Our Coaching Staff
18's Black Head Coach
Dawn Strand
Volleyball has been a part of Coach Dawns life for as long as she can remember, but her greatest passion has been coaching and helping young athletes grow both on and off the court.
She began coaching at 18 and has since worked with athletes from 12U through 18U, including club volleyball in Wyoming and Arizona, junior high programs, and several years at the varsity level. For the past five years, she has proudly coached with Venom Volleyball.
Her coaching philosophy focuses on strong fundamentals, volleyball IQ, confidence, competitiveness, and teamwork. Most importantly, she strive to create an environment where athletes feel challenged, supported, and leave each season as stronger players and more confident individuals.
18's Black Assistant Coach
Shaun Guyer
Coach Shaun is a returning Venom coach who brings years of valuable coaching experience, knowledge, and passion for the game of volleyball. He is dedicated to helping athletes develop their skills, build confidence, and reach their goals both on and off the court.
Coach Shaun is excited to continue representing Venom and helping our athletes become the best players and teammates they can be.
16's Black Head Coach
Kristen Miller
Coach Kristen brings more than 30 years of volleyball experience to Venom, including competing at the collegiate level, coaching athletes, providing private lessons, and continuing to play adult volleyball.
Her passion for the game has remained strong throughout the years, and she is excited to share her knowledge and experience with her players. Coach Kristen is committed to helping athletes develop their skills, build confidence, and grow both on and off the court throughout the club season.
15 Black Head Coach
Robert Angel
With over 10 years of coaching experience, Coach Robert is passionate about developing athletes through strong fundamentals, technical training, volleyball IQ, discipline, and continuous improvement.
His teams have earned multiple Top 10 finishes in the Arizona Region, including a 2nd-place finish at the Arizona State Championship with Venom 14 Black. At Venom, his goal is to help athletes compete with confidence, embrace accountability, and build the discipline, toughness, and team-first mindset that define the Venom culture.
15's Black Assistant Coach
John Palermino
With over five years of coaching experience, Coach John is passionate about developing athletes both on and off the court. His coaching focuses on strong fundamentals, volleyball IQ, communication, discipline, and continuous improvement.
As a father of three volleyball-playing daughters, he understands the commitment the sport requires. His goal is to create a positive, supportive environment while helping athletes build confidence, teamwork, accountability, and perseverance.
14's Black Coach
Natalie Guerrero
Entering her fourth year coaching at Venom, Coach Natalie brings 12 years of high-level volleyball experience and currently competes at the NCAA Division I level for Grand Canyon University as a libero/defensive specialist. Her playing career includes collegiate success, a high school state championship, multiple individual honors, and three appearances representing Arizona at the USA All Star Championships.
Natalie brings a competitive, encouraging, and player-focused approach to coaching. At Venom, she is passionate about helping athletes develop their skills, confidence, character, and faith while building the discipline, determination, and team-first mindset that define the Venom culture.
14's Red Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Rylee Herrold
With eight years of high-level club volleyball experience, Coach Rylee brings a strong knowledge of the game and a passion for helping young athletes develop. Her experience as a competitive player allows her to connect with athletes and understand what it takes to grow both on and off the court.
At Venom, she is excited to share her experience, build confidence in her players, and help them develop the skills, work ethic, and love for the game needed to reach their next level.
Assistant Coach: Emma Birzer
With experience as a high-level club volleyball player, Coach Emma brings a strong understanding of the game and a competitive mindset to Venom. As an Assistant Coach, she enjoys using her playing experience to help athletes strengthen their fundamentals, build confidence, and grow their volleyball IQ.
13's Black Coach
Rylee Peters
Coach Rylee eight years of playing experience to Venom, including two seasons competing as a Venom athlete. Now entering her second season as a coach, she has loved the opportunity to give back to the program and build strong relationships with her athletes.
Rylee is passionate about helping her players grow, gain confidence, and develop their love for volleyball. She looks forward to continuing to coach and grow alongside her girls here at Venom.
12's Black Head Coach
Brooke Davis
Coach Brooke brings over 12 years of competitive volleyball experience, including appearances at Nationals and multiple tournament championships. Her extensive playing background has helped shape a strong passion for athlete development and the game itself. In recent years, she has also provided private lessons focused on building fundamentals, improving volleyball IQ, and developing confidence on the court.
She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business and Communications at Arizona State University and has expanded her coaching experience through Special Olympics Arizona, where she has helped lead teams to both state and national success.
At Venom, Coach Brooke is committed to bringing energy, encouragement, and experience to every athlete while helping them work hard, build confidence, enjoy the game, and continue reaching their next level.
12's Black Assistant Coach
Jackson McCarthy
With nine years of experience competing in high-level Football, Coach Jackson brings a strong competitive mindset, work ethic, and understanding of what it takes to train and perform at a high level. While newer to volleyball, his extensive athletic background gives him a unique perspective on player development, discipline, and competition.
At Venom, he is excited to continue growing his knowledge of the game while helping athletes build confidence, develop strong habits, and learn what it takes to compete at their highest level.
11's Black Head Coach
Oscar De Alba
With over 10 years of coaching experience across multiple youth sports, Coach Oscar brings a competitive mindset and a strong passion for helping young athletes grow through sports. His background includes high school and recreational coaching.
Originally from Los Angeles, he played NCAA Division I football at Sacramento State University. At Venom, he is passionate about creating a positive impact on athletes through competition, discipline, teamwork, and personal growth. As both a coach and proud Venom parent.