Sheera Sirola:

Despite spending just two years in a Golden Eagle (ORU) uniform (1994-95), Coach Sheera put her own personal stamp on the program by establishing several season and career records. Known for her lethal jump serve, Coach Sheera set the school’s single season record with 99 service aces in 1994 and led the entire NCAA with 98 aces during the 1995 season. Her career total of 197 service aces still ranks second on ORU’s career charts. Coach Sheera also ranks among ORU’s career top five in kills per set, hitting percentage, and digs per set.

After Coach Sheera took over as head coach in 2003, 11 players received conference player of the year honors and three went on to be selected to the AVCA All-Region team, including Laura Milos, the program’s first player to garner all-region accolades three times in her career (2015-17). Ori Zuzic (2006) and Sara Pope (2013) also earned AVCA All-Region honors for ORU. Under Coach Sheera’s guidance, the Golden Eagles collected all-conference accolades 38 times, including 21 selections to the first team, and had 14 named to the All-Summit League Freshman Team.

Coach Sheera picked up her 250th-career victory in a sweep at Fort Wayne on October 15, 2016, extending her program best win total. Coach Sheera also led the Golden Eagles to six-straight appearances in The Summit League Championship, including making the finals in 2017.

At the same time, she was coaching club volleyball at Club One. She won the Gold Ball with 14’s team at Club One in April of 2021 at Show Me qualifier in Kansas City. Coach Sheera become the club director for Tulsa Power Volleyball in September of 2021 and won the gold ball with her 15’s team in St. Louis at MEQ in March of 2022. In 2023 her 16’s finished in second place at the Red Rock Qualifier in Las Vegas. Coach Sheera’s 12’s finished in 10th place at USA Volleyball Nationals in 2023.

Coach Sheera is working now for Broken Arrow Public Schools as a PE teacher and assistant Varsity Volleyball Coach. In a last 3 years she appeared in 2 State Final tournaments.

Played at ORU 1994 and 1995

Statistical Champion #1 in Service aces 1995

Coach at ORU as assistant Coach 1999-2003

Head Coach at ORU 2003-2019

Club – Coached at Club One 2006-2019

Became club director at Tulsa Power Volleyball in 2021

Won Gold Balls in 2021, 2022 and runner up in 2023

10th place finish with 12’s at USA Volleyball Nationals in 2023

Avery Kalsu – Setting Coach:

Nikki Cool:

Nikki began her volleyball career at All Saints Catholic School in Broken Arrow in 7th grade. She went on to play at Bishop Kelley, and in her Junior and Senior years, played on two state championship teams. During that time, she also played club volleyball for Team Tulsa, where they experienced much success including a Lone Star National Qualifier Championship, and played in several USAV National Championships. She earned a full ride to play collegiate volleyball at University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. At UAFS, she played libero.

Nikki is a wife, a mother of 7, and a church pre-school teacher, in addition to be the head coach of the Regent Prep volleyball program.

As a coach, Nikki has a rich history and experience of coaching volleyball at all levels of play. She previously was a middle school and high school assistant at Holland Hall for 12 years. Coach Nikki was a part of the Holland Hall 3A state championship efforts last year. In her debut season at Regent this year, she led her team to a winning season which landed them in the 5A State Tournament. As a club coach, she has coached at the highest competition and skill level with various ages. This past club season, Coach Nikki guided the Tulsa Power 18s team to a Gold Ball at the American Volleyball Challenge National Qualifier Championship and then onto a national 5th place finish in the USAV National Championships.

Coach Nikki is an experienced coach with volleyball theory; she emphasizes developing team unity, and focuses on program and player building.

Alaina Molinar:

Alaina started her volleyball career in the 5th grade at St. Pius X school. She then went on to play at Bishop Kelley where she earned a State Championship her senior year. She played club ball from 13’s to 18’s for Club One and Team Tulsa. Alaina went on to play ball at Labette Community College.

Alaina has been an assistant coach at Holland Hall and Bishop Kelley. She has also coached club ball for the last 7 years. Alaina assisted in taking the Tulsa Power 18-1’s team to a gold ball in the AVC National Qualifier in the American Division. She has also assisted in taking 3 teams to AAU Nationals and 1 team to USAV Nationals where they went on the take a 5th place finish.

Alaina has a lot of heart for the game. She enjoys getting to share her passion for volleyball with her players and helping them to become better on and off the court.

Jessica Walker:

Jessica has been coaching volleyball for almost 13 years. She began coaching in 2012 after finishing her playing career at NEO. She started her coaching career as a club coach for Team Tulsa. She then began coaching for Broken Arrow High School and has remained at BA for the last 11 seasons, where she runs the Junior Varsity.

Jessica is also a 7th grade English Language Arts teacher in BA and absolutely loves being a teacher and a coach! She feels the calling on her life has been to influence the lives of children through kindness, positivity, structure, accountability & encouragement. She is grateful for the opportunity to live this out in her classroom and on the court.

Jessica has had the opportunity to coach for Team Tulsa, Club BA, Club One, Ultimate, and now TPV. She is excited to be a part of TPV and is looking forward to another wonderful season of volleyball!

Ben Farmer:

Ben grew up in a rural town southeast of Houston, TX, watching his Aunt coach her junior college volleyball teams at Lee College. Seeing their national success and learning from multiple international Olympics athletes, his passion and love for the game was born. In high school and college he played as much volleyball as he could and ended up going to Texas A&M University where he Majored in Applied Exercise Physiology and worked for the women’s volleyball program under legendary coach and players Laurie and John Corbelli. While at A&M, he played on the men’s club team, winning four conference championships and winning the NIRSA national championship in 2010.

Since, Ben has made stops as an Assistant Coach at division I programs – the University of Tulsa and Houston Baptist University; and Division II powerhouse Angelo State University. Winning a Great West conference championship at HBU, several conference titles, a regional championship and final 8 finish at the DII national championship in 2016 for Angelo State, and at Tulsa a top 4 finish at the NIVC post season tournament in 2019.

During his collegiate coaching career he was instrumental in developing many all conference and all region players, several DII all-Americans, the DII National Freshman of the Year in 2016, and the American Athletic Conference freshman of the year in 2019.

Ben has coached club volleyball along the way at Brazos Valley Juniors, Houston Skyline Juniors, Angelo Force, and Absolute Volleyball Academy of Texas. At AVA, he coached his team to a 17 American National Championship at the 2015 Girl’s Junior National Championships in New Orleans, LA.

Ben currently resides in midtown Tulsa where he enjoys working in his garden, and coaches the 7th grade program at Broken Arrow.

Shelby Swanson:

Coach Shelby Swanson is in her 12th year coaching competitive volleyball and in her 4th year with TPV.

Coach Shelby played high school volleyball in Coeur d’alene, ID, breaking multiple school records, and played club on a nationally ranked open level team as a player. Coach Shelby played her collegiate volleyball career at NCAA Div 1 Oral Roberts University as an Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist.

In 2012, Coach Shelby began her school coaching career as the assistant coach at Booker T. Washington High School before taking over the program in 2013. In 2018 Coach Shelby became the Head Coach at Holland Hall. In 2023, she led Holland Hall to the school’s first ever Oklahoma State Championship in the schools 100 year history and was named as Tulsa World’s Volleyball Coach of the Year and the Coach of the Year for Girls Sports.

Coach Shelby coached for Club ONE Volleyball for 8 years as a top team head coach in the 11s-16s age groups. Leading her teams to top 25 and top 12 finishes at USAV Nationals. Coach Shelby is in her 4th year coaching for TPV. In 2022, her team finished at the Lone Star National Qualifier runners-up.

Coach Shelby has two children and works as a family ministry pastor at Sanctuary Church. She also owns a coffee business and enjoys traveling, especially to Disneyland. Coach Shelby is passionate about teaching valuable life lessons through volleyball. Her goal as a coach is to empower her players to push themselves to their full potential, learn to rise to their best under pressure, and to gain confidence in their abilities as athletes and as people.

Janette Vele:

Janette Vele’s love for volleyball began on the shores of Honolulu, Hawaii, where volleyball was a family affair. With her aunt as her first coach and cousins as her first teammates, they embarked on a journey with the recreational club, Palama Settlement. Janette’s passion for volleyball ignited as she watched her older sister compete for her high school team, and her family and church members engaged in friendly matches at the neighborhood park.

Janette’s own playing journey took her from the scenic shores of Hawaii to the courts of Jacksonville, Florida, where she showcased her skills and dedication throughout her high school career. She continued playing collegiate volleyball at Andrew College in Cuthbert, Georgia.

In 2016, Janette transitioned from a player to a coach when she joined the volleyball community in Mason, Ohio. At Cincy Classics volleyball club, she helped led the 16 Red and 17 Red teams to remarkable successes, including a qualifier bid win at the MEQ National qualifier and securing a top 10 placement at the USAV Nationals.

Her coaching journey led her to Oklahoma. Janette first coached the Broken Arrow High School freshman team and soon ascended to become the head coach at Wright Christian Academy, where her teams secured the HCAA state championship in 2020 and 2021, along with a junior high state championship in 2021. Her coaching career expanded to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, where she currently serves as the volleyball assistant coach, contributing to the team’s regional championship victory in 2022.

In her first year as the head coach of TPV 14-1 her team placed second at the OKRVA regionals, earning them a bid to the nationals, where they ranked among the top 25. Janette has coached club volleyball along the way at Club BA, Ultimate Performance Volleyball Club, OKPWP, and Tulsa Power. Currently, she enters her third club season as the head coach of TPV 17-1 and Assistant coach of TPV 13-2.

Janette Vele’s coaching philosophy is built on her passion for the sport, a commitment to teamwork, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. Her vast experience as both a player and coach makes her a valuable mentor for aspiring volleyball athletes.

Kelly Shondelmyer:

Coach Kelly Shondelmyer is a Buckeye Nation native! Born and raised in Ohio, she attended high school and college being active in a variety of sports and activities as a decorated 3 sport athlete and singer. She fell in love with volleyball at the age of 12 and has been active as a player or coach in some capacity for over 25 years! She has led multiple teams to undefeated seasons and conference/tournament titles, and most recently assistant coached TPV 14-1s in 2023 and TPV 15-2 in 2024 to a national qualifier bid.

After graduating from college and moving to Arizona, she pursued her graduate diploma from Phoenix Seminary in Intercultural studies. She worked a combined 11 years for a non-profit relief and development agency and church mission department where she sharpened her skills for leadership training and team-building cross culturally in 20+ countries abroad.

Coach Shondy moved to Oklahoma with her husband, Chris, of 20 years, and two young girls to Broken Arrow in 2011. Their family continued to grow with the birth of three more additions to round out the “Team Shondy” Seven!

Aside from coaching volleyball at Broken Arrow and managing life schedules with five children, Coach Shondy is an active member at her gym and church body community (BattleCreek South Tulsa), as a camp and community group leader. She is also Vice President of a non-profit 501(c)3 organization called Dear Young Athlete (DYA) whose mission strives to BUILD the next generation of leaders by teaching sports and RESTORING HOPE in the lives of young Athletes.

In her spare time, she enjoys watching her children play multiple sports and engage in school/community activities, sing, hike, camp, watch and play football, workout, draw and paint, throw/plan parties and sleep!

Coach Shondy is passionate about building and developing strong character for young athletes on and off the court and finds incredible joy in helping them pursue their passions through volleyball and across all dynamics of life while fostering a high level of respect and team chemistry throughout the season.

Sarah Willis:

My name is Sarah Willis and I am the current Head Coach for 11-1’s and assistant for the 14-2’s at TPV. I have loved the sport of volleyball ever since I was young. I started playing when I was 12 for Team Tulsa here in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I played for some amazing coaches during club and was able to learn so much about the sport. Many of the coaches I played for still coach today! I played at Jenks High School for Nick Ditolla and was named All- State my senior year.

After graduating high school I went on to play volleyball at Evangel University in Springfield, Mo. I played for 4 years and became a grad assistant my 5th year. While playing at Evangel I met my future husband. After graduating my husband and I moved back to Tulsa, Ok. We started our family soon after graduating. We have 4 kids, so when they were young I took a break from volleyball to stay home with them.

My first job back coaching was at Memorial High School as an assistant coach. Later I became an assistant coach for Rejoice Christian for 7 years. Three years ago I was named Head Coach at Rejoice and I am currently still at Rejoice. I coach 7th-Varsity and love every minute of it. We currently have around 60 girls in the program, so I am excited for the future of Rejoice Volleyball. I have coached club for the past 4 years, club one, ultimate and TPV. This will be my 3rd season with TPV. I love TPV and am honored to coach with such amazing coaches.

In my spare time I love hanging out with my family and friends. All 4 of my kiddos are super involved in sports, football, baseball, volleyball, basketball, and track. I know this time passes quickly so I try to soak up every minute.

Sarah Dial:

Sarah was born and raised in Tulsa, OK where she started playing volleyball when she was 11 years old. The first time she picked up a volleyball, she was hooked. Sarah played for Jenks High School where she was a 6A State Champion and an All-State player. While competing competitively at the club level, she competed in 4 National Tournaments and won a National Qualifier. Sarah then accepted an athletic scholarship to play D1 volleyball at Oral Roberts University as their Libero. While at ORU, she was nominated team captain, the female representative for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and a member of the ORU Athletic Department Leadership Academy. Sarah earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance as well as her MBA in 2021.

Sarah began her coaching career in 2017 as a head coach for an 11s team and since has coached the 12s and 13s age group. Sarah is also a coach for the TPV Beach program and the Holland Hall 5th/6th grade program. Sarah has a passion for helping young athletes grow as players, teammates, and as people.

Sarah currently resides in Jenks, Oklahoma with her husband and dog, Levi. She also works full time as a Client Advisor with Arvest Wealth Management. Sarah loves spending time with Jesus, traveling, and being around family and friends.

Talleyshia Morris:

Talleyshia (Coach T) was born & raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma and began her volleyball career at Union High School. Talleyshia also played competitively for ClubOne while in high school.

After graduating in 2016, Coach T played for two years at Coffeyville Community College (Coffeyville, Kansas) where her team went to Nationals both years and won the 2017 NJCAA National Championship. A freshman, she was named to the All-Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference and All-KJCCC first-team in 2017. She was also recognized as an All-Region IV first-team performer. During her time at Coffeyville she earned her honors of All-American in NJCCA (2017). Texas A&M Kingsville in 2018 where she finished her eligibility. Holding other accolades such as All-Lone Star Conference Tournament Team honors (2017) and Top 10 all-time blocker NCAA LoneStar Conference yet NJCCA.

Before Coach T came back home to Tulsa, she coached for Corpus Christi — Storm 14s Performance National. Coach T’s career continued when she arrived back in Tulsa at Sand Springs High School as head JV & assistant Varsity (2020-2021). Coach T is currently the 7th/8th grade, JV and Varsity Assistant Coach at Holland Hall. In 2022 she helped guide Holland Hall to State Champion as an assistant coach. Now coaching competitive volleyball at Tulsa power Volleyball and is in her 4th season and is also a TPV Beach Coach.

Sam Smith:

Samantha Smith was born and raised in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. She is a seasoned volleyball coach known for her exceptional leadership and passion for the sport. With a dynamic background that includes four years as a varsity player and collegiate athlete, she brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge and experience to her coaching style. Having spent numerous years honing her skills on the court, Sam has developed a deep understanding of the game, enabling her to mentor and guide her players effectively. Her coaching style emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, fostering a competitive yet nurturing environment for her teams to thrive.

Beyond her dedication to volleyball, Coach Sam is also a successful real estate agent and a devoted full-time mother. Juggling multiple roles, she exemplifies the art of balancing professional pursuits with personal responsibilities. Her proficiency in the real estate industry reflects her strong work ethic and exceptional communication skills, which seamlessly translate into her coaching approach. With her multifaceted background and unwavering commitment to her various roles, Samantha continues to inspire and empower those around her, leaving a lasting impact on both the sports and business communities. Last, but certainly not least of Coach Sam’s hats, is being a mom!

Bill Harms:

Bill was born in New York and moved to Oklahoma when he was 12 years old. He played a variety of sports in his youth and was also involved with motorcycle and car racing as a young adult. He graduated from Broken Arrow High School and attended Oklahoma State University.

One day he was approached by a neighbor to help coach a youth football and youth baseball team, which sparked an unknown desire to coach. His twins, Billy and Lauren, developed a strong desire to play volleyball after watching their cousins play, which led Bill into coaching volleyball.

Coaching and being involved with volleyball has become a 2nd full time job for Bill, since his twins Lauren and Billy started playing volleyball. Bill has been coaching volleyball for 10 years. He has coached 5th thru 8th grade at All Saints Catholic School, with those teams finishing in the top 3 while he was there. Bill has coached boys teams for 7 years. He has coached 2 boys teams at USAV Nationals, 1 at AAU Nationals. Bill is in his 3rd year of coaching middle school volleyball for Broken Arrow and is currently an 8th grade coach. Bill is the founder, President and Varsity head coach of Broken Arrow Tigers Boys Volleyball, a 501(c)3 non-profit and is also a board member of Oklahoma Boys Volleyball Association, supporting the growth of boys volleyball in Oklahoma. Bill is in his 2nd year coaching for TPV and excited to be leading the U15 boys team and being the assistant coach for the 14-3 girls team.

Lexie Smith:

Coach Lexi’s love for volleyball started in fifth grade when she got a flier to join a recreational team. It quickly became the biggest part of her life. She went on to play at a few different clubs through junior high and high school where she won The Lion Heart Award for leadership on and off the court. She played multiple different positions such as OH, setter, and libero. In high school she started coaching 12-14 year olds. This is when she realized how much she enjoyed teaching the core values of the sport and that there was still a way to be involved once her time on the court was over.

Off the court, Coach Lexi is normally found studying with an iced coffee preparing for her future nursing program or hiking with her two dogs, Denver and Griffin. On Sundays, she makes her way back home to Norman where she attends Victory Family Church as a part of their greeting team. Her house always smells like a bakery, from homemade sourdough to fresh brownies which she brings to work or local shops. Other hobbies for Coach Lexi include reading, golf, pickleball, and making flower arrangements. She is a firm believer that you are always growing and learning, a quote she lives by is “There is no failure. You either win or you learn.”

Gabriela (Vazquez) Luckett:

Gabriella is originally from Vega Alta, Puerto Rico, but moved to Connecticut. Gabriela was on the varsity team at Orville H Platt High School and achieved the following:  2015 CCC Champion & MVP, 2015 State Championship & MVP, 2015 All Star Game MVP and 2015 Gatorade Player of the Year.

Gabriela attended and played volleyball at Southern Connecticut State University and won the 2018 Northeast 10 Championship.

Breanna (Breezy) Rivas:

Daughter of Dominic and Blanca Rivas, has an older sister, Marissa, and an older brother, Dominic. Plans to major in Criminal Justice at ORU. Chose ORU because “seeing how happy my sister was when she attended ORU, I dreamed of coming here ever since. I love the community and how spiritual lives are just as important as our education” … Ranked No. 7 in her class and was on the honor roll for three-consecutive years.

As a Freshman Breanna appeared in all 29 matches and made one start. She registered 130 digs in 85 sets played for an average of 1.53 and had a season-high 11 digs at South Dakota State.

During Breanna’s Sophomore year she appeared in 29 of the 30 matches with one start. Breanna ranked second on the team with 353 digs in 103 sets for a 3.43 average, which led the Golden Eagles.  Breanna also recorded double-digit digs in 19 contests, including a career-high 23 against Tulsa (9/9). Breanna had 23 service aces, including a season-best three against South Dakota State (10/15).

In Breanna’s Junior year she played in 24 matches.  Led the team in digs (301), ranking fifth in digs per set in the Summit League (3.67) and had a season-high 26 digs against Incarnate Word (9/15).

Prior to attending ORU Played at Atrisco Heritage Academy High School for coaches Adam Garcia and Jessie Diehl. Landed on the all-metro third team three-consecutive seasons. Earned first team all-district honors as a freshman and sophomore and landed on the all-district second team in her junior year. Led the Jaguars in digs (179) and digs per set (4.0) during her junior season and added 23 service aces in 45 sets. Tallied 229 digs and 23 service aces as a sophomore. Played for the Albuquerque Rivals Volleyball Club and Duke City Volleyball Academy.

Thaynara De Jesus:

Thaynara attended McCook Community College her Freshman year. During her time at McCook she played in 37 matches, totaled 392 kills, 365 digs, 53 assists, 52 blocks and 34 aces.

Her Sophomore year was spent at Park University. Thaynara appeared in 34 matches with 32 starts, earned Heart of America Second Team All-Conference honors and registered 325 kills, 243 digs and 62 blocks.

Thaynara’s Junior year brought her to ORU. For her Junior year she played in all 28 matches, starting in 22, accounted for 195.5 points and 174 kills, ranking second on the team, totaled 201 digs, five solo blocks and 17 block assists. Thaynara was also named to the Bearkat Invitational All-Tournament Team

During High School Thaynara played on teams that were frequent top place finishers at the 2019 Paulista Federation, the 2018 Paulista Federation and Parana Cup, the 2017 Paulista Federation and the 2016 Sindi Clube Championship. Thaynara was named the best athlete in the 2015 and 2016 finals.

Thaynara chose to attend ORU because “it is a really good University and very good program.”

Trinity Freeman:

During her Freshman year Trinity appeared in all 29 matches with 26 starts and 104 sets played, led the Golden Eagles with 285 kills, averaging 2.74 kills per set, held a .235 attack percentage and registered nine service aces. Trinity ranked second on the team in total points with 334.5, tallied 79 blocks and 105 digs, reached double-figure kills a team-best 14 times, including a season-high 19 at Western Illinois (10/16). She also logged two double-doubles and recorded a season-best seven blocks in a 3-1 win over Southern Illinois (9/4). Trinity was also selected to the Summit League All-Freshman Team.

For Trinity’s Sophomore year she appeared in all 30 matches with 29 starts, had a team-best 342 kills in 113 sets for an average of 3.03, totaled double-digit kills 17 times, including a career-high 20 against Denver (10/8). Trinity scooped up 136 digs and registered one double-double (9/10), recorded 60 blocks, including a season-best six at South Dakota State (10/15)  and had 5 service aces. Trinity was selected to the Dr. Mary Jo Wynn Invitational All-Tournament Team.

Trinity appeared and started in all 28 matches in her Junior year, leading the team with 364.5 points, ranked ninth in kills (332) and fifth in kills per set (3.49) within the Summit League. She ranked second on the team in digs (256), a total of 32 blocks and was chosen for the Hampton Inn Invitational All-Tournament Team.

Sophie DeSantiago:

Coach Sophie is from Amarillo, TX. She played volleyball and graduated from SWOSU. Currently Coach Sophie teaches Elementary PE and is the JV Coach for BTW.

Kara O’Brien:

Coach Kara was an all around Phenom Player from Tulsa Oklahoma. She played four years on varsity at Edison Preparatory High-School being Team Captain her Senior year along with winning all district awards, and tournament MVP awards.  Kara won All city MVP her Senior year of High-school. She had 1,000+ career kills  by the end of her senior year. She helped coach the Freshmen team for their summer league after she graduated. She then took volleyball to the collegiate level and played at Cottey College, then transferred to Northeastern A&M college.

Yesenia (Yesi) Velazquez:

Yesi is from Chicago, Il. She attended and played volleyball at Catoosa High School and was an All State Selection in 2015. Coach Yesi also played volleyball at Coffeyville Community College and won a National Championship in 2018 while there. Coach Yesi is currently an Assistant Volleyball Coach at Holland Hall.

Bella Vu:

Bella is from Tulsa, Ok. Coach Bella attended and played volleyball at Regent Prep, was part of 3 State Championship Runner Up finishes, a two time All Pinnacle Conference selection and also was selected for the All State team in 2019. Currently Bella is the JV Coach and Varsity Assistant at Regent Prep.