled Shelly will be able to rejoin our team this year. Last year, Shelly served as JV coach under Dan Kuklock. Due to her pregnancy, she will not be able to be with us all season, but she as offered to come and work with us through the first month of the season. Shelly has extensive experience as a player and is growing as a coach. She was a Division I setter at the University of Maine and has extensive experience as a juniors player and coach. Shelly also served as the Assistant Strength and Conditioning coach for Division I University of South Florida. Shelly will be assisting us in all aspects of the game and at all levels, with a focus on setting.
Kate Olsen
9A
Yet another volleyball coach with deep AVHS roots. Kate grew up playing "the Walt Weaver way" and played on the last AVHS state tournament team. Kate has served as the AVHS 9A coach for the past 3 years. Despite having the best 9th graders pillaged by varsity and JV programs, Kate's teams continue to win matches at better than an 80% rate.
Sandy Russell
9B
Sandy, yet another AVHS grad and former player, will return to coach 9B. Sandy has coaching experience at the VAA, juniors and 9th grade program and brings her skills as an occupational therapist and parent to our mix. If you haven't met Sandy, you'll be impressed by her enthusiasm and passion for our sport and our kids.