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Volleyballer was founded in 2021 by two accomplished women, Ariel Newman and Jocelyn Drye.
They bring years of experience in leading teams and teaching volleyball and life skills.
Both share a passion for creating a positive impact in young lives and they look forward to working with your athlete!
Meet our volleyball team members below!
They bring years of experience in leading teams and teaching volleyball and life skills.
Both share a passion for creating a positive impact in young lives and they look forward to working with your athlete!
Meet our volleyball team members below!
Co-Founder & Co-Owner
Director of Volleyball Training + Athlete Development
14-Regional Team Coach
Ariel Newman is a native of Greensboro, NC. Coming from a basketball and football family, Newman wasn't introduced to the sport of volleyball until middle school when she began playing for her school team. This is where her love for the sport manifested. She began her high school career at Southern Guilford, where she was the only freshman starter on the varsity team, earning MVP honors and other accolades throughout her 4 years.
Newman was introduced to AAU/Club volleyball in 2004 by Kim Mansfield, the founder of Piedmont Volleyball Club. This was a life changing experience for a 14 year old, who was still new to the game. Training and competing over the next four years, she learned that volleyball brought so many good things into her life, including more structure, new friends, other great volleyball families, and the motivation to be better everyday.
Newman earned a scholarship and was offered the opportunity to play volleyball in college. She was a 4-year starter at two Division 1 programs, Virginia CommonWealth University & the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She received her Bachelor’s in Sociology in 2012 from UNCG, and her Master’s in Psychology: Sports and Performance at the University of the Rockies in 2014.
Newman’s passion for the sport led to her desire to coach. She has been involved in leading and coaching AAU/Club teams since 2010. In 2012, Newman took the role of head coach for the Greensboro Panthers Homeschool program. Here, she really learned the importance of being a role model to young females. She helped lead the program to two championships in the 2013 and 2014. Newman states, “It was a privilege to watch them fall in love with the game.”
In the fall of 2015 Newman became the assistant coach at Guilford College. This was the stepping stone that led her to achieve higher collegiate coaching goals. Since 2016 she has been in the role of Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at North Carolina A&T State University.
As Newman has continued to learn from various collegiate and club volleyball coaches throughout her career, she has gained the understanding that fundamental skill development of young athletes is the cornerstone of elevating the sport. The more attention that is given to developing our youth, the more well-rounded athletes we will have throughout all levels of the sport. Athletic development is a process and with time, commitment, drive, and passion, anything is possible. Newman is excited to be starting this new chapter at Volleyballer Training Academy.
Coach Ariel's Volleyball Resume:
High School (2003-2007)
College (VCU (07’-08’) then transferred to UNCG(09’- 12’)
School and AAU Coaching Career ( Middle - High School)
College Coaching Career (2015-2021)
Newman was introduced to AAU/Club volleyball in 2004 by Kim Mansfield, the founder of Piedmont Volleyball Club. This was a life changing experience for a 14 year old, who was still new to the game. Training and competing over the next four years, she learned that volleyball brought so many good things into her life, including more structure, new friends, other great volleyball families, and the motivation to be better everyday.
Newman earned a scholarship and was offered the opportunity to play volleyball in college. She was a 4-year starter at two Division 1 programs, Virginia CommonWealth University & the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She received her Bachelor’s in Sociology in 2012 from UNCG, and her Master’s in Psychology: Sports and Performance at the University of the Rockies in 2014.
Newman’s passion for the sport led to her desire to coach. She has been involved in leading and coaching AAU/Club teams since 2010. In 2012, Newman took the role of head coach for the Greensboro Panthers Homeschool program. Here, she really learned the importance of being a role model to young females. She helped lead the program to two championships in the 2013 and 2014. Newman states, “It was a privilege to watch them fall in love with the game.”
In the fall of 2015 Newman became the assistant coach at Guilford College. This was the stepping stone that led her to achieve higher collegiate coaching goals. Since 2016 she has been in the role of Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at North Carolina A&T State University.
As Newman has continued to learn from various collegiate and club volleyball coaches throughout her career, she has gained the understanding that fundamental skill development of young athletes is the cornerstone of elevating the sport. The more attention that is given to developing our youth, the more well-rounded athletes we will have throughout all levels of the sport. Athletic development is a process and with time, commitment, drive, and passion, anything is possible. Newman is excited to be starting this new chapter at Volleyballer Training Academy.
Coach Ariel's Volleyball Resume:
High School (2003-2007)
- Broke the school record for the most kills in a season as a freshman
- A four-year letterwinner at Southern Guilford HS in Greensboro, N.C.
- Four-time North State all-conference player
- Two-time Mid-Piedmont 3-A Conference player of the Year.
- Conference player of the year honors as a sophomore and senior
- MVP of the conference tournament as a freshman and senior
- Named to the all-area team by the Greensboro News & Record
- Selected as team captain her senior season.
College (VCU (07’-08’) then transferred to UNCG(09’- 12’)
- 4 year starter as an Outside Hitter at both Universities
- Played 6 rotations at both Universities
- Earned multiple all-tournament team awards
- Led VCU to 2007 CAA semifinals
- Led UNCG to 2010 SoCon Quarterfinals
School and AAU Coaching Career ( Middle - High School)
- Coached for Piedmont VBC (09’-20’)
- Head Coach for Greensboro Panthers (12’-14’)
- Trained all positions and levels
- Led Panthers Varsity program to win Championships back to back
- Led 15 Elite to Capitol Hill Championship win
College Coaching Career (2015-2021)
- Assistant Coach at Guilford College (15’-16’)
- Assistant Head Coach at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University (16’-21’)
- Recognized as VolleyBallMag Under 40 Coaching HotShots (2020)
- Helped N.C A&T win the MEAC 2020 Championship Game
- Participated in the 2020 NCAA Tournament
- Participated in the 2019 and 2021 National Invitational Volleyball Championships Tournament (NIVC)
- Helped players win conference all tournament team and player awards (2016-2021)
- Recruiting and Travel Coordinator
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Co-Founder & Co-Owner
Director of Business Operations & Marketing
Executive Director of Baller Sports Center
Jocelyn Drye is a native of Burlington, NC. She and her husband, Josh have raised two high level volleyball athletes and Jocelyn feels that she knows the volleyball world best as a parent. As her two daughters have grown into athletes, an enormous amount of time and dedication has been put into their volleyball development, as they have both competed at the national club volleyball level for top teams in NC, and have both gone through the collegiate recruiting process.
Maddy, her oldest played one season collegiately at App State University, before deciding to focus exclusively on her her double major in Packaging Design and Cross Media Production. Ava, her youngest daughter has committed to play Division I volleyball at Towson University in Maryland, starting in the fall of 2025. Jocelyn's family has spent countless weekends at club volleyball tournaments all over the United States in the past 9 years. This 2024-25 club season was her ninth and final season as a club volleyball mom!
Jocelyn's idea for Volleyballer Training Academy came to her during the years when her daughters were younger and wanting to get extra training to improve their skills. Her concept was a volleyball specific training facility that focused on the development of volleyball skills, mental performance, and confidence through a strong female leadership model. Coach Ariel was Maddy's 18U coach and that is how Volleyballer was born!
Jocelyn remembers what it was like to have an athletic 12 year old daughter who had never touched a volleyball before, but wanted to learn fast. She understands what it takes to get a young athlete from "newbie" to "excelling on the court" and why having quality training opportunities available to them is vital to their development.
Jocelyn also understands the tremendous value of the life skills that are taught through the sport, and thinks that is just as important as the physical skills that they learn. Her passion is helping young girls grow and progress in a fun and healthy way. She is looking forward to helping other families and athletes through Volleyballer Training Academy.
Jocelyn has a background in entrepreneurship, marketing and design and has been a small business owner for over 22 years. Her former business, Journey Lockets, was a national jewelry brand that was sold in stores across the US for 12 years. She currently serves at the Director of Business Operations & Marketing for VTA and Baller Sports Center. She handles the behind the scenes business duties, plus marketing and communication.
Maddy, her oldest played one season collegiately at App State University, before deciding to focus exclusively on her her double major in Packaging Design and Cross Media Production. Ava, her youngest daughter has committed to play Division I volleyball at Towson University in Maryland, starting in the fall of 2025. Jocelyn's family has spent countless weekends at club volleyball tournaments all over the United States in the past 9 years. This 2024-25 club season was her ninth and final season as a club volleyball mom!
Jocelyn's idea for Volleyballer Training Academy came to her during the years when her daughters were younger and wanting to get extra training to improve their skills. Her concept was a volleyball specific training facility that focused on the development of volleyball skills, mental performance, and confidence through a strong female leadership model. Coach Ariel was Maddy's 18U coach and that is how Volleyballer was born!
Jocelyn remembers what it was like to have an athletic 12 year old daughter who had never touched a volleyball before, but wanted to learn fast. She understands what it takes to get a young athlete from "newbie" to "excelling on the court" and why having quality training opportunities available to them is vital to their development.
Jocelyn also understands the tremendous value of the life skills that are taught through the sport, and thinks that is just as important as the physical skills that they learn. Her passion is helping young girls grow and progress in a fun and healthy way. She is looking forward to helping other families and athletes through Volleyballer Training Academy.
Jocelyn has a background in entrepreneurship, marketing and design and has been a small business owner for over 22 years. Her former business, Journey Lockets, was a national jewelry brand that was sold in stores across the US for 12 years. She currently serves at the Director of Business Operations & Marketing for VTA and Baller Sports Center. She handles the behind the scenes business duties, plus marketing and communication.
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Lead Trainer + Elite Positional Coach
14-Regional Team Coach
Tara Farmer is a lead trainer at Volleyballer. She is also the current JV and Varsity Volleyball coach at Burlington Christian Academy, 2022 TRI-TAAC Conference Winners.
Tara was a four-year starter for Division I Big East member Seton Hall University, and holds records in blocking and hitting percentage.
Tara then moved to Spartanburg, South Carolina, to earn her Master's Degree, while coaching for Club South (now Upward Stars) and acting as the head coach at Converse College (Division II).
After she finished her education, she began her eight years of lead assistant coaching at Wofford College (Division I), while coaching various successful club teams aged 14’s-16’s for Club South (now Upward Stars).
Tara is married to Edgar Farmer, Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at Elon University, and mom to Kalan and Kieryn.
Tara was a four-year starter for Division I Big East member Seton Hall University, and holds records in blocking and hitting percentage.
Tara then moved to Spartanburg, South Carolina, to earn her Master's Degree, while coaching for Club South (now Upward Stars) and acting as the head coach at Converse College (Division II).
After she finished her education, she began her eight years of lead assistant coaching at Wofford College (Division I), while coaching various successful club teams aged 14’s-16’s for Club South (now Upward Stars).
Tara is married to Edgar Farmer, Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at Elon University, and mom to Kalan and Kieryn.
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Lead Trainer + Elite Positional Coach
Founder of BallerFitXP Performance Training
With over 20 years of experience coaching junior athletes through USA Volleyball and AAU in both Puerto Rico and Florida, Damaris Flores (Coach D) is a highly respected figure in the volleyball community. A former member of the Puerto Rican National Indoor Team (1987–1995) and Beach Volleyball National Team (1997–2007), Damaris brings elite-level insight and passion to every athlete she trains.
Since relocating to Florida in 1999 to serve as Assistant Coach for the Florida Southern College Volleyball Program, she has continued to make a powerful impact on the sport. Her coaching career includes five years within the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), where she helped shape competitive high school teams.
In addition to coaching, Damaris has spent over 15 years as a certified PAVO Collegiate Line Judge and Beach Volleyball Official, lending her expertise to collegiate matches across the nation. From 2008 to 2016, she also channeled her athletic experience into fitness training as a CrossFit instructor at what is now Lakeland Athletic Club.
Today, Damaris remains dedicated to empowering athletes at all levels with discipline, skill, and a love for the game. We are so happy to have her as a part of our growing leadership team of accomplished women at Volleyballer & Baller Sports Center!
Coach D’s Volleyball Resume
Since relocating to Florida in 1999 to serve as Assistant Coach for the Florida Southern College Volleyball Program, she has continued to make a powerful impact on the sport. Her coaching career includes five years within the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), where she helped shape competitive high school teams.
In addition to coaching, Damaris has spent over 15 years as a certified PAVO Collegiate Line Judge and Beach Volleyball Official, lending her expertise to collegiate matches across the nation. From 2008 to 2016, she also channeled her athletic experience into fitness training as a CrossFit instructor at what is now Lakeland Athletic Club.
Today, Damaris remains dedicated to empowering athletes at all levels with discipline, skill, and a love for the game. We are so happy to have her as a part of our growing leadership team of accomplished women at Volleyballer & Baller Sports Center!
Coach D’s Volleyball Resume
- Coaching Experience: 20+ years coaching USA Volleyball & AAU in Puerto Rico and Florida
- Former Athlete: PuertoRican National Indoor Team (1987–1995) & Beach Team (1997–2007)
- Collegiate Coach: Assistant Coach, Florida Southern College (1999–2007)
- FHSAA Coach: 5+ years coaching high school teams
- Official: 15+ years PAVO Collegiate Line Judge & Beach Volleyball Official
- Fitness Background: Former CrossFit Instructor (2008–2016)
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15 Travel Team - Head Coach
Haylie Clark has always been around sports since she could walk. She started playing competitive soccer at a young age and made the transition into volleyball at 12. Since she began playing volleyball she has always been a setter. Her love for the sport continues to grow everyday.
Haylie has been coaching at the collegiate level for 3 years now, helping lead the Bucknell Bison to the patriot league quarterfinals in 2023 and now working with Elon University as the offensive coordinator. She loves working with setters and offensive systems from her time as a setter but she has found a new passion in serve receive and defense.
During her playing career at Elon, she earned numerous accolades, including being named to the 2022 All-CAA Second Team, the 2021 CAA Championship All-Tournament Team, the 2021 All-CAA Second Team, and being honored as the CAA Offensive Player of the Week on October 4, 2021. Her most distinguished achievement was receiving the 2021 CAA Setter of the Year award.
Haylie has been coaching at the collegiate level for 3 years now, helping lead the Bucknell Bison to the patriot league quarterfinals in 2023 and now working with Elon University as the offensive coordinator. She loves working with setters and offensive systems from her time as a setter but she has found a new passion in serve receive and defense.
During her playing career at Elon, she earned numerous accolades, including being named to the 2022 All-CAA Second Team, the 2021 CAA Championship All-Tournament Team, the 2021 All-CAA Second Team, and being honored as the CAA Offensive Player of the Week on October 4, 2021. Her most distinguished achievement was receiving the 2021 CAA Setter of the Year award.
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13 Local Team- Head Coach
Grace Young knew from an early age that she was going to be an athlete. Her parents signed her up to play T-ball with boys at the age of four, as well as soccer and basketball. She found volleyball at the age of seven and it quickly became her favorite sport. She began playing club volleyball at eleven and continued to play at a high level until she graduated high school. She was the libero on her high school team which won the 3A State Championship her junior year and was the East Regional Champion in her senior year. As a junior, she earned the NCHSAA Sportsmanship award, which she regards as one of her most important accomplishments. She was also named to the High School OT All State Third team for liberos and was an AVCA All-American Nominee. Her senior season she led the conference in aces. She was a two time team captain and was also awarded Sportsmanship of the year from her High School.
She went on to play her freshman college season at Division 1 UNC Asheville where she played in 22 matches. For her sophomore season she transferred to Greensboro College where she is still currently playing. In her sophomore season she played in all 29 matches and racked up the aces. She was named to the USA South All Sportsmanship team. She has found a big interest in her major of Sports Management with minors in business and coaching.
Through her volleyball career, Grace has learned you must work hard to achieve success but she also believes that Volleyball is supposed to be fun! She sets high expectations both for herself and for her players and believes that anyone can improve if they put in the effort and time. She has had some amazing coaches and mentors along her journey and she is looking forward to passing her skills, knowledge, and love of the game on to this next generation of athletes!
She went on to play her freshman college season at Division 1 UNC Asheville where she played in 22 matches. For her sophomore season she transferred to Greensboro College where she is still currently playing. In her sophomore season she played in all 29 matches and racked up the aces. She was named to the USA South All Sportsmanship team. She has found a big interest in her major of Sports Management with minors in business and coaching.
Through her volleyball career, Grace has learned you must work hard to achieve success but she also believes that Volleyball is supposed to be fun! She sets high expectations both for herself and for her players and believes that anyone can improve if they put in the effort and time. She has had some amazing coaches and mentors along her journey and she is looking forward to passing her skills, knowledge, and love of the game on to this next generation of athletes!
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16 Travel Team- Head Coach
Brooke Williams is a native of Julian, NC and graduated from Burlington Christian Academy. She has always had a passion for sports and began playing basketball and softball at a young age. In middle school, she tried out for her school volleyball team to play all the sports her mom did growing up. She quickly fell in love with volleyball and knew it was her sport.
In high school, Brooke began playing travel volleyball for Fusion Volleyball Club and finished her travel career at Tri-County VBC in Asheboro, NC. Brooke was a captain and starting setter on each team, as well as for JV and Varsity at BCA. She attended Campbell University for her Bachelor’s in Communication and minor in Sport Business. She was the starting setter and eventual Vice President of the club volleyball team. She also played one semester of club volleyball at UNCG while completing her Master’s Degree.
Brooke has been coaching travel volleyball for 4 years and has coached ages 14s-16s. Her favorite part of coaching is seeing the growth in players and the joy they find in the sport. Brooke believes that sports as a whole are an important part of life and teach valuable life lessons and skills. Volleyball has taught her many great skills such as leadership, determination and hard work and she’s excited to pass those on to the future generations!
In high school, Brooke began playing travel volleyball for Fusion Volleyball Club and finished her travel career at Tri-County VBC in Asheboro, NC. Brooke was a captain and starting setter on each team, as well as for JV and Varsity at BCA. She attended Campbell University for her Bachelor’s in Communication and minor in Sport Business. She was the starting setter and eventual Vice President of the club volleyball team. She also played one semester of club volleyball at UNCG while completing her Master’s Degree.
Brooke has been coaching travel volleyball for 4 years and has coached ages 14s-16s. Her favorite part of coaching is seeing the growth in players and the joy they find in the sport. Brooke believes that sports as a whole are an important part of life and teach valuable life lessons and skills. Volleyball has taught her many great skills such as leadership, determination and hard work and she’s excited to pass those on to the future generations!
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13 Local Team - Assistant Coach
Cameron Lanier began playing volleyball at the age of 11 after her mom signed her up, following six years of playing softball. She joined her first club team, CHAVC, during her 13s year and started as a middle blocker, a position she played through the first half of her 17s season before transitioning to right side.
At Cedar Ridge High School, Cameron played middle and helped lead her team to the 3A State Championship title in 2021 as a junior and to an East Regional Championship in 2022 as a senior. She served as team captain both her junior and senior years. Cameron committed to play Division I volleyball at Elon University in May of her junior year of high school, where she is majoring in Sociology with minors in Criminal Justice and Public Health. She was named to the Preseason All-CAA Team for the 2025 season.
At Cedar Ridge High School, Cameron played middle and helped lead her team to the 3A State Championship title in 2021 as a junior and to an East Regional Championship in 2022 as a senior. She served as team captain both her junior and senior years. Cameron committed to play Division I volleyball at Elon University in May of her junior year of high school, where she is majoring in Sociology with minors in Criminal Justice and Public Health. She was named to the Preseason All-CAA Team for the 2025 season.
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15 Travel Team - Assistant Coach
Logan Priddy began playing volleyball at the age of 11, starting her first season in 5th grade at the YMCA. She joined her first club team, Spike Force, during her 13s year and started as a setter. Shortly after she transitioned to Piedmont VBC, where she finished the rest of her club career there.
Later after high school Logan attended Brevard college, where she was a starter for the Tornados, playing in nearly every match during her collegiate career. As a sophomore, she recorded over 400 assists, 48 service aces, and 197 digs, showcasing her all-around skill and leadership on the court. She set 3 records while attending Brevard college. While being a student athlete, she graduated Brevard with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration & Organizational Leader.
This will be her second season coaching club volleyball. Her first being while she was in college, she coached at MEVC. She is so excited for this next chapter of club season with some amazing young ladies.
Later after high school Logan attended Brevard college, where she was a starter for the Tornados, playing in nearly every match during her collegiate career. As a sophomore, she recorded over 400 assists, 48 service aces, and 197 digs, showcasing her all-around skill and leadership on the court. She set 3 records while attending Brevard college. While being a student athlete, she graduated Brevard with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration & Organizational Leader.
This will be her second season coaching club volleyball. Her first being while she was in college, she coached at MEVC. She is so excited for this next chapter of club season with some amazing young ladies.
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16 Travel- Assistant Coach
Kyla “KJ” Johnson grew up in Richmond, Virginia, surrounded by sports and competition. She spent her early years playing soccer and competitive cheerleading before discovering her passion for volleyball in middle school. From the moment she picked up the sport, she knew it was something special.
KJ joined Richmond Volleyball Club (RVC), where she consistently played on the top team every year and developed into a versatile, driven athlete. Her dedication and leadership on the court caught the attention of college programs, and during her senior year of high school, she committed to play Division I volleyball at Elon University, a decision that carried personal meaning, as her father also played football for Elon.
Now a junior at Elon, KJ is majoring in Marketing with a minor in Psychology. She continues to build on her family’s athletic legacy through her hard work, team-first mentality, and love for the game that started years ago in Richmond.
KJ joined Richmond Volleyball Club (RVC), where she consistently played on the top team every year and developed into a versatile, driven athlete. Her dedication and leadership on the court caught the attention of college programs, and during her senior year of high school, she committed to play Division I volleyball at Elon University, a decision that carried personal meaning, as her father also played football for Elon.
Now a junior at Elon, KJ is majoring in Marketing with a minor in Psychology. She continues to build on her family’s athletic legacy through her hard work, team-first mentality, and love for the game that started years ago in Richmond.
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