Coaches
Jade Mitchell
Head Volleyball Coach
Jade Mitchell is a former collegiate volleyball player and an accomplished coach in the greater Los Angeles area. Her impressive playing career spans NCAA Division I, NAIA, and junior college levels. She also competed for five years with Sunshine Volleyball Club, where she qualified for Junior Nationals multiple times and earned a spot on the USA Junior National Team during her sophomore and junior years. Now, Jade is dedicated to building confidence and leadership in young athletes through her passion for coaching and mentoring.
Starting her high school coaching career at 21, Jade became the youngest women’s varsity coach in Inglewood history. She has experience coaching both boys and girls teams at the varsity level, as well as coaching in both public and private schools. Her experience also includes coaching inner-city and affluent students. Jade has also coached for Actyve Surfside and City Volleyball Club. Her 14s team achieved an undefeated record of 27-0 in the SCVA. Additionally, she served as the assistant varsity coach and junior varsity head coach at Sierra Canyon, where they were recognized as a top 10 team nationally!
Liz Fawcett
Head Personal Trainer &
Volleyball Coach
Liz Fawcett is an accomplished volleyball player and coach, recognized for her dedication and contributions to both club and collegiate volleyball. She began her club volleyball career at Club Koa, where she played for two years on their highest-level team, 17 Black, under the guidance of esteemed coach Matt Simmons. Liz’s impressive performance and leadership skills on the court later led her to return as a coach for Simmons’ 15 2s team, where she shared her knowledge and passion for the game, helping young athletes refine their skills and grow their confidence. Liz went on to play collegiate volleyball at Los Angeles Pierce College under the tutelage of Chinese Olympian Hong Zhou. Her commitment and consistent excellence on and off the court earned her the role of team captain, where she demonstrated outstanding leadership and motivation, inspiring her teammates to achieve their best. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes skill development, team cohesion, and fostering a growth mindset, ensuring her players receive comprehensive guidance both on the sand and in their personal development.
PRESLEY NIPPERT
Presley Nippert is a former NCAA Division I volleyball athlete with a passion for developing the next generation of players through technical precision, confidence-building, and position-specific training.
Presley competed at both California State University, Northridge and Georgia State University, earning full-ride athletic scholarships at both programs. As a left-handed opposite hitter, she brings a unique competitive advantage to the right-side position — where left-handed athletes excel due to sharper attacking angles, faster transitions, and natural offensive vision. Her firsthand experience as a lefty Opp sets her apart and makes her an exceptional mentor for athletes developing in this specialized role.
With over 12 years of volleyball experience, Presley is known for her highly technical approach to the game. She has a sharp eye for detail, identifying small mechanical adjustments that lead to major improvements in hitting, blocking, and overall performance.
Originally from Longview, Washington, Presley played club volleyball at Athena Volleyball Academy and led Kelso High School to state placements each year. She now serves as a Head Coach at Sunshine Volleyball Club (12U) and assists with 14U teams, while also head coaching 6th and 7th grade volleyball at Calvary Christian School, where she led her 6th grade team to a league championship.
Presley is currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration – Marketing and Analytics at CSUN, with aspirations of building a career in the sports industry.
Her coaching philosophy emphasizes creating a safe and empowering environment where athletes can take risks, refine their skills, build confidence, and most importantly develop a lasting love for the game.
Presley Nippert’s journey reflects competitive excellence, academic achievement, and a deep commitment to athlete development.
Irene Chou
M.A., APCC
Mental Performance Coach
Irene Chou is a mental performance coach, therapist, and educator dedicated to helping individuals and teams unlock their full potential—mentally, emotionally, and physically. She holds dual Master’s degrees in Education and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University and is pursuing a Doctorate in Psychology. Combining academic training with athletic experience, Irene offers a holistic approach to mindset, resilience, and peak performance. Beyond athletes, Irene consults with parents new to club and travel volleyball, guiding them through their child’s athletic journey. She began coaching in 2012 and spent 10 years with SG Elite, earning a national gold medal. She later joined Sunshine Volleyball Club, where she earned a National Champion Title in 2025 and a silver medal at GJNC 2024 and now serves as Head Coach for Westside. She’s also the former ELAC First Assistant Coach at East Los Angeles College and current Assistant Coach of Cal State LA Women’s Volleyball.
A former multi-sport athlete, Irene was a CIF champion and collegiate volleyball player at Rio Hondo College and Cal State LA. Passionate about athlete development, she continues to compete and mentor in the volleyball community.
Eleonore Johansen
Volleyball Coach
Eleonore Johansen is an accomplished volleyball player and coach, known for her extensive experience competing and mentoring at elite levels in both indoor and beach volleyball. As a former NCAA Division I athlete, Eleonore’s career is decorated with multiple championships, including three Big West Conference titles and a West Coast Conference championship. Her competitive journey also extended internationally as she represented France on the FIVB Beach Pro Tour, showcasing her dedication and talent on the global stage.
Transitioning into coaching, Eleonore brings her expertise and passion to every program she leads. She currently serves as the Head Junior Varsity Volleyball Coach at Harvard-Westlake School and the Head Volleyball Coach at Core Prep Academy at Saint Monica Preparatory. During the spring season, she also contributes as the Varsity Assistant Beach Volleyball Coach at the Archer School for Girls.
Beyond the court, Eleonore applies her creativity and leadership as the Marketing and Social Media Manager for VB Rags. Eleonore holds a B.S. in Business Administration with a Minor in Psychology from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and an M.S. in Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Innovation from Loyola Marymount University, where she graduated with distinction. Her coaching philosophy centers on fostering resilience, confidence, and empowerment. Eleonore Johansen’s journey exemplifies a blend of athletic excellence, professional creativity, and an unwavering commitment to inspiring the next generation of volleyball players.
