Where are you from?  Born and raised in Austin, Texas. I'm a Unicorn!!!

What brought you to Austin?  Umm see above

How long have you been playing volleyball/playing in VBA?  So my sister and I played when we were kids at various camps and rec centers in Austin. Then helped her during middle school and high school. With VBA Since 2013

When and why did you join the board?  Formed the board and applied for a 501(c)3 status with the IRS IN FEB of 2013

What is your favorite thing about VBA?  The community and the friendships I have have formed.

Favorite Austin spot?  Seeing the sunrise at Mount Bonnell. It's really nice at 5:30 AM when no one is there and the sun begins to rise.

Something interesting you would like VBA members to know about you?  I make it a point to know everyone who plays in the league by name.

Where are you from?  I’m originally from a small town about 65 miles away called Rockdale. It’s definitely a slower pace of life, so moving to Austin was a big (and exciting) change for me.

What brought you to Austin?  I moved to Austin for a full-time job, but also because so much of my life was already here—my friends, my social life, and the energy of the city. Austin just has so much to offer, from things to do to places to explore, and it felt like the right place to be.

How long have you been playing volleyball/playing in VBA?  I’ve been playing with VBA since Winter 2024. I originally joined with a really good friend of mine, and I’m so glad I did—finding Volleyball Austin has been such a great experience.

When and why did you join the board?  I joined the board in February 2026. Volleyball Austin has given me a strong sense of community, and I really value the space it creates for queer people and allies to come together, connect, and have fun through sports. I wanted to give back and be part of helping that community continue to grow. During my time on the board, I’m especially excited to help expand our reach and connect with people who may not know about VBA yet.

What is your favorite thing about VBA?  My favorite thing about VBA is game night. There’s just something special about seeing everyone come together, enjoying the games, and having fun. It’s also a great opportunity to meet new people and connect. VBA really builds community, and that’s what I love most about it.

Favorite Austin spot?  One of my favorite spots in Austin is the boardwalk around Lady Bird Lake. It’s perfect for people-watching, and you get such a beautiful view of the water, the skyline, and the sky—no matter what time of day you go.

Something interesting you would like VBA members to know about you?  I love participating in obstacle course races and mud runs. I'm always up for something that's challenging—but still fun and doable.

Where are you from?  Wichita, KS

What brought you to Austin?  I was living in California for 10 years, and wanted a change and I can be a little closer to my family.

How long have you been playing volleyball/playing in VBA?  I have never played volleyball before, I started playing Spring 2024, and have continued ever since.

When and why did you join the board?  I joined the board this year April 2026. I actually started out doing work with VBA before deciding to apply for the board position. I have been doing accounting for over 10 years now, and I love being able to help people have a clear picture of what their financial situation is and how we can reach our end goal.

What is your favorite thing about VBA?  My favorite thing about VBA is the different people you get to meet and interact with each season. I have met some of my best friends through previous seasons, either being their captain or playing together with each other.

Favorite Austin spot?  One of my favorite spots in Austin is SugarPine, I love seafood and they have one of my favorite onigiri dishes Spicy Salmon & Tuna.

Something interesting you would like VBA members to know about you?  I’m PADI certified and love to scuba dive whenever I get the chance.

Where are you from?  Bopped around the Midwest for a bit before the family settled in the central Texas area back in 2000.

What brought you to Austin?  Originally, the family business (construction/carpentry). Stayed for university, stayed even longer because Austin.

How long have you been playing volleyball/playing in VBA?  Only since 2025. I have been playing sand volleyball for years but wanted to transition indoors (sand — it’s course, it gets everywhere). Found VBA. Came for the court, stayed for the community.

When and why did you join the board?  I joined the board in 2026. Felt inspired by the good people having fun doing something together. Everyone wants a village, few people want to be the village admin. I am unbothered by putting in work for people I care about.

What is your favorite thing about VBA?  The ease of leaning into joy with people who know what it’s like to do without. And ball is life.

Favorite Austin spot?  I won’t tell you my favorite spot. My second favorite spot is the Austin Central Public Library. My third favorite spot is any of the multitude of coffee shops scattered around town; I keep a spreadsheet with important metrics (e.g., wifi availability, power outlets, comfortable seating with appropriate back support, etc.).

Something interesting you would like VBA members to know about you?  You’ve read enough. Talk to me if you want to know more.

Where are you from?  Houston, TX - H-TOWN!!!!!

What brought you to Austin?  I came originally to attend college. Proud Longhorn. After college, I stayed.

How long have you been playing volleyball/playing in VBA?  Ooof - next question. No just kidding towards the end of college I attended the second season of Volleyball Austin back in 2013. Back when there were only 2 divisions

When and why did you join the board?  Because they clearly need help. No seriously, I’m at the point where I’m investing my time in things I care about and worthy causes. I’ve gained so much, met incredible people and had great mentorship in this organization and I don’t think there’s anything else like it in the volleyball community here.

I was a member of the board years ago and was mentored by the founder of VBA and the AGBL. I left and am now back. It’s amazing to see how the organization has expanded. Six divisions, two nights a week for the regular season, BYOT, it’s incredible!

What is your favorite thing about VBA?  Best community there is! Great volleyball, great people, handsome men, great volleyball

Favorite Austin spot?  My house

Something interesting you would like VBA members to know about you?  Don’t ask me questions you can look up yourself. Thank you so much in advance.

Where are you from?  I was born in Maastricht, Netherlands but grew up in New Castle, Indiana and spent some time in West Lafayette, Indiana at Purdue University!

What brought you to Austin?  I initially moved to Austin in 2020 for my Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy and then stuck around after graduating and finding a job down here!

How long have you been playing volleyball/playing in VBA?  I started playing volleyball in college intramurals and then joined VBA in 2021 with my besties Jordan Moncivaiz and Naomi Semb-Lovejoy!

When and why did you join the board?  I joined the board this past April 2025 because I love getting to solve problems and organize messes and I’ve met some of the most problematic, messy people in VBA! Genuinely, I do love getting to provide structure and organization to systems and being Queer is something that’s brought so much joy to my life so this is a great combination of both of those things.

What is your favorite thing about VBA?  My favorite thing about VBA is getting to captain a team with players that are new to VBA. Ensuring they have a positive experience their first time around and get to make lots of new friends makes my heart happy and expands my own community here in Austin.

Favorite Austin spot?  So many great places! 

• Food truck: Kiin Di.
• Store: Black Pearl Books.
• Coffee Shop: Terrible Love.
• Bar: Cheer Up Charlie’s (or Whistler’s).
• Or literally any pool with a cocktail and avocado corn salsa nearby.

Something interesting you would like VBA members to know about you?  My pronouns are they/them you bastards!

Where are you from?  Austin. BORN AND RAISED.

What brought you to Austin?  My parents.

How long have you been playing volleyball/playing in VBA?  My first season was Fall 2014, team name Heathers. The CHAMPIONS of that season (hair flip).

When and why did you join the board?  I think I joined in 2016 with the intentions of making the league more accessible to a wide variety of people and to enjoy the company of others.

What is your favorite thing about VBA?  The people and the sports. I fell in love with volleyball during college. I also met a lot of great people in VBA. Almost all of my friends are in VBA.

Favorite Austin spot?  My bed...with the A/C on 70... and the ceiling fan on beast mode.

Something interesting you would like VBA members to know about you?  Did you know that I won 3rd place in a child pageant one time. That's right, 2nd Runner up, and if that does not command respect, nothing will.

Also, I love horror movies. My ideal way to spend a night is to put on a scary, grab a bag of Sour Patch Kids or Swedish Fish, pour a refreshing Dr. Pepper and enjoy the sense of dread and or jump scares. You know, something romantic.

Where are you from?  Waukegan, IL

What brought you to Austin?  I moved here in 2019 for a career opportunity and have been here ever since with my pup, Zeke.

How long have you been playing volleyball/playing in VBA?  I’ve been playing with VBA since 2021, but I also played intramurals in college one season in high school. Can you guess what year I graduated high school?

When and why did you join the board?  I just joined the board in August 2025! Over the past 4 years of being with the league, VBA has provided me with a community and numerous friends. I’m thankful for the connections I’ve made and cherish the memories I’ve created. As the Director of Player Engagement, I want to give back to the league that has given me so much. My goal is to ensure new/returning players feel seen, championed, and comfortable; creating a sense of belonging.

What is your favorite thing about VBA?  Team sports as an adult were fairly new to Jordan, and it has been amazing to grow so much on and off the court. VBA has helped me strengthen skills like communication, leadership, grit, possessing a growth mindset, and giving/receiving feedback, all while improving as a player. I started in the intermediate division and now play in the advanced division, earned an All-Star award at NAGVA, and was uprated to BB. I credit all of this to VBA for creating a space that pushes me to grow.

Favorite Austin spot?  Picture this: Jordan and Zeke pick you up for a light hike to Sculpture Falls. But first, we stop at Dutch Bros for a caffeinated drinky-drink. After hiking, we refuel at Tyson’s Tacos (open 24/7, btw) and completely max out. Finally, we wrap up the day by watching a psychological thriller at Alamo Drafthouse while sipping on a Cookies and Cream shake.

Something interesting you would like VBA members to know about you?  Sometimes (okay, quite often) I speak in third person. I’m OBSESSED with reality TV, and I plan to compete on a show one day and win. If you ever want to trash-talk reality TV, play tennis, pickleball, board games, or Mortal Kombat, let’s do it :)

Where are you from?  Orlando, FL area. I grew up a Disney kid.

What brought you to Austin?  After thirteen years in Boston, I wanted a change. I sampled a number of different places but fun, sunny, active Austin won my heart.

How long have you been playing volleyball/playing in VBA?  I first played in the summer 2022 season with team Daddy Issues!

When and why did you join the board?  Volleyball with VBA has become one of my favorite activities in Austin. I love playing sports in inclusive, welcoming, gay and queer spaces–something I wish I could have had at a young age and that I don’t take for granted! I joined the board in spring 2026 to help keep this organization that I love going strong!

What is your favorite thing about VBA?  Finding such a nice community of friends through VBA has meant a lot to me, especially after moving to a new city by myself.

Favorite Austin spot?  Hippie Hollow is an Austin treasure. There’s no place anywhere else like it.

Something interesting you would like VBA members to know about you?  I have a sweet greyhound pup named Dyson who is faster than all of you.