Our Rhythm Volleyball Academy Team

Jeff Wismer

Executive Director
17-1 Head Coach

Wismer is one of the Southeast’s most experienced club coaches with over 29 years of coaching experience (both boys and girls) at the collegiate (D1, D3, NAIA), club, and prep levels. Additionally, he has extensive club leadership experience with over 18 years serving in leadership positions at several nationally prominent junior clubs.

Quan Scott

Training Academy Supervisor
& Lead Trainer

Scott’s coaching experience includes roles at Florida International University and MTSU, where she developed middle blockers/hitters and team defense. She has coached players to conference honors and national rankings, and her teams have made multiple tournament appearances.

Dee Freise

Youth Program Coodinator

With over 20 years of experience in high school, middle school, club, and youth volleyball programs, Freise brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to RVA. She is currently in her 9th season as the head volleyball coach at Eagleville High School, where she has led the team to multiple state playoff berths.

Check Out Our RVA Coaches!

These coaches have amassed a wide array of volleyball play and coach experience
along with a professional approach to meeting the needs of athletes in youth sports. 

Alexis Adams

12-1 Coach

Alexis Adams

RVA Coach
More Information Coming Soon!

Maggie Allen

RVA Coach

Maggie Allen

Former D1 Athlete
Entering 9th Season Coaching & Training in Middle Tennessee Club Programs

Joy Allen

14-2 Head Coach

Joy Allen

13 Years of Club Coaching
3 Collegiate & 8 Scholastic Seasons
More Info

Ashley Asberry

15-2 Head Coach

Ashley Asberry

RVA Coach
More Information Coming Soon!

Janvier Buggs

18-2 Assistant Coach

Janvier Bugg

Current D2 Athlete
Successful in NCAA D1 & D2 Programs

Stephanie Bullock

13-3 Coach

Stephanie Bullock

RVA Coach
More Information Coming Soon!

Kennedy Dickens

RVA Coach

Kennedy Dickens

RVA Coach
More Information Coming Soon!

Sadie Edmonston

16-3 Head Coach

Sadie Edmonston

Former D1 Defender
Entering 2nd Season Coaching Club

Paiten Farris

15-4 Head Coach

Paiten Farris

Entering 3nd Year of Coaching
Competitive Play & Coach Experience with Axis Elite and Carolina One

Krysta Forsberg

14-2 Assistant Coach

Krysta Forsberg

RVA Coach
More information coming!
More Info

Meggie Gradel

16-1 Assistant Coach

Meggie Gradel

9 Years of Club Coaching Experience (Ages 12 to 16)
More Info

Rakel "Rocky" Hankins

17-2 Head Coach

Rakel "Rocky" Hankins

Top 10 Kills/Season Record Holder
Current Assistant at Stewarts Creek
Entering 6th Year Coaching Club
More Info

Grant Harford

15-1 Head Coach

Grant Harford

14 Years of Club Coaching
6 Years of High School Coaching
More Info

Katelyn Harrison

RVA Coach

Katelyn Harrison

Current NCAA D1 Head Coach
Former Stadout at USC

Aaron Hastings

Recruiting Coordinator

Aaron Hastings

Current D1 Assistant Coach
Extensive Recruiting Experience

Katie Hobbs

16-4 Head Coach

Katie Hobbs

RVA Coach
More Information Coming Soon!

Lauryn Hyman

14-1 Head Coach

Lauryn Hyman

16 Years of Club Coaching
5 Collegiate Seasons

Kristin "KJ" Jackson

17-2 Coach

Kristin "KJ" Jackson

5 Years of Club Coaching
9 Years of High School Coaching

Alyssa Jones

Rhythm Coach

Alyssa Jones

More Information Coming Soon!

Mary Ruth Jones

16-2 Assistant Coach

Mary Ruth Jones

7 Years of Club Coaching
4 Years of High School Coaching
More Info

Makenzie Jordan

RVA Coach

Makenzie Jordan

Former D1 Athlete
1 Year of Club Coaching

Kayce Kincaid

15-3 Head Coach

Kayce Kincaid

Native Murfreesboro Player
Entering 3rd Year Coaching Club

Madison Lansdown

15-3 Assistant Coach

Madison Lansdown

Current D1 Athlete
Former Standout Scholastic Player

Rachael Lawrence

13-1 Assistant Coach

Rachael Lawrence

3 Years of Coaching Experience
More Info

Kara Leathers

RVA Coach

Kara Leathers

14 Years of High School Coaching
2 Years of Club Coaching

Meredith Moody

13-3 Coach

Meredith Moody

RVA Coach
More Information Coming Soon!

Karyl Paul

12-1 Coach

Karyl Paul

RVA Coach
More Information Coming Soon!

Macie Pringle

18-1 Head Coach

Macie Pringle

5 Years of Club Coaching
3 Collegiate & 5 Scholastic Seasons
More Info

Bianca Rodriguez

13-2 & 16-2 Head Coach

Bianca Rodriguez

Former Collegiate Player
5 Years of Club Coach Experience
More Info

Steffany Rossi

12-2 Assistant Coach

Steffany Rossi

More Information Coming Soon!

Christina Saenger

12-2 & 16-1 Head Coach

Christina Saenger

Former D1 Defender
9 Years of Club Coach Experience
More Info

Ari Sauvage

18-2 Coach

Ari Sauvage

RVA Coach
More Information Coming Soon!

Mary Catherine Smith

13-1 Head Coach

Mary Catherine Smith

Former D1 Defender
2 Years of Club Coach Experience
More Info

Allie Stranick

14-1 Assistant Coach

Allie Stranick

Former Gettysburg College Standout
4th Year Coaching Club
More Info

Sydnee Tidwell

14-4 Head Coach

Sydnee Tidwell

RVA Coach
More information coming soon!

Liz Waltrip

18-2 Head Coach
15-1 Assistant Coach

Liz Waltrip

7 Years of Club Coaching
4 Years of High School Coaching
More Info

Maddie Wilds

17-1 Assistant Coach

Maddie Wilds

Collegiate Athlete
3 Seasons of Club Coaching Experience

Denver "DT" Woods

14-3 Head Coach

Denver "DT" Woods

RVA Coach
More Information Coming Soon!

Jeff Wismer

Executive Director

Wismer is an innovative leader in junior club volleyball, having served on the Junior Volleyball Association’s National Board, founded the JVA Southern Power League, contributed to the AVCA Volleyball Performance Index, and been the Keystone Region’s Coaches Representative.

Most recently, Wismer was Assistant Director at Mid TN Volleyball Club, where he helped the club grow significantly, qualifying three teams for USA Volleyball’s Girls National Championships. Previously, he spent eight years with Alliance Volleyball Club, leading the club to numerous national successes and managing a large coaching staff.

Wismer’s career began as a special education teacher in Philadelphia, where he also developed boys’ volleyball programs. He has coached teams to top finishes at national championships and trained several Gatorade Players of the Year, including AVCA 2022 National Player of the Year Logan Eggleston.

Wismer holds certifications from USAV CAP I and Gold Medal Squared, and is a member of the AVCA. He graduated from Messiah College with a degree in social studies education. He and his wife Andrea, who played field hockey at Messiah College, have a son, Noah, and live in Murfreesboro.

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Quan Scott

Training Academy Supervisor & Lead Trainer

Rhythm Volleyball Academy (RVA) proudly announces Quanshell “Quan” Scott as the new Training Academy Supervisor and Lead Trainer. A former standout player at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), Scott has built an impressive coaching career, most recently as Assistant Head Coach at Tennessee State University (TSU), where she contributed to one of the best starts in program history.

Scott’s coaching experience includes roles at Florida International University and MTSU, where she developed middle blockers/hitters and team defense. She has coached players to conference honors and national rankings, and her teams have made multiple tournament appearances. Internationally, Scott has coached in Norway and played professionally across Europe, earning MVP honors.

Scott holds a B.S. in Psychology from MTSU and two master’s degrees in College Student Affairs and Sport Administration. She resides in Lebanon, TN, and is expecting her first child.

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Dee Freise

Youth Program Coordinator

Rhythm Volleyball Academy (RVA) is excited to announce Dee Freise as the new Youth Program Coordinator. With over 20 years of experience in high school, middle school, club, and youth volleyball programs, Freise brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to RVA. She is currently in her 9th season as the head volleyball coach at Eagleville High School, where she has led the team to multiple state playoff berths.

Freise’s background as an Elementary Special Education Interventionist enhances her ability to connect with young athletes and their families. She will oversee Rhythm’s Youth Program, including the VolleyTots entry-level training for ages 5-11, and will also manage the 11U and 12U club travel teams. Dee resides in Eagleville, TN, with her husband Mike and their two children, Liza and Lane.

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Joy Allen
14-2 Head Coach

Joy Allen is a middle school Literature teacher and Volleyball coach at Providence Christian Academy, with a rich background in education and coaching. She holds a Master’s degree in Education and has over 10 years of experience coaching at various levels, including college, high school, middle school, and club volleyball. A former All-State player in high school, Joy continued her volleyball career at Carson Newman College and Montreat College. Her coaching style focuses on encouraging and motivating players, teaching them not just to perform skills but to think strategically about the game. Joy’s coaching philosophy centers on the importance of teamwork, helping players leverage their strengths to support one another and grow both as athletes and individuals. She has contributed to two state championships and two state runner-up finishes as an assistant coach.

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Krysta Forsberg
14-2 Assistant Coach

Krysta Forsberg is the Health/Wellness and Girl’s Fitness Teacher at Blackman Middle School, where she also serves as the Head Girl’s Volleyball Coach. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education and a minor in Secondary Education, Krysta is beginning her first year of teaching and coaching. Her 8 years of playing experience in school and club volleyball have shaped her coaching style, which focuses on creating a positive and inclusive team environment. Krysta emphasizes communication, teamwork, and continuous improvement, striving to develop well-rounded athletes who excel both on and off the court. Her coaching philosophy centers on using sports as a tool for personal development, teaching values such as hard work, discipline, and sportsmanship, with the ultimate goal of helping her players succeed in all areas of life.

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Meggie Gradel
16-1 Assistant Coach

Rhythm Volleyball Academy is thrilled to welcome Meggie Gradel as a new coach. With 9 years of experience, including 8 years at Alliance Volleyball Club, Gradel is dedicated to building strong relationships with her athletes, emphasizing trust, proper technique, and continuous growth. A former player at Notre Dame Academy and the University of Kentucky, Gradel brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for celebrating team accomplishments at every level.

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Rakel "Rocky" Hankins 17-2 Head Coach

Rakel “Rocky” Hankins, head coach of Rhythm Volleyball Academy’s 17-2 team, brings a wealth of experience to her role. Currently an Assistant Coach at Stewarts Creek High School and formerly at Rockvale High School, Rakel has been part of the Middle Tennessee volleyball community since 2015. A former scholarship athlete at Kentucky State University, she still holds a top ten record for kills per season. With a degree in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of North Alabama, Rakel has been actively coaching since 2019, with experience at Alliance Volleyball Club and Mid TN VBC. Her coaching philosophy centers on openness and creativity, ensuring players grow both in skill and love for the game.
 

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Grant Harford
15-1 Head Coach

Rhythm Volleyball Academy is excited to welcome Grant Harford as a coach. Grant brings 14 years of coaching experience, including positions as head coach at Beech and Independence High Schools and a recent role as the JV head coach at Harpeth Hall. He also coached for Alliance Volleyball Club, where he led teams to notable successes, including a top-5 finish at USAV Nationals. Grant’s coaching style is adaptable, focusing on understanding and meeting the unique needs of each team. His philosophy emphasizes connecting the “why” with the “how,” encouraging players to master the fundamentals and develop a strong volleyball IQ.

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Mary Ruth Jones
16-2 Assistant Coach

Rhythm Volleyball Academy proudly welcomes Mary Ruth Jones as a new coach. Mary Ruth brings a wealth of experience, having coached at Providence Christian Academy since 2021 and with MidTN Volleyball Club for six seasons. A former collegiate athlete at Reinhardt University, where she was part of a conference championship team and NAIA National Tournament appearance, she is passionate about creating a positive and empowering environment for her players. Mary Ruth’s coaching style focuses on building strong relationships and fostering a growth mindset, helping athletes excel both on and off the court.

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Rachael Lawrence
13-1 Assistant Coach

Rachael Lawrence is an Internal Wholesaler at Jackson with a strong background in finance, holding a bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University. She has been coaching for several years, currently serving as the head coach for the 13-1 team at Alliance Murfreesboro, a position she has held since 2021. Rachael’s coaching style is holistic and democratic, focusing on individual goals and team development.

As a player, Rachael competed at Wilson Central High School and continued her volleyball journey at UTC and MTSU, playing for their club teams. Her well-rounded experience as both a player and coach allow her to guide young athletes effectively.

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Macie Pringle
18-1 Head Coach

Macie Pringle, with a Bachelor’s in Sport Management, has extensive experience in both corporate healthcare and coaching. She has coached club volleyball for 5 years and high school teams for 4 years, including collegiate coaching at Southeastern Oklahoma State and Cumberland University. A former varsity starter at Independence High School, Macie played at the University of North Alabama, contributing to conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. Her coaching style is direct and developmental, focusing on empowering athletes to grow both on and off the court.
 

Bianca Rodriguez
16-2 Head Coach

Rhythm Volleyball Academy is excited to introduce Bianca Rodriguez as a new coach. With 8 years of coaching experience, including 5 years in club volleyball and currently serving as a Graduate Assistant at Trevecca University, Bianca is passionate about motivating and empowering her players. A former standout athlete at Cumberland University, where she tallied 2,336 career assists, Bianca is dedicated to helping athletes outsmart and outwork the competition. She believes in the power of leadership and fostering a team environment where everyone works to make each other better.

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Christina Saenger
16-1 Head Coach

Rhythm Volleyball Academy is excited to introduce Christina Saenger, a dedicated and experienced volleyball coach with a background in PR/marketing and full-time coaching since 2020. Saenger has coached at Alliance VBC and The Academy VBC, leading teams across various age groups to success in national qualifying tournaments. As a former college player at Butler University, Saenger brings a purpose-driven coaching style, emphasizing technical training, big-picture strategy, and mental and physical competition. Additionally, Saenger is a certified yoga instructor and holds a BA in Recording Industry Studies and Strategic Communications from Butler University.

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Mary Catherine Smith
13-1 Head Coach

Mary Catherine Smith is a pediatric speech-language pathologist with a strong background in volleyball. A Murfreesboro native, she graduated from Central Magnet School in 2018 and ETSU with degrees in Spanish and speech pathology. She has three years of coaching experience, including two years with 14s and currently coaching 13s. She also serves as the assistant high school coach at MTCS, with a prior stint at Central Magnet where she helped lead the team to a state tournament appearance in 2022.

As a player, Mary Catherine excelled at Central Magnet and played as a setter at ETSU, where her team won Southern Conference championships in 2018 and 2019. Her coaching style is calm, focusing on creating a positive environment and providing specific feedback to help athletes improve. Her top volleyball highlights include winning conference titles at ETSU and reaching the state tournament as a coach at Central Magnet.

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Allie Stranick
14-1 Head Coach

Allie Stranick is a coach at Rhythm Volleyball Academy, bringing a strong background in medical research and clinical trials related to aging. She currently serves as a Clinical/Translational Research Coordinator at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, focusing on dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. With a Bachelor’s in Organizational Management from Gettysburg College and a Master’s in Epidemiology from Vanderbilt University, Allie has 4 years of club coaching experience at the 14-15s level, including stints at East Coast Power and Alliance VBC. A former 4-year player at Gettysburg College and a 2x All-Conference Selection, her coaching philosophy emphasizes creating a safe and encouraging environment for players to grow both on and off the court. Allie aims to develop not just volleyball skills, but also mental toughness, a love for competition, and a growth mindset.

Liz Waltrip
15-1 Assistant Coach

Rhythm Volleyball Academy is pleased to introduce Liz Waltrip as a coach. Liz brings nearly a decade of coaching experience, including roles with Alliance VBC and Ravenwood High School, where she contributed to multiple state-level successes. With a background in collegiate club volleyball at Missouri State University, Liz’s coaching style is multifaceted, adapting to the needs of her athletes to foster growth. Her philosophy centers on building strong relationships with players and understanding their individual motivations to create cohesive and successful teams. Liz emphasizes long-term growth over immediate results, helping her athletes achieve their full potential on and off the court.

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Aaron Hastings Recruiting Coordinator

Rhythm Volleyball Academy (RVA) is thrilled to welcome Aaron Hastings as the new Recruiting Coordinator. Currently the First Assistant Coach at Belmont University, Aaron brings experience from coaching in five NCAA Division I conferences, including top programs in Texas and Ohio. He has worked with prominent coaches like Reed Sunahara and Geoff Carlston and played a key role in guiding players to significant achievements, such as the MAC Defensive Player of the Year at Akron.

With a Bachelor’s from Ohio State and a Master’s from West Virginia, Aaron will lead RVA’s recruiting efforts, connecting athletes with colleges, hosting combines, and providing expert guidance on NCAA and NAIA processes. His addition will enhance RVA’s personalized training and support for athletes and families.