Coach Christian Staple Memorial Class of 2017

Noel Carpio is a manager for the University of Arizona Beach and Indoor Volleyball teams in addition to serving as a coach at the Southern Arizona Volleyball Academy. He was part of the program that went to the first ever NCAA Beach Championships in Gulf Shores, Ala. in 2016. He also was the Assistant Tournament Director for the PAC-12 Beach Volleyball Championships hosted at The University of Arizona. Now in his third year at SAVA, he has helped the club become one of the best in the area, leading the 16 National Team and serving as the as the Technical Advisor.

Frank Craig is a graduate assistant at Oral Roberts University. Following an AVCA All-American career at the NAIA’s Lourdes University, he now helps the Golden Eagles as a recruiting coordinator and with day-to-day volleyball operations. He is currently pursuing a Leadership Master of Business Administration degree, and is set to graduate next spring.

Sid Davidson is a head coach at. St. John Bosco High School (Bellflower, CA) and the owner and director of the Akamai Volleyball Club. He has a long history as an educator and coach, having taught at St. John Bosco High School since 2003 in Physical Education. However, Davidson is more than just a long-time coach, he’s a winner. His high school squad has made many playoffs appearance in the CIF Division I Southern Section, and in both 2006 and 2007 took home the Long Beach Press Telegram Dream Team Coach of the Year.

Alejandro Gonzalez is a volunteer assistant at Minnesota State University, Mankato. While with the Mavericks, he assists with team individual drills, and coordinates video during practice and matches. He continues to be a coach at Southern Extreme Volleyball Club, and once spent time as a grad assistant at South Dakota State University.

Carrie Gurnell is an assistant coach at Gardner-Webb University, assisting in all aspects of the NCAA Division I program. She has a ton of playing experience after a career at Purdue University followed by a three-year professional career in Austria. On the sidelines, she has spent seven years coaching on the youth circuit at various clubs, and even taught volleyball in Austrian public schools while playing.

Thanh Harnish is a head coach at Munciana Volleyball Club. Now in her 13th year, she coaches the 13 Open Kunoichis, and led them to bronze in last year’s AAU’s. “She is truly interested in helping young female athletes pursue their goals. She instills good training habits and a real competitive spirit in her players,” said Munciana Co-Director Wes Lyon.

Victoria Hurtt is an assistant coach Indiana Wesleyan University. She joined the Wildcats after a prolific Iowa State career that saw her take home AVCA All-Region honors in 2012 and 2014 (played professionally in the Philippines). Leading the hitter training and development, and helping create practice plans are just a few of her responsibilities at the NAIA school.

Ciara Jones is the Director of Volleyball Operations at Clemson University. This marks her first year in college volleyball since her playing days at Marquette University. Prior to 2017, she was the head volleyball coach at Edgewater High School (Orlando, FL) where she rattled off three district championships from 2014-2016 capped by a 2016 Metro Coach of the Year award. She has the ability to relate to her players like few can, tapping into her experience as a former player at a high level, and district-winning coach.

Christian Staple is in his first season as an assistant men’s and women’s coach at McKendree University. Even though Staple is still in his 20’s, he has the kind of experience more resembling a season veteran. His resume as a boy’s and men’s coach extends through club, the NCAA, and USA Volleyball until now making his first stint at the NCAA Division II level. His time at the AVCA Convention will certainly accelerate his knowledge as he continues to grow as a volleyball coach.

Julian Welsh-White is volunteer assistant at the University of South Carolina. An NCAA Champion and AVCA All-American while at Division III’s Springfield College, Welsh-White is a proven winner. His experience on the court and sidelines at the club, high school, and collegiate level makes him one of the great young coaches in the game today.