U16 Coaches
Head Coach- John Brown
We’re excited to have such an experienced and passionate coach leading the way this season! John has been a valued part of our team for the past two years as an assistant coach, and we’re thrilled to have him step into the head coach role this year.
John played both leftside and rightside hitter at Lethbridge College before transitioning into coaching at the collegiate level. He served as Assistant Coach for the Lethbridge College Men’s team and went on to become Head Coach of the Lethbridge College Women’s team in 2001 and 2002. His leadership was recognized when he was named ACAC Women’s Coach of the Year in 2002 and was nominated for CCAA Women’s Coach of the Year that same season.
Outside of the regular season, John also helped run volleyball summer camps, serving as the Summer Camps Coordinator at Lethbridge College (2001 & 2002) and Medicine Hat College (2003), where he supported young athletes in building skills and confidence.
We’re lucky to have such a dedicated and knowledgeable coach helping grow the sport in our community!
Assistant Coach- Chelsea Stedford
Chelsea has been coaching many of the same group of girls for the past three years—first as an assistant coach and then 2 years as head coach. Her journey in volleyball started in Saskatchewan, where she played club and provincial volleyball throughout her youth. After high school, she earned a full NCAA Division 1 scholarship, playing at the highest collegiate level.
After stepping away from volleyball for nearly 20 years to focus on family and other adventures, Chelsea found her way back to the game when her own kids started playing. That’s when her love for the sport was reignited—and she hasn’t looked back since.
In August 2024, Chelsea founded the Cochrane Volleyball Club with the goal of bringing high-quality, competitive volleyball to her community. She’s passionate about creating a fun and positive environment for kids to grow as athletes, teammates, and people—and also about making the experience meaningful and enjoyable for families.
U15 Coaches
Erin Jones
Erin is an NCCP-certified Development Coach and has served as a club head coach for the past two years. With nearly 30 years of volleyball experience—both as a competitive player and as a coach at various summer camps and clinics in Edmonton and Cochrane—she brings a deep passion and wealth of knowledge to the court.
Erin’s coaching philosophy centers on building strong fundamentals, fostering teamwork, and cultivating a positive, competitive, and inclusive environment where every athlete feels valued, empowered, and motivated to reach their full potential.
Sharlene Speers
Sharlene has had a lifelong passion for volleyball, excelling in the sport from a young age. She earned two provincial high school titles alongside her teammates and played for two seasons with the Southeastern Alberta Volleyball Club (SEAVC) as club volleyball was gaining popularity. Her dedication and skill earned her a scholarship to play college volleyball with the Medicine Hat College Rattlers, where she transitioned from playing middle in high school to right-side at the collegiate level. She continued competing in competitive women’s and coed leagues for over a decade before stepping away to focus on raising her four children.
Her love for volleyball came full circle when her second daughter developed an interest in the sport, giving Sharlene the opportunity to return to the court as an assistant coach for her daughter’s club team in Calgary. Now, with two daughters actively playing volleyball, Sharlene is excited to join the CVC Kodiaks as a co-coach. She is passionate about encouraging girls to stay active and engaged in sports, and she thrives on building meaningful connections with each player and their families. Her energy, positivity, and genuine care make her a dedicated and inspiring coach, committed to fostering both skill development and a love for the game.
u12 Coaches
Head Coach- Darrin Sayers
Darrin Sayers brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the U12 team this season. With over 30 years of playing experience—and still actively competing—Darrin has a deep understanding of the game and a natural connection with young athletes. After two years as an assistant coach, he’s excited to take on the head coach role and help players grow their skills and confidence on the court.
Darrin places a strong emphasis on effort and attitude, believing that showing up with a positive mindset and giving your best—whether in practice or during games—is what truly drives development. He knows that when players put in the effort, the skills will follow.
For Darrin, volleyball is more than just a sport; it’s a platform for learning valuable life lessons like teamwork, discipline, and resilience—lessons that stay with players long after the final whistle.