NCSA Volleyball Recruiting Coaches
Kristin Adams
CoachKAdams@ncsasports.org | 312-429-4749 | University of Michigan
I grew up in a small town in New Hampshire where my first competitive sport experience was on a jump rope team. I fell in love with all aspects of sport, teamwork, and competition. The older I got the more sports I tried, until I found my true passion in volleyball.
As a leader on the court, I was a setter all through high school and club. My recruiting experience was unique as I chose my school first and applied early decision to St. Lawrence University. I had barely any film and started the recruiting conversation very late and was not guaranteed a spot on the roster. However, I was able to compete as a DS in my freshman year. I then transitioned into a new role and was awarded the opportunity to be their first Student Assistant Coach throughout the rest of my time at SLU. I fell in love with all aspects of coaching and went on to head coach the local 18U club team as well.
I moved to Ann Arbor, MI to pursue my Master’s in Sport Management at the University of Michigan and continued coaching as the Assistant Volleyball Coach at a local NAIA school in 2018 as well as a head coach to a freshman high school team. I love building solid culture, and mental toughness, and helping athletes build their confidence.
Part of the reason I am so passionate about the mission and vision of NCSA is because of my own recruiting experience, or should I say, lack thereof. I did not know I should have been videoing myself throughout high school, how to talk to coaches, what to ask on my campus visit, you name it. I was fortunate enough to remain a part of the team regardless of my recruiting prior to being admitted but would have so appreciated help and guidance along the way to have a better understanding of the process.
I love connecting with families and passing on the knowledge I wish I had as a recruit as well as what I have learned now from the coaching side of things. Finding that best-fit school in all aspects is the goal and I do not take that lightly!
My husband and I are still in Ann Arbor, MI, where we both coach in our off time during the fall and have a 2-year-old spaniel, Rudy.
Heather Evans
CoachHeatherEvans@ncsasports.org | 877-845-6272 | North Dakota State University
As a 3 sport athlete in indoor volleyball, basketball, and fastpitch softball, I learned early on my passion for sport would last a lifetime. I was fortunate to land a college playing career at North Dakota State University followed by my first college coaching position with the College of Saint Benedict (NCAA DIII). As much as I loved coaching, playing professionally was always the goal. After my European Exposure Tour with Bring It Promotions, I did find a home with Evreux Volleyball Club in Evreux, France. Upon returning to the States, I took my college coaching career further with a stint at Minnesota State University, Mankato (NCAA DII) as well as South Dakota State University (NCAA DI). Once again the “pro bug” bit me and at the ripe age of 28, I decided to try my hand at professional beach volleyball by moving to Southern California. After 5.5 years of touring domestically, I settled down and started a family in Colorado.
I have a BS in Human Performance and Fitness (Exercise Science) from NDSU and an MS in Sport and Recreational Studies from SDSU. Originally from Hockeytown, USA (Warroad, MN, not Detroit), I am a Midwestern kid through and through.
I started as a Volleyball Recruiting Coach with NCSA in 2021 with the intent to share my decades of experience with families and prospective student-athletes. I’ve been the recruit, I’ve been the recruiter and now I get to guide prospects in making one of the greatest life decisions with these valuable experiences. Life after high school athletics exists at all levels. I’m beyond excited to shed light on the countless opportunities with NCSA, the largest and most successful athletic recruiting network!
Jason Holt
CoachJHolt@ncsasports.org | 312-638-4444 | Western Oregon University
During my glory days of middle and high school, I was fortunate enough to play many sports, including football, basketball, swimming, and track & field. But my true passion and success was found on the football field and on the track. I played tight end and kicker for Grants Pass High School in Oregon while also performing for the Cavemen in the high jump and high hurdles. While in college at first Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon, and then Western Oregon University in Monmouth I found the sport that would become my livelihood: volleyball. I began playing men’s club volleyball and beach doubles through my college years, while also getting into coaching high school girls and club volleyball. I graduated from Western Oregon in 1995 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education. I then taught physical education, served as activities director, and was a head volleyball coach at Sprague High School in Salem, Oregon from 1995-1999.
I moved from Oregon and into collegiate volleyball coaching in 1999. After a year in Denver working with the prestigious Front Range Volleyball Club, I moved on to collegiate coaching at three different NCAA Division 2 institutions: Fort Hays State in Kansas and the University of North Dakota. I was an assistant coach before receiving the amazing opportunity to start a volleyball program from scratch at Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, Missouri, where I was for 11 seasons. While at Missouri S&T, we won two divisional conference titles, and had five appearances in the conference tournament, and two appearances in the NCAA National Tournament. I was also selected as the 2011 Great Lakes Valley Conference Coach of the Year.
During my years of collegiate coaching, I used NCSA often to find recruits for my programs, evening committing multiple players that I found while using the NCSA platform for college coaches. Even before coming on board as a recruiting specialist, I was a true fan of NCSA and all that the company does to support youth sports and help thousands of hard-working, passionate student-athletes find their perfect college home. It definitely worked for the former players of mine who found our program through NCSA. Now, on the other side of the equation, I get to make an even greater mark on student-athletes by helping as many as possible fulfill their dreams of putting on a college uniform and earning a top-quality education at the school of their dreams. My goal with NCSA is to use my vast experience in the collegiate world and my love of sports to help make those dreams come true for as many student-athletes as possible.
Katherine Lawson
CoachKLawson@ncsasports.org | 312-999-5398 | Bridgewater College
I was a three-sport athlete at Northside High School in Roanoke, VA (volleyball, basketball, and track & field) and chose to continue playing volleyball at the collegiate level.
I was a four-year member of the volleyball program at Bridgewater College. During my time at Bridgewater, I set the single-match school record for assists and the single-season school record for assists. I am currently ranked third all-time for career assists. As head volleyball coach at Hollins University, the program set a school record for the number of wins in a season in 2019. I was lucky to coach multiple student-athletes who set statistical records for the school as well.
The most rewarding part of working at NCSA is being able to work with a company that truly makes a difference in the lives of student-athletes and their families. I reside in Salem, VA with my husband, son, and two spoiled dogs.
Aubrey Sands
CoachASands@ncsasports.org | 312-429-4604 | University of Illinois at Chicago
I am a Chicagoland native who used NCSA during my recruiting process, and I am excited to now be working for NCSA as a Volleyball Recruiting Coach. I grew up playing all different sports but fell in love with Volleyball at age 11. Being tall for my age, middle hitter was the obvious position for me, but when I stopped growing around age 15, I knew I would have to change positions if I wanted to compete at the Division 1 level. During my 16’s season, I was moved down to the second team where I worked hard to become a successful right-side attacker. After one season of training, I was promoted back to the 1st team (Open Level) where I would go from an average middle hitter to overall Most Outstanding Attacker at Prep Classic, later helping my club team take Bronze at AAU’s.
With the help of NCSA, I received a Division 1, full-ride scholarship to the University of Illinois at Chicago, where I studied Industrial Design and Business Management. In 2012, I finished my senior season being voted the team’s Most Improved Player, received the Athletic Academic Achievement Award for having the top GPA on the team, and was named to the 2012 All-Horizon League Team. UIC finished 2nd in the Horizon League, leaving us one win shy of playing in the NCAA tournament.
In recent years, I have coached multiple seasons at a nationally ranked Chicagoland volleyball club, as well as, started my own business as a multimedia designer. I currently live with my husband and rescued cat in Chicago’s Little Italy Neighborhood.
Steve Santomastaso
CoachSSantonastaso@ncsasports.org | 312-579-2553 | University of Rhode Island
I am a proud graduate of the University of Rhode Island and continued my education with a master's degree from San Jose State University in northern California. I was able to gain amazing playing and coaching experience during my time in college which formed my love for volleyball and what sports can add to life.
Following graduation, I continued to engage with coaching at the high school and club level in California which led to college coaching opportunities at the Univ. of Rhode Island and Rutgers University.
From my past experiences as both an athlete and coach at the college level I understand how impactful the right situation can be for an athlete and their family…I am excited to join the NCSA team to help guide this journey!!!
Brandiss Ward
CoachBWard@ncsasports.org | 312-999-5356 | Lake Superior State
I have helped more than 2,000 NCSA student-athletes commit to a college volleyball program! As a former educator and current high school volleyball coach, I have a passion for helping student-athletes understand the recruiting process and connect with college coaches at programs where they could be a great fit. My 10 years of club and high school coaching mean I understand the challenges high school athletes face. And as a volleyball collegiate athlete, I played at two schools – Lansing Community College and then Lake Superior State University – which means I experienced the recruiting process myself twice. My many years at NCSA mean that I have expansive contacts within the college coaching world and understand their needs as well. I am excited to help you navigate the recruiting process and find schools that fit you!
Brian Lamppa
blamppa@ncsasports.org | 312-205-7477 | Bowling Green State University
I attended a four-year private University in Grand Rapids, MI where I was introduced and fell in love with the sport of volleyball. I played beach as well as indoor throughout my college years and was then blessed with the opportunity to coach in College. After 25 Years of coaching at various levels and institutions, ranging from large state institutions like Washington State University, University of Idaho and the University of South Dakota to small private colleges like Loras College and Finlandia University. I decided to stop coaching after the most recent university closed its doors.
I started looking for opportunities that would enable me to help prospective student-athletes accomplish their goals of playing at the next level. With my previous experience using NCSA while recruiting my student-athletes, I applied and accepted a position with them.
I look forward to meeting and connecting with families and using my experience in guiding them to the best possible decision for them and their student-athlete.
Abbey Worrell
coachaworrell@ncsasports.org | University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Hailing from South Bend, IN, I landed my college volleyball and academic career at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. After playing for four years at UNCC, I went on to play professionally in Austria, which is where I started my coaching endeavors for the local club and schools. Upon returning to the US, I coached high school and then college at the D1 and D2 levels. We decided to move back to Charlotte to start a volleyball academy that focused on small-group private lessons and recruiting. While doing this, I was the Director of Recruiting and Skill development for a local volleyball club. Now, being with NCSA, I get to focus solely on recruiting and helping families and players navigate this amazing journey!
My husband and I have one daughter and love to travel. Recently, we spent 6 months in Costa Rica and explored much of the beautiful country. My personal favorite adventure was to Montenegro, Europe!
Trey Salinas
tsalinas@ncsasports.org | 312-690-6325 | Johnson and Wales University
Prior to my time at NCSA, I spent six seasons as the head coach of the University of Illinois Springfield volleyball program.
I was the school’s most successful volleyball coach since the move to the NCAA level. The last three seasons, in which I UIS to a 66-33 overall record, and a 35-16 GLVC mark, is the best stretch in program history. In that time, UIS has won 11 all-GLVC honors, four all-region awards, and two All-American accolades.
Prior to coming to UIS, I was an assistant coach at two successful NCAA Division II programs. From 2012-2014, he was an assistant for both the men’s and women’s volleyball programs at Belmont Abbey College. He helped the women’s team win back-to-back Conference Carolina Championships, and earned two straight national tournament berths. The Crusaders went 69-26 while I was there.
In 2011, I was the assistant coach at Metropolitan State University of Denver. That season, Metro State went 24-7 and was ranked as high as seventh in NCAA Division II. He coached four Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference All-League players, as well as the 2010 RMAC Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year.
I also coached for the USA Volleyball Youth National Team in Colorado. I was an assistant coach for the select A2 program, and helped the team finish in the top five in two tournaments.
Prior to moving to the collegiate level, I served as the head coach for the men’s and women’s programs at Bishop Machebuef High School. We held a 64-11 cumulative record over the course of three seasons, and led teams to three league championships, three area championships, an elite eight appearance, a final four appearance, and a Colorado state championship.
Before pursuing a career in coaching, I was a setter at Johnson & Wales University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Operations Management. I also have professional experience after playing in Argentina and Spain for two different leagues.
I currently reside in Denver, CO with his wife Tina and our two daughters Eve and Ivy.
Jasmin Small
jsmall@ncsasports.org | 312-579-2574 | Presbyterian College
I come from a family of athletes and grew up playing multiple sports in my early childhood in NJ. When I moved to North Atlanta in middle school, I focused in on volleyball and basketball. Throughout high school I was a dual-sport athlete, competing as a 3-year letter winner in basketball and volleyball. I accepted a volleyball scholarship to Presbyterian College in South Carolina. My playing career at PC consisted of 3 conference championships, 2 First Team All-Conference Awards, Conference Player of the Year, All-Region team, and NCAA All-American. Upon graduation in 2006, with degrees in Political Science and Psychology, I took a short break from athletics.
After 3 years away from the sport, I returned as a volunteer assistant at Clemson. I came back to north Atlanta to coach at my high school alma mater as well as the prestigious A5 Volleyball Club. While coaching at A5 I started a strength and conditioning company that specialized in sports-specific training for high school and college athletes. During my 8 years at A5, I coached and trained athletes that consistently went on to play their sport in college. I found a love for helping student-athletes and their families through the recruiting process and added recruiting services to my strength and conditioning company.
After a decade of coaching volleyball, I stepped away from coaching to start my family with my husband, Marcus. We have 2 boys and currently reside in Charlotte, NC. I am excited to now be a part of the NCSA family and continue to work with student-athletes and families. Working as a recruiting coach for NCSA provides me the opportunity to continue to educate and assist so many student-athletes and their families about the recruiting process! I did not have any help or guidance with my recruiting process in high school, and I remember how overwhelming it was! I am proud to share the knowledge and tools I’ve acquired over the years of playing and coaching to now give back and help families on their journey to find their "Perfect Fit" in a college athletics program.