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Our Coaches

Overview

Through dedicated, experienced and enthusiastic coaching, our goal at ENVY is to inspire self-confidence, promote sportsmanship and inclusion, and provide the opportunity for all young athletes to excel through a mutual love of volleyball.

Love volleyball? Want to be a coach?

Don't know where to start? Click the form below and one of our club directors will reach out to you!


Mike Picard, Club Director

Coach and Club Director Mike Picard has been an Omaha school and club coach for several years.

A Navy and NATO Special Operations Intelligence veteran and triathlete, Mike has always enjoyed the healthy challenge of athletic competition but playing volleyball has always been his passion.  After Mike and his family returned to the U.S. after 13 years overseas, he was excited to be in Nebraska, where volleyball is such a popular sport.  His daughter Kathryn began playing in 4th grade and as a volunteer parent-coach, he quickly renewed his love for the game, sharing his knowledge with future generations. 

Continually learning, pursuing new coaching methods, and following the lessons of those who have developed successful programs over their careers, Mike believes that having a diverse skill set is essential for coaches and players alike.  And while teams certainly benefit from guidance and strategy, coaches should also focus on the individual players who all have different needs.

After leading two teams to regional championships in 2021, he was awarded the USA Volleyball National Youth Coach of the Year in 2022.  He is a volunteer coach for several local teams, and with support from community leaders, has decided to start ENVY Volleyball Club, a non-profit athletic organization that will offer scholarships to underprivileged youth in the Omaha area. 


Jordan Cervantes, Assistant Director

Jordan Cervantes is a full-time Coach and Athletic Trainer

Jordan truly believes that while having resources and natural talent certainly helps, you need a foundation built on good morals and a hard work ethic to build a successful volleyball program.  He is excited to be part of ENVY and to have the opportunity to do so from the ground up. 

Coach Jordan’s vision for youth volleyball in Omaha is to help create a community of coaches that can teach and develop athletes who might never have the chance due to lack of resources. 

Of all the sports Jordan has played, he decided to focus solely on volleyball when he became the assistant head coach at West Point Public Schools in 2017.  Since then, he has been the head coach for multiple club teams. In 2021, he became one of the Assistant Directors at The Volleyball Academy and has recently accepted the Head Coach position at Buena Vista High school.  

And now he joins ENVY Volleyball as the Assistant Club Director.

Jordan brings a highly positive and energetic personality to the court. Anyone who has worked with Jordan will confirm his passion for the game, his knowledge of the sport, and simply being a coach who is easy to talk to.  He brings imagination and creative approaches to his lessons and is able to help any athlete who wants to develop their confidence and skills on the volleyball court. 

 


Katie Dawson, ENVY Head Coach

Katie Dawson is a graphic designer by day and volleyball coach by night.

Her interests include working out, the outdoors, crafts, and of course, volleyball. She has been playing volleyball since 2005, played four years of varsity in high school and then played at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa.

She continues to play in adult leagues where she met our Assistant Director Jordan Cervantes. Through networking and her love for the sport she became an Envy volleyball coach in 2022. Learning from Jordan Cervantes was very beneficial in her growth as a coach in her first year and is very excited to continue to grow throughout the years.


Darion White, ENVY Program Director

Darion is an independent business owner and a coach. He brings 15 years of coaching experience to Envy as well as 15 years of playing experience includes club teams, adult and traveling teams around the country. Having worked with athletes at various levels, from youth development programs to elite adult teams, Darion has a deep understanding of the nuances of the game. His coaching style combines technical expertise with a profound knowledge of strategy, ensuring that each player reaches their full potential.

Darion’s coaching philosophy revolves around fostering a positive, high energy, motivating environment, where players can grow both as individuals and as part of a team. He believes that success in volleyball goes beyond the court, emphasizing character development, sportsmanship, and leadership skills.

Darion believes that volleyball is not just a game; it's a source of inspiration and a medium for personal growth. He is excited about the future, looking forward to continuing his coaching journey, and helping young athletes realize their potential while instilling the values and life lessons that volleyball has taught him.

-Stay strong, stay positive, and never give up-


Krechele Brown, ENVY Head Coach

Krechele has played volleyball for 18 years, including playing at the collegiate-level as a Libro. Of those 18 years, she has coached for 6 years. Krechele moved to Florida to continue her education. While in Florida she coached and played many indoor & sand leagues. Moving back home closer to family, she continues to play in adult leagues and coach for local clubs.

 

Krechele works with a hands on approach and embraces communication. Her strategy for coaching is based off of her own experience as being a player. She teaches with an open mind and is always willing to learn and grow as a coach. She joins Envy, bringing her positive and outgoing personality. The ultimate goal for her team is to make the game fun, while learning in different ways.


Kaeleigh Novak, ENVY Assistant Coach

I have been playing intermediate/competitive volleyball for 16 years. I fill my time playing in various competitive indoor and sand leagues. This will be my first year as an assistant coach for volleyball. I am a huge Nebraska volleyball fan and what their program does for the state. 

Volleyball has always had a special place in my heart, and I am ready to share that love. My coaching philosophy comes from Ted Lasso’s quote “Be a goldfish”. You might mess up, but that past 3 seconds are gone, and now it’s time to focus on the next point, the next pass, set or hit. I bring a positive attitude and wanting to create a fun, can’t wait to come to that next practice to learn more experience. 


Tricia Gwennap, ENVY Assistant Coach


Sara Parrack, ENVY Assistant Coach


Chrystal Rees, ENVY Assistant Coach


Michael Brown, ENVY Assistant Coach

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