Our Coaching Roster
At 864 Elite VBC, we believe quality coaching is the foundation of a good program and have made the commitment to build our program with that in mind. There is demand for us to offer 2 or 3 times as many teams, but we have made the decision to only grow as we are able to find the best in coaching in this area.
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With more than 12 years of volleyball experience, Jadyn Anderson has developed a deep passion for both the game and the athletes who play it. Following a successful high school career at Wren High School, where she helped her team capture a state championship, she advanced to the collegiate level and currently plays volleyball at Erskine College. Over the past year and a half, Jadyn has also gained valuable coaching experience working with young athletes in an in-house volleyball program. She enjoys helping players strengthen their fundamentals, build self-confidence, and develop a strong work ethic. Jadyn believes the lessons learned through volleyball extend far beyond the court and is dedicated to helping each athlete grow as both a player and a person.
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Assistant coach 864 Elite 15U Ken |
Katelynn's coaching journey began during her senior year of high school where she worked with the SRS Volleyball Club, coaching both the 13U and 14U teams. After graduating and starting her studies at Clemson University, she stayed involved in the sport by assisting multiple high school volleyball programs with practices, camps, and player development throughout her freshman year. After coaching last season with 864 Elite, coaching has quickly become one of her greatest passions, and loves helping athletes build confidence, skills, and a deeper appreciation for the game. She's incredibly excited for the opportunity to be part of the 864 family and look forward to working with its players again this season!
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Assistant coach 864 Elite 13U Faith |
Melissa has been coaching club volleyball for 13 years and comes to 864 Elite with experience coaching 12-18s. She was the varsity coach at Easley High School for 3 years and has been doing private volleyball lessons for 10 years. She has been playing volleyball since she can remember. She played middle at Easley High School (1 year JV, 3 years Varsity) and Dixie Volleyball Club for 2 years ( junior and senior year). In 2005, she was offered a full scholarship to play at Limestone College, but medically red-shirted. She was the starting outside hitter from 2006-2009. She is currently the all time kill leader at Limestone (1924 kills) and was recently inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame. “I love helping players of all ages learn to love the sport of volleyball. I also enjoy bonding with my players, and teaching them lessons off the court. I want them to not only be great volleyball players but fantastic people.” Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband, Justin, and their three adorable babies, Charlotte, Sidney, and Jordon Rhett.
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Mary Kate brings 12 years of volleyball playing experience, including four years competing at Erskine College, along with a strong background in athlete development and coaching. She has spent the past four years coaching at Wren High School, serving as the JV Head Coach for two years and as a Varsity Assistant Coach for two years. In addition, Mary Kate has four years of club coaching experience working with athletes ages 16–18, helping players prepare for high-level competition and opportunities to compete at the collegiate level. As a member of Wren’s coaching staff, Mary Kate has assisted in creating scouting reports and game plans that contributed to back-to-back state championship seasons. Her experience coaching athletes at multiple levels has allowed her to help players develop their technical skills, volleyball IQ, confidence, and competitive mindset. Mary Kate earned a Master’s degree in Coaching Education from the University of South Carolina with a specialization in Mental Performance Coaching. This advanced training enables her to support athletes not only in their physical development but also in strengthening the mental skills necessary to perform under pressure and achieve their goals. Passionate about helping athletes reach their maximum potential, Mary Kate is committed to developing well-rounded players both on and off the court. She strives to create an environment that fosters growth, accountability, confidence, and a love for the game while helping athletes pursue opportunities to compete at the next level should they desire to do so.
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Assistant coach 864 Elite 17U Jen |
I am excited to begin my third year coaching club volleyball and continue helping athletes develop both their skills and confidence on and off the court. This year, I am also starting my first season as the Head JV Volleyball Coach at Wade Hampton High School. For the past three years, I have worked with the Clemson Volleyball program, and I am excited to step into the role of Graduate Manager beginning this August. Growing up in a volleyball family, the sport has always been a major part of my life. Having played volleyball my entire life, I bring a lifelong passion for the game and strive to create a positive, competitive environment where players can grow, work hard, and enjoy the sport. I look forward to sharing my love of volleyball with every athlete and helping them reach their full potential both on and off the court.
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Assistant coach 864 Elite 18U Kim |
Coach Crumpton is in her fifth year as the Pickens High School varsity volleyball head coach. In her first four seasons with the Blue Flame, her teams were 112-29, including winning the 2024 4A State Championship, 2025 4A State Championship and three 4A region titles. In her 10 seasons as the head volleyball coach at Pickens Middle School, she had a record of 161-6 with 9 Regular Season Championships and 9 Tournament Championships and also a winning streak of 130-0 that continued into 2023. Coach Crumpton was also named the 2020-21 Middle School Coach of the Year by the SCACA. In 2021 her 13U club team finished the regular season with a 40-0 record with 7 gold championships including the club’s first ever Palmetto Region title. That team also went on to finish tied for 5th at AAU Nationals. Coach Crumpton played at Pickens high helping lead her team to three State Championships – two as a player and one as an assistant coach. Coach Crumpton earned an athletic scholarship to play D1 volleyball at UNCA where she was a four year starter as a six-rotation outside hitter. She has been coaching for over 25 years, including club, middle school, JV, high school, and college. Coach Crumpton has a true passion for the sport that she strives to pass along to each of the players she is blessed to coach. Her motto is “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” “I give my everything as a coach and I expect the same from my players. To me it all begins with developing solid fundamental skills. We practice hard, we play hard, and we grow together on and off the court. We become one big, solid volleyball family. That is what 864 Elite is all about.” Club
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Tommy is currently an assistant varsity volleyball coach at Pickens High School where in the past 3 years the Blue Flame are 81-25, including winning the 2024 4A State Championship and two 4A region titles. Previously, he was an assistant volleyball coach at Pickens Middle School for 10 years where he helped lead the team to 8 consecutive undefeated seasons with an amazing 130-0 record. During that time the Lady Sparks won 9 division titles and 9 tournament titles. He has also coached the last 9 years in club volleyball including 2 National teams. His 13u team in 2021 climbed as high as #2 in the nation. His 14u team in 2022 reached a ranking of #3 in the nation with a record of 41-1. He has been married to Coach Crumpton for 15 years, and they have one Goldendoodle named Josie.
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Emily has grown up playing volleyball since she was 9 and had a love and passion for it almost instantly. She has now coached for 2 seasons at 864 as an assistant coach, one seasons with 13s and the next with 15s. She played high school volleyball for 5 years- 1 year in JV and then 4 years on varsity, even earning region player of the year her senior year. She also played club volleyball for 8 years and was named twice as an AVCA All-American. While playing varsity she was a four-time region champ as well as in club, winning regionals her 15s year. While playing varsity she would also be the first to aid and assist coaches for help in training the younger girls. She has always wanted to know the game as deeply as she can and was always the first to get her hands on a volleyball to get some extra court time in. Now she wants to pass on that knowledge while continuing to grow it, as she assists in helping these young girls. She now is attending Clemson University and working towards her bachelor’s degree in English.
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Matt joined the 864 Elite coaching staff in 2023 and has become an integral part of the program's commitment to developing athletes both on and off the court. Coaching since 2018, he brings experience from multiple club programs and has served in both head and assistant coaching roles, giving him a well-rounded perspective on player development and team success. During the 2024 and 2025 club seasons, Matt worked alongside the 864 Elite directors and Coach Ken with the program's 14U and 15U teams, helping guide athletes through critical stages of their development. He also spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Pickens High School before joining the coaching staff at Mauldin High School as a varsity assistant coach. In his first season as head coach of the 864 Elite 15U team, Matt led the group to an impressive 64–7 overall record and a ninth-place finish at the AAU National Championships. His coaching philosophy emphasizes skill development, accountability, confidence, and creating a competitive environment where athletes are encouraged to reach their full potential. A lifelong student of the game, Matt played for the Clemson Men's Club Volleyball team and served as a practice player for Erskine College's men's indoor volleyball program. His playing experience, combined with his dedication to continued learning, allows him to bring enthusiasm, knowledge, and a player-focused approach to every practice and competition. Away from the court, Matt is pursuing a Business degree at Clemson University while continuing to grow as a coach and mentor within the volleyball community.
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Head coach 864 Elite 16U Matt |
I have a lot of experience in high level volleyball. I played club at TAV where we won an open national championship and finished second the year after. I was named all tournament team as a middle blocker and continued my volleyball career at Texas Tech. Later I transferred to Clemson where I just finished my degree. Both schools are Power 4 conferences and I was named MVP my second year at Clemson in The Big Orange Bash tournament where we hosted Georgia. Volleyball is my passion and with the knowledge I’ve gained, I love to give back to my home community offering lessons when I am home for holiday breaks, and I will help coach at my high school summer camps. Clemson and Texas Tech both have multiple summer camps where I also volunteer and help lead and coach each camp.
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Coach Faith has been passionate about volleyball since she was 8 years old. She played for Pickens High School where she helped lead her team to an Upperstate Championship in 2012 and back-to-back state championships in 2013 and 2014, while also earning All-Region honors. She continued playing volleyball at the University of South Carolina on the club team for three years and served as President her junior year—taking on the responsibilities of a player, coach, and manager. Faith has two years of coaching experience with 10u and spent a season as the Varsity Assistant Coach at Mauldin High School. Her goal is to help players build confidence, character and a lifelong love for the game. Outside of coaching, she still plays volleyball on both the beach and grass. She also loves spending time with her husband, Jeremy and daughter, Flora.
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Head coach 864 Elite 13U Faith |
Entering her 11th season as a high school head volleyball coach, Kim LaBoard has built a reputation for developing successful programs and passionate student-athletes. She spent eight seasons at J.L. Mann High School, where she compiled a 143-69 record, led the Patriots to an Upper State Championship appearance, captured two Region Championships, and earned Region Coach of the Year honors twice. Most recently, LaBoard has led the Chapman High School volleyball program to a 54-10 record over the past two seasons, a Region Championship, an Upper State Championship appearance, and another Region Coach of the Year award. In addition to her high school success, LaBoard has coached club volleyball for more than 15 years, spending much of that time as the Indoor Director at Excell Sports. She has coached every age group from 14U to 18U and has guided multiple teams to both USAV and AAU Nationals. A lifelong volleyball player, LaBoard comes from a family with deep roots in the sport. She was a four-sport athlete in high school and was inducted into her high school's Hall of Fame in 2023. She continued her playing career at Hillsborough Community College, earning multiple All-Conference and All-State honors while helping lead the Hawks to a State Championship and National Tournament appearance. She then competed at the University of West Florida, where she earned All-Gulf South Conference honors, multiple Defensive Player of the Week awards, and several All-Tournament Team selections. Away from the court, Kim enjoys spending time with her husband, Nick, and their three daughters, Kayden, Payton, and Carter. She is passionate about helping athletes reach their full potential while fostering a culture of hard work, confidence, and love for the game.
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Head coach 864 Elite 18U Kim |
Quinn Lukens was an Assistant Coach and Director of Player Development at Clemson University from 2022 -2025. In 2023, he helped the Tigers to their highest conference and national finish since 2008. As Director of Player Development for Clemson Volleyball, he provided individualized performance analysis and training plans based on training progress, video breakdown, and statistical insights.
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George brings 26 years of coaching experience to 864 Elite. Prior to moving to South Carolina in 2011, George was a high school varsity coach in South Florida for six years. in 1999 he co-founded and coached for Big Lake Juniors and led teams from 14U to 18U.This will be his ninth season coaching in the Palmetto Region and his fourth with 864 Elite. Over the past two years he has guided our 12U team to a combined 107-21 record. in 2024 they played a difficult schedule that included the JVA World Challenge in Kentucky, Beast of the Southeast in Atlanta and the 2024 AAU National Championship in Orlando. They racked up three tournament titles, played in five gold finals and notched five third place finishes. Included was a runner-up finish and a 3rd while playing up in the 13U division. They brought home the club's first Regional title on March 31 when they won the 12U PVA Regional Championship in Rock Hil and they strung together a 9-2 record in Orlando this past June while competing in the 51st AAU National Championships where they finished 5th in the 12U Club Division. In 2025 George is looking to continue building on the competitive and the winning tradition that has been established at 864 Elite. He loves spending time pursuing sport and outdoor related activities. He is a retired Firefighter from West Palm Beach Florida and is married for the past 45 years to his wife Susan.
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Head coach 864 Elite 11U George |
Kendall has played volleyball for 14 years, while also competing in basketball and track & field. She attended Liberty High School, where she was a four-year varsity volleyball player under head coach Carla Simpson. During her time as a Red Devil, Kendall earned Region Player of the Year honors twice, was named team MVP three times, and was a two-time All-State selection. She competed in club volleyball with Crossfire Volleyball and Upward Stars before continuing her career at Spartanburg Methodist College. At SMC, Kendall played on both the indoor and beach volleyball teams and was a four-year starter as a middle and right-side hitter. As a freshman, she recorded an outstanding .727 hitting percentage in conference play and earned First Team All-Region honors in both her freshman and sophomore seasons. During her junior year, as SMC transitioned into a four-year college program, Kendall was named Second Team All-Region after recording 200 kills and leading the team in blocks. In her senior season, she moved to the right side and finished with 207 kills. Kendall concluded her collegiate career with 760 total kills and earned placement on the Dean’s or President’s List every semester.
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Assistant coach 864 Elite 14U Carla |
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Head coach 864 Elite 17U Jen |
Coach Lex is an experienced volleyball coach with a decade of playing experience and a strong background in youth development. She has coached Varsity, JV, club, and Special Olympics teams. Alexcia holds certifications with AAU, USA Volleyball, IMPACT, CPR, and Double-Goal Coaching. She earned her Psychology degree with a minor in Childhood Development from Clemson University. Her teams have celebrated multiple first-place finishes and program milestones, driven by her passion for mentorship and player growth. Alexcia coaches with a psychology-informed approach, emphasizing emotional development and resilience. Her guiding philosophy is to never be a child’s last coach.
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Assistant coach 864 Elite 16U Matt |
Amanda grew up as a volleyball loving gym rat following her older sister & dad (George May) around to every practice, game & tournament. She played volleyball for Big Lake Juniors from age 10-17 and played on the Indian River Juniors 18U team during her final season of club volleyball. She played at Yearling middle school in 6th, 7th & 8th grade and played 1 year of JV & 3 years of Varsity as a starting setter for Okeechobee High School. She co-coached 1 season of 12U club ball for Big Lake Juniors in Okeechobee FL, 1 season as the 7th grade coach at Pickens Middle School where her team finished with a 12-4 record & 2nd in the region. The upcoming 2025 season will be her 4th season as an assistant coach for 864 Elite. During the 2023 season her team’s final record was an impressive 44-10 bringing home 2 gold championships. During the 2024 season her team ended the season with a 63-11 record. They were in 5 tournament championship finals & won 3! Including becoming the 2024 12U palmetto region champs! George & Amanda took their team to the AAU nationals tournament in FL & finished 5th in gold out of 80 teams! In her free time Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband Jarod and their 4 children Karsen, Maycee, Masen & Jessa.
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Assistant coach 864 Elite 11U George |
Carla has played a large role in Liberty volleyball over the last 25 years. She played four years with Liberty High School helping lead her team to a top 4 finish in the Upper State and earning All Region Player honors. Returning to the team a few years after graduation, Carla began her coaching career as an assistant with the Liberty Red Devils. After four years as an assistant, Carla took over the team as the head varsity coach and has shaped the Liberty volleyball program for the last fourteen years. She has coached several Regional Championship teams and amassed more than 200 wins as a head coach while being named region Coach of the Year in 2010, 2014, 2017, 2020, 2021, and 2022. In 2014, 2021 and 2022, she led the Red Devils to the Upper State Championship. The Red Devils won the Upper State Championship in 2014 and 2022. Also in 2014 and 2022 she was honored as a finalist for the SC State Coach of the Year. She was chosen to coach the North All Star team in 2018 and the FCA All Star team in 2019. Coach Simpson has had the pleasure of coaching numerous All State, All Star, All Region, and several Region Players of the Year who have continued their volleyball careers on the collegiate level. As a club coach, Coach Simpson has coached players as young as twelve and as old as sixteen. Coach Simpson loves volleyball and loves watching how this game can develop a sisterhood that can thrive and support its players and coaches both on and off the court. In her free time, Coach Simpson loves being a wife to Jared and a mother to her two-year-old son, Stran. She is beyond excited to continue shaping the young women of the Upstate through this new experience with 864 Elite.
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Head coach 864 Elite 14U Carla |
Volleyball has been a defining part of my life since I first stepped onto the court in seventh grade. What began as a love for playing quickly grew into a passion for coaching, and at just 15 years old, I started coaching the youngest teams at my club while continuing my own club volleyball career. Since then, I’ve spent the last decade helping athletes develop both on and off the court. Throughout my coaching journey, I’ve worked with players ranging from 8U to 17U through Atown Volleyball Club, Crossfire Volleyball Club, and the Anderson Cavaliers Homeschool Organization. I also had the opportunity to play collegiate volleyball at Southern Wesleyan University. One of the highlights of my coaching career was leading the Anderson Cavaliers JV team to a State Championship in 2022. While winning is always exciting, my favorite part of coaching is watching athletes grow and achieve their goals. At the start of every season, I ask each player what they hope to accomplish—whether that’s becoming a stronger hitter, gaining confidence, developing leadership skills, or simply growing their love for the game. My goal is to create an environment where every athlete feels supported, challenged, and empowered to reach their full potential. Outside of volleyball, I enjoy playing guitar and singing, spending time with my two cats and dog, and planning my wedding with my fiancé, Coleman, who has become my biggest supporter and an enthusiastic student of the sport. I am thrilled to join the 864 Elite family. What makes this opportunity especially meaningful is that Mellie was one of my own coaches in 2015, and I am honored to now coach alongside someone who played such an important role in my volleyball journey. I look forward to building relationships, helping athletes grow, competing together, and making this season a memorable one.
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Head coach 864 Elite 12U Hadley |
Ken brings more than 30 years of experience in the sport of volleyball and over 25 years of coaching and program leadership. Throughout his career, he has distinguished himself as a successful coach, mentor, and educator, earning a reputation for building highly competitive programs while fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and athlete development. Ken's teams have established a record of sustained excellence, competing among the top programs in the state and nation. Since 2019, his leadership has resulted in more than 500 wins, multiple region and state championships, several top-six finishes at AAU Nationals, and national recognition with a ranking as high as No. 2 in the country. These accomplishments reflect not only competitive success, but also his ability to build programs defined by consistency, development, and a championship culture. Ken's coaching background is extensive, spanning youth and grassroots development, collegiate athletics, high school volleyball, and elite club competition. This broad experience provides him with a comprehensive understanding of athlete development and the ability to guide players through every stage of their volleyball journey. Currently serving as the Head Girls Volleyball Coach at Mauldin High School, Ken is committed to developing student-athletes who excel both on and off the court. His coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, accountability, integrity, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of improvement. He believes that sustained success is achieved through a commitment to high standards, strong relationships, and a culture that prioritizes collective achievement over individual recognition. As a leader within 864 Elite Volleyball Club, Ken remains dedicated to providing athletes with an environment that promotes competitive excellence, personal growth, and character development. His goal is to prepare players not only for success in volleyball, but also for success in life by instilling the values and habits that will serve them long after their playing careers have ended.
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Head coach 864 Elite 15U Ken |
Kat joins 864 Elite with three years of head coaching experience at multiple levels at KIVA Volleyball Club in Kentucky, including 14s, 15s, and 16s. She has also spent extensive time in the gym, giving her a well-rounded perspective on player development. As a former DS/Setter, she brings firsthand knowledge of the game and uses her experience to help athletes sharpen their skills and court awareness. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, she recently relocated to Greenville from Louisville, KY. Kat describes her coaching style as athlete-first with a balance of grit and competitiveness, always encouraging players to push themselves while keeping their best interests in mind. She is excited to continue building a culture of hard work and winning at 864 Elite.
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| Team | Coach | |
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864 Elite 11U George |
Head coach George May Email Assistant coach Amanda Seder Email |
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864 Elite 12U Hadley |
Head coach Hadley Smith Email Assistant coach Kristina Allison Email |
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864 Elite 13U Faith |
Head coach Faith Johnson Email Assistant coach KK Anzek Email |
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864 Elite 14U Carla |
Head coach Carla Simpson Email Assistant coach Kendall Meinders Email |
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864 Elite 15U Ken |
Head coach Ken Vanderhoof Email Assistant coach Jadyn Anderson Email |
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864 Elite 16U Matt |
Head coach Matthew Garland Email Assistant coach Lex Peterson Email |
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864 Elite 17U Jen |
Head coach Jen Palmateer Email Assistant coach Mary Kate Beck Email |
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864 Elite 18U Kim |
Head coach Kim LaBoard Email Assistant coach Megan Bennett Email |
