2021 Billings Avalanche Volleyball Coaches/Staff
Jesse Moore
Club Director
Email Jesse
~What is your playing/coaching experience?
I have officiated JH and HS volleyball for 13 years and have coached at the middle school level for 7 years. I assisted Natalie Bills with Avalanche, as well as coached for Avalanche before taking over the program.
~Why do you love coaching?
I enjoy watching kids develop their skills and be able to see themselves be successful.
~What are the top three things that you think make a team successful?
Relationships, fun, and the development of foundational skills
~What is your go-to comfort-binge television show?
Breaking Bad
~Who is your celebrity crush?
Ariana Grande
~If you were reincarnated as an animal, which animal would you be and why?
A dog because they seem to have the easy life and are always happy
~What is your favorite quote?
"A teacher affects eternity; he never knows where his influence lies."
Club Director
Email Jesse
~What is your playing/coaching experience?
I have officiated JH and HS volleyball for 13 years and have coached at the middle school level for 7 years. I assisted Natalie Bills with Avalanche, as well as coached for Avalanche before taking over the program.
~Why do you love coaching?
I enjoy watching kids develop their skills and be able to see themselves be successful.
~What are the top three things that you think make a team successful?
Relationships, fun, and the development of foundational skills
~What is your go-to comfort-binge television show?
Breaking Bad
~Who is your celebrity crush?
Ariana Grande
~If you were reincarnated as an animal, which animal would you be and why?
A dog because they seem to have the easy life and are always happy
~What is your favorite quote?
"A teacher affects eternity; he never knows where his influence lies."
Joe Kusek
U12-1 Head Coach
Email Joe
~What is your playing/coaching experience?
This is my 37th year coaching volleyball. I have coached all levels -- high school, junior high and grade schools. I have been associated with Trinity Lutheran School volleyball for the past 22 years. I have also coached Billings Senior and Huntley Project at the Rocky Mountain College preseason tournament and spent summers working with Billings Central.
~Why do you love coaching?
I love watching the young athletes have success and learn to love the game.
~What are the top three things that you think make a team successful?
Fun. Trust in one another. Rock solid fundamentals.
~What is your go-to comfort-binge television show?
Miami Vice
~Who is your celebrity crush?
Paula Abdul.
~If you were reincarnated as an animal, which animal would you be and why?
A bear because I like the hibernation part.
~What is your favorite quote?
There is no such thing as a stupid question.
U12-1 Head Coach
Email Joe
~What is your playing/coaching experience?
This is my 37th year coaching volleyball. I have coached all levels -- high school, junior high and grade schools. I have been associated with Trinity Lutheran School volleyball for the past 22 years. I have also coached Billings Senior and Huntley Project at the Rocky Mountain College preseason tournament and spent summers working with Billings Central.
~Why do you love coaching?
I love watching the young athletes have success and learn to love the game.
~What are the top three things that you think make a team successful?
Fun. Trust in one another. Rock solid fundamentals.
~What is your go-to comfort-binge television show?
Miami Vice
~Who is your celebrity crush?
Paula Abdul.
~If you were reincarnated as an animal, which animal would you be and why?
A bear because I like the hibernation part.
~What is your favorite quote?
There is no such thing as a stupid question.
Tehya Ray
U12-2 Head Coach
Email Tehya
What is your playing/coaching experience?
I played throughout junior high and high school in Park City and then played two more years at Sheridan College. I also coached a 14Us team while down there.
Why do you love coaching?
I love passing on my knowledge to younger girls, and giving them a positive environment to have fun and learn new skills. I am very passionate about volleyball.
What are the top three things that you think make a team successful?
Hard Work, positivity, coachability
What is your go-to comfort-binge television show?
Grey’s Anatomy
Who is your celebrity crush?
Tom Cruise
If you were reincarnated as an animal, which animal would you be and why?
An otter? They’re adorable
What is your favorite quote?
“The best angle to use to solve any problem is the try angle.”
U12-2 Head Coach
Email Tehya
What is your playing/coaching experience?
I played throughout junior high and high school in Park City and then played two more years at Sheridan College. I also coached a 14Us team while down there.
Why do you love coaching?
I love passing on my knowledge to younger girls, and giving them a positive environment to have fun and learn new skills. I am very passionate about volleyball.
What are the top three things that you think make a team successful?
Hard Work, positivity, coachability
What is your go-to comfort-binge television show?
Grey’s Anatomy
Who is your celebrity crush?
Tom Cruise
If you were reincarnated as an animal, which animal would you be and why?
An otter? They’re adorable
What is your favorite quote?
“The best angle to use to solve any problem is the try angle.”
Ruby Hahn
U12's Assistant Coach
Email Ruby
~What is your playing/coaching experience?
I played volleyball throughout middle school and high school. I went to West High and played Outside Hitter from 2009-2011. I began playing traveling volleyball in 7th grade where I played for the Montana Juniors until Avalanche was created! I had great experiences playing for the club and made memories that I will never forget. I also coached Middle School volleyball at Riverside in 2010 and 2011.
~Why do you love coaching?
I haven’t coached since I was in High School, but I’m extremely excited to start. I was heavily influenced by my coaches growing up: Jeff Carroll, Beth Tocci and Kathy Nielsen have made an impact in my life- on the court and off the court. I aspire to have the same impact on these young players.
~What are the top three things that you think make a team successful?
I believe that being close as a team impacts what kind of game you play. I think it is important to understand your teammates' personalities and strengths to develop that unstoppable chemistry. The most important thing for me as a coach is to ensure the players are having fun and everything will build off of that. Lastly, strong skill, agility, strength, endurance will help this team succeed.
~What is your go-to comfort-binge television show?
Probably Game of Thrones
~Who is your celebrity crush?
Hmm hard question! Probably Dave Franco or Chris Pratt
~If you were reincarnated as an animal, which animal would you be and why?
I would probably be a lizard because I love the heat and desert climate.
~What is your favorite quote?
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” -Eleanor Roosevelt
U12's Assistant Coach
Email Ruby
~What is your playing/coaching experience?
I played volleyball throughout middle school and high school. I went to West High and played Outside Hitter from 2009-2011. I began playing traveling volleyball in 7th grade where I played for the Montana Juniors until Avalanche was created! I had great experiences playing for the club and made memories that I will never forget. I also coached Middle School volleyball at Riverside in 2010 and 2011.
~Why do you love coaching?
I haven’t coached since I was in High School, but I’m extremely excited to start. I was heavily influenced by my coaches growing up: Jeff Carroll, Beth Tocci and Kathy Nielsen have made an impact in my life- on the court and off the court. I aspire to have the same impact on these young players.
~What are the top three things that you think make a team successful?
I believe that being close as a team impacts what kind of game you play. I think it is important to understand your teammates' personalities and strengths to develop that unstoppable chemistry. The most important thing for me as a coach is to ensure the players are having fun and everything will build off of that. Lastly, strong skill, agility, strength, endurance will help this team succeed.
~What is your go-to comfort-binge television show?
Probably Game of Thrones
~Who is your celebrity crush?
Hmm hard question! Probably Dave Franco or Chris Pratt
~If you were reincarnated as an animal, which animal would you be and why?
I would probably be a lizard because I love the heat and desert climate.
~What is your favorite quote?
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” -Eleanor Roosevelt
Anica Knispel
U14-1 Head Coach
Email Anica
~What is your playing/coaching experience?
Played 3 years; coached for 10 years.
~Why do you love coaching?
Seeing the light bulb turn on in a student-athlete to where they begin to see what athletics can do for them.
~What are the top three things that you think make a team successful?
Understanding of expectations, foundations of skills, and hard work
~What is your go-to comfort-binge television show?
Bob’s Burgers
~Who is your celebrity crush?
I don’t have one.... haha
~If you were reincarnated as an animal, which animal would you be and why?
Eagle; the sensation of flying whenever wanted.
~What is your favorite quote?
“If it were easy, everyone would do it.”
U14-1 Head Coach
Email Anica
~What is your playing/coaching experience?
Played 3 years; coached for 10 years.
~Why do you love coaching?
Seeing the light bulb turn on in a student-athlete to where they begin to see what athletics can do for them.
~What are the top three things that you think make a team successful?
Understanding of expectations, foundations of skills, and hard work
~What is your go-to comfort-binge television show?
Bob’s Burgers
~Who is your celebrity crush?
I don’t have one.... haha
~If you were reincarnated as an animal, which animal would you be and why?
Eagle; the sensation of flying whenever wanted.
~What is your favorite quote?
“If it were easy, everyone would do it.”
Lilly Nault
U14-2 Head Coach
Email Lilly
~What is your playing/coaching experience?
I played volleyball for 8 years, and I grew up playing for the Avalanche program myself! I also played for West High, and my position was libero. This will be my 4th year coaching for Avalanche!
~Why do you love coaching?
I have always loved volleyball, and I wanted to give other girls a memorable experience with the game. Not only is it a great sport, but it also has the ability to teach teamwork and life skills. It’s so fun to see my players grow and go on to play at higher levels too! I also really enjoy playing with my team at practice sometimes and encouraging friendly competition.
~What are the top three things that you think make a team successful?
Communication, effort, and attitude.
~What is your go-to comfort-binge television show?
New Girl (I’ve probably watched it all the way through 9 times!)
~Who is your celebrity crush?
Zac Efron
~If you were reincarnated as an animal, which animal would you be and why?
A monkey - that was my favorite animal when I was younger.
~What is your favorite quote?
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind” -Dr. Seuss
U14-2 Head Coach
Email Lilly
~What is your playing/coaching experience?
I played volleyball for 8 years, and I grew up playing for the Avalanche program myself! I also played for West High, and my position was libero. This will be my 4th year coaching for Avalanche!
~Why do you love coaching?
I have always loved volleyball, and I wanted to give other girls a memorable experience with the game. Not only is it a great sport, but it also has the ability to teach teamwork and life skills. It’s so fun to see my players grow and go on to play at higher levels too! I also really enjoy playing with my team at practice sometimes and encouraging friendly competition.
~What are the top three things that you think make a team successful?
Communication, effort, and attitude.
~What is your go-to comfort-binge television show?
New Girl (I’ve probably watched it all the way through 9 times!)
~Who is your celebrity crush?
Zac Efron
~If you were reincarnated as an animal, which animal would you be and why?
A monkey - that was my favorite animal when I was younger.
~What is your favorite quote?
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind” -Dr. Seuss
Kayla Anderson
U14-3 Head Coach
Email Kayla
~What is your playing/coaching experience?
I played volleyball from 5th grade all the way through high school. My first year playing for Avalanche was my freshman year, and I started coaching in 2018, so this will technically be my third year with the club.
~Why do you love coaching?
Having played for so long, I've experienced a lot of different coaches and their styles, some good and some bad. After a few negative years, I realized that the way a coach treats and helps their players has a significant role on how the player approaches the game. I love seeing the improvement in each player throughout the season as well as being a positive influence for these young girls that helps grow their love for the sport even more.
~What are the top three things that you think make a team successful?
The first one would have to be communication, then followed by support of each other, and finally an overall common goal to achieve together.
~What is your go-to comfort-binge television show?
Either Grey's Anatomy or Criminal Minds
~Who is your celebrity crush?
Ryan Reynolds
~If you were reincarnated as an animal, which animal would you be and why?
Probably a large bird of some sort, like an eagle, since they can fly.
~What is your favorite quote?
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13
U14-3 Head Coach
Email Kayla
~What is your playing/coaching experience?
I played volleyball from 5th grade all the way through high school. My first year playing for Avalanche was my freshman year, and I started coaching in 2018, so this will technically be my third year with the club.
~Why do you love coaching?
Having played for so long, I've experienced a lot of different coaches and their styles, some good and some bad. After a few negative years, I realized that the way a coach treats and helps their players has a significant role on how the player approaches the game. I love seeing the improvement in each player throughout the season as well as being a positive influence for these young girls that helps grow their love for the sport even more.
~What are the top three things that you think make a team successful?
The first one would have to be communication, then followed by support of each other, and finally an overall common goal to achieve together.
~What is your go-to comfort-binge television show?
Either Grey's Anatomy or Criminal Minds
~Who is your celebrity crush?
Ryan Reynolds
~If you were reincarnated as an animal, which animal would you be and why?
Probably a large bird of some sort, like an eagle, since they can fly.
~What is your favorite quote?
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13
Olin McIlvain
U14-4 Head Coach
Email Olin
~What is your playing/coaching experience?
Played 3yrs in College at Clarke University , Dubuque, IA (NAIA). Played 1 season in Germany. Started coaching club last year for Avalanche.
~Why do you love coaching?
Coaching for me is about passing on the knowledge of the sport and helping athletes achieve their goals.
~What are the top three things that you think make a team successful?
Communication - it must exist on every team, no way around it. Cooperation - selfless act that benefits others. Competition - driving force behind improving performance.
~What is your go-to comfort-binge television show?
Archer
~Who is your celebrity crush?
Don't have one.
~If you were reincarnated as an animal, which animal would you be and why?
Orca - top of the food chain
~What is your favorite quote?
"You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think." - Winnie the Pooh
U14-4 Head Coach
Email Olin
~What is your playing/coaching experience?
Played 3yrs in College at Clarke University , Dubuque, IA (NAIA). Played 1 season in Germany. Started coaching club last year for Avalanche.
~Why do you love coaching?
Coaching for me is about passing on the knowledge of the sport and helping athletes achieve their goals.
~What are the top three things that you think make a team successful?
Communication - it must exist on every team, no way around it. Cooperation - selfless act that benefits others. Competition - driving force behind improving performance.
~What is your go-to comfort-binge television show?
Archer
~Who is your celebrity crush?
Don't have one.
~If you were reincarnated as an animal, which animal would you be and why?
Orca - top of the food chain
~What is your favorite quote?
"You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think." - Winnie the Pooh
Lola Halbig
U14-3's & U14-4's Assistant Volunteer Coach
Email Lola
~What is your playing/coaching experience?
I have played school volleyball and club since six grade. In high school I was a middle and played all the way around.
~Why do you love coaching?
I love coaching because I want everyone to experience how much fun volleyball is!
~What are the top three things that you think make a team successful?
Positivity, Communication, Hard work.
~What is your go-to comfort-binge television show?
Grey’s Anatomy
~Who is your celebrity crush?
Ian Somerhalder
~If you were reincarnated as an animal, which animal would you be and why?
I would want to be a dolphin because I love the ocean.
~What is your favorite quote?
“Be the energy you want to attract.”
U14-3's & U14-4's Assistant Volunteer Coach
Email Lola
~What is your playing/coaching experience?
I have played school volleyball and club since six grade. In high school I was a middle and played all the way around.
~Why do you love coaching?
I love coaching because I want everyone to experience how much fun volleyball is!
~What are the top three things that you think make a team successful?
Positivity, Communication, Hard work.
~What is your go-to comfort-binge television show?
Grey’s Anatomy
~Who is your celebrity crush?
Ian Somerhalder
~If you were reincarnated as an animal, which animal would you be and why?
I would want to be a dolphin because I love the ocean.
~What is your favorite quote?
“Be the energy you want to attract.”
Moyra Anthony
U16-1 Head Coach
Email Moyra
~What is your playing/coaching experience?
I have been lucky enough to have been involved in AAU Volleyball since I was 10 years old. I have been honored enough to have coached many youth along the way, including playing in AAU National in Orlando, FL.
~Why do you love coaching?
It is amazing to me to see comradery, authenticity, sportsmanship, skill and true love of the game grow within each of the youth I have coached. I have seen many of the youth I’ve had the privilege of coaching, grow into amazing women.
~What are the top three things that you think make a team successful?
Communication, authenticity, integrity
~What is your go-to comfort-binge television show?
I do love Schitt’s Creek.
~Who is your celebrity crush?
To be honest, I don’t really have one.
~If you were reincarnated as an animal, which animal would you be and why?
I would likely come back as a hummingbird. In my family, the hummingbird has special meaning.
~What is your favorite quote?
Never sacrifice who you are for what you could become. -unknown
U16-1 Head Coach
Email Moyra
~What is your playing/coaching experience?
I have been lucky enough to have been involved in AAU Volleyball since I was 10 years old. I have been honored enough to have coached many youth along the way, including playing in AAU National in Orlando, FL.
~Why do you love coaching?
It is amazing to me to see comradery, authenticity, sportsmanship, skill and true love of the game grow within each of the youth I have coached. I have seen many of the youth I’ve had the privilege of coaching, grow into amazing women.
~What are the top three things that you think make a team successful?
Communication, authenticity, integrity
~What is your go-to comfort-binge television show?
I do love Schitt’s Creek.
~Who is your celebrity crush?
To be honest, I don’t really have one.
~If you were reincarnated as an animal, which animal would you be and why?
I would likely come back as a hummingbird. In my family, the hummingbird has special meaning.
~What is your favorite quote?
Never sacrifice who you are for what you could become. -unknown
Tayler Larsen
U16-2 Head Coach
Email Tayler
~What is your playing/coaching experience?
Played 9 years, coached 2 years
~Why do you love coaching?
Watching players be proud of their hard work when a skill clicks with them and they progress
~What are the top three things that you think make a team successful?
Communication, hard work, and passion
~What is your go-to comfort-binge television show?
One Tree Hill or Friends
~Who is your celebrity crush?
Sam Worthington
~If you were reincarnated as an animal, which animal would you be and why?
Dog, they chill and play all the time
~What is your favorite quote?
Focus on the step in front of you not the whole staircase.
U16-2 Head Coach
Email Tayler
~What is your playing/coaching experience?
Played 9 years, coached 2 years
~Why do you love coaching?
Watching players be proud of their hard work when a skill clicks with them and they progress
~What are the top three things that you think make a team successful?
Communication, hard work, and passion
~What is your go-to comfort-binge television show?
One Tree Hill or Friends
~Who is your celebrity crush?
Sam Worthington
~If you were reincarnated as an animal, which animal would you be and why?
Dog, they chill and play all the time
~What is your favorite quote?
Focus on the step in front of you not the whole staircase.
Jenna Fiscus
U16's Assistant Coach
Email Jenna
~What is your playing/coaching experience?
I played at West High and was on the varsity team in 2010 and 2011. In 2010 we won state. I was an all state outside hitter in 2011. I have coached the 16s in the past two years.
~Why do you love coaching?
I love being able to teach the next generation the skills that I believe made me the person I am today. Volleyball holds a special place in my heart and I want to instill that into others.
~What are the top three things that you think make a team successful?
Communication, hard work, and a positive attitude.
~What is your go-to comfort-binge television show?
Bob's Burgers
~Who is your celebrity crush?
Patrick Dempsey
~If you were reincarnated as an animal, which animal would you be and why?
A cocker spaniel because my dog is spoiled rotten and has the best life.
~What is your favorite quote?
You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take. -Michael Scott (Wayne Gretzky)
U16's Assistant Coach
Email Jenna
~What is your playing/coaching experience?
I played at West High and was on the varsity team in 2010 and 2011. In 2010 we won state. I was an all state outside hitter in 2011. I have coached the 16s in the past two years.
~Why do you love coaching?
I love being able to teach the next generation the skills that I believe made me the person I am today. Volleyball holds a special place in my heart and I want to instill that into others.
~What are the top three things that you think make a team successful?
Communication, hard work, and a positive attitude.
~What is your go-to comfort-binge television show?
Bob's Burgers
~Who is your celebrity crush?
Patrick Dempsey
~If you were reincarnated as an animal, which animal would you be and why?
A cocker spaniel because my dog is spoiled rotten and has the best life.
~What is your favorite quote?
You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take. -Michael Scott (Wayne Gretzky)
Victoria Bliss
U18 Head Coach/ Coaching Coordinator
Email Victoria
~What is your playing/coaching experience?
I played under Jeff Carroll at Billings Senior for three years and also played while living abroad in Germany my senior year. I began coaching as a junior in high school and have been coaching for Billings Avalanche since 2012 (I think). I also coached one season at Billings West High.
~Why do you love coaching?
I love helping young women develop skills that they will be able to utilize to find success throughout their lives. It is also so fun to see how a team can advance over the course of a season.
~What are the top three things that you think make a team successful?
Attitude, attitude, attitude! If the players on a team have the right attitude of playing to improve instead of playing for perfection, holding themselves and each other accountable for their jobs on the court, and choosing a positive mentality while uplifting one another, they will have a higher chance of obtaining on court success.
~What is your go-to comfort-binge television show?
Grey’s Anatomy or Schitt’s Creek
~Who is your celebrity crush?
Mackenzie Scott! Although I don’t know she counts as a celebrity.
~If you were reincarnated as an animal, which animal would you be and why?
Maybe a dog? Nothing looks better than a dog lounging in the sun.
~What is your favorite quote?
One of my favorite coaching/life books talks about how yesterday’s front page news is today’s fish wrap. We all have to work hard to get better all the time and remain relevant. The moment we hold up and coast is the moment someone else takes the front page!
U18 Head Coach/ Coaching Coordinator
Email Victoria
~What is your playing/coaching experience?
I played under Jeff Carroll at Billings Senior for three years and also played while living abroad in Germany my senior year. I began coaching as a junior in high school and have been coaching for Billings Avalanche since 2012 (I think). I also coached one season at Billings West High.
~Why do you love coaching?
I love helping young women develop skills that they will be able to utilize to find success throughout their lives. It is also so fun to see how a team can advance over the course of a season.
~What are the top three things that you think make a team successful?
Attitude, attitude, attitude! If the players on a team have the right attitude of playing to improve instead of playing for perfection, holding themselves and each other accountable for their jobs on the court, and choosing a positive mentality while uplifting one another, they will have a higher chance of obtaining on court success.
~What is your go-to comfort-binge television show?
Grey’s Anatomy or Schitt’s Creek
~Who is your celebrity crush?
Mackenzie Scott! Although I don’t know she counts as a celebrity.
~If you were reincarnated as an animal, which animal would you be and why?
Maybe a dog? Nothing looks better than a dog lounging in the sun.
~What is your favorite quote?
One of my favorite coaching/life books talks about how yesterday’s front page news is today’s fish wrap. We all have to work hard to get better all the time and remain relevant. The moment we hold up and coast is the moment someone else takes the front page!
India Richey
U18 Assistant Coach
Email India
~What is your playing/coaching experience?
3 years coaching with Avalanche, 3 years Varsity at Bozeman High, Hollins University Setter
~Why do you love coaching?
I love being with girls that want to not only grow as a player but as a person and to be apart of that is amazing! And being able to play every once in awhile is pretty awesome too!
~What are the top three things that you think make a team successful?
Communication. Self Discipline. Respect.
~What is your go-to comfort-binge television show?
I Love Lucy. New Girl. The Office.
~Who is your celebrity crush?
1990's Brad Pitt
If you were reincarnated as an animal, which animal would you be and why?
Dolphin. Im a water person, intuitive and I'm all over
~What is your favorite quote?
"Its like I have ESPN or something?" -Karen with a K
U18 Assistant Coach
Email India
~What is your playing/coaching experience?
3 years coaching with Avalanche, 3 years Varsity at Bozeman High, Hollins University Setter
~Why do you love coaching?
I love being with girls that want to not only grow as a player but as a person and to be apart of that is amazing! And being able to play every once in awhile is pretty awesome too!
~What are the top three things that you think make a team successful?
Communication. Self Discipline. Respect.
~What is your go-to comfort-binge television show?
I Love Lucy. New Girl. The Office.
~Who is your celebrity crush?
1990's Brad Pitt
If you were reincarnated as an animal, which animal would you be and why?
Dolphin. Im a water person, intuitive and I'm all over
~What is your favorite quote?
"Its like I have ESPN or something?" -Karen with a K
Billings Avalanche, LLC
