Coaching Staff

Abby began her volleyball journey in 4th grade, transitioned to Club Unite in 8th grade and has spent the next eight years developing her skills with Club Unite, competing on National teams. She played on the college level at Walters State and Johnson University. Abby coached a premier travel team for the 2024-2025 season.

I am excited to begin my second season coaching with Club Unite after coaching the 12U team last year! I’ve also had the opportunity to coach at Hardin Valley Middle School. As a player, I competed for Farragut High School, Club Unite, K2, and Maryville College, experiences that shaped both my love for the game and my passion for coaching.

What I enjoy most about coaching is meeting players where they are and helping them grow in their skills and confidence. Volleyball is such a fun and rewarding sport, and I feel grateful to be part of each athlete’s journey. I can’t wait for another great season ahead!

I have been playing volleyball since the age of 10, including three years with Club Unite during my club career. I went on to compete at the collegiate level, playing two years at Walters State. My favorite part of coaching is watching athletes grow and develop both on and off the court. I am excited to return to Club Unite this season as part of the coaching staff.

I am currently attending Johnson University, where I am double-majoring in Bible and Sports and Fitness Leadership while also competing on the volleyball team. Before college, I played at Seymour High School and spent two seasons with Club Unite, as well as one season competing in beach volleyball. On the court, I play both right side and middle.

I played travel volleyball with Club Unite all four years of high school, and I loved working with different coaches each year—learning not just volleyball skills, but valuable life lessons along the way. I can’t wait to give these girls the same experience. I’m currently a freshman at PSTCC, pursuing a degree in pre-med, and I’m excited to teach players how to develop their skills, enjoy the game, and build confidence both on and off the court.

Hi, I’m Claire! Volleyball has been a big part of my life since grade school. I played both school and club ball throughout high school in the Memphis area and kept the game going with intramurals in college. Most recently, I’ve coached a local club team and loved watching players grow—both on and off the court.

Outside of volleyball, I work as a school SLP, and when I’m not in the gym, you can usually find me at a dog park or cheering on the VOLS! As a coach, I’m passionate about creating a close-knit team where athletes gain confidence, compete hard, and have fun while learning to love the game—and each other. I can’t wait to meet you in person soon!

I started playing volleyball in 4th grade with Club Unite. I played through middle school for Cedar Bluff and continued with Club Unite travel teams, as well as my freshman year of high school at HVA. Although a club team I tried out for in my junior year was canceled due to COVID, a recreational class at UT reminded me how much I love the sport and being part of the volleyball community.

I also had the opportunity to coach at the end of a season for Emerald Youth, where I refereed as well. Having had so many amazing coaches over the years, I understand the importance of being a respectful and dependable coach—showing up for athletes in whatever way they need. I’m beyond excited to be back at my home gym and can’t wait to see how this season unfolds!

Devyn Bayes is in her second year with Club Unite, bringing a wealth of coaching and teaching experience to the program. She spent eight years coaching at the collegiate level, working with both NCAA Division II and Division III programs, and has more than 15 years of experience running youth volleyball camps for middle and high school athletes. Currently, she teaches at Jefferson Elementary, where her passion for education and mentoring extends seamlessly onto the volleyball court.

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I started playing volleyball at 11 and was part of Club Unite from its very first year, competing through high school before injuries shifted my path toward coaching. I began with in-house leagues, later coaching the 18 National team alongside my dad, and now I’m entering my 4th year of travel coaching with Club Unite.

I recently graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation and now teach special education at Powell High School. Volleyball has always been a huge part of my life, and I love sharing that passion with the next generation.

I focus on building strong fundamentals while creating a positive and constructive environment. I value hard work and dedication, and I strive to help players grow both technically and mentally. For me, coaching is about more than wins and losses—it’s about building trust, respect, and teamwork, while teaching life lessons that players can carry with them long after they leave the court.

Boden is starting his 8th season with Club Unite, serving in a variety of key positions that have allowed him to make a significant impact on the organization and the athletes it serves. Boden has coached high-level athletes within the Club Unite organization who have gone on to receive college scholarships. He has also specialized in positional training, working one-on-one with athletes to hone their techniques and abilities in specific roles. Additionally, Boden has taken on the crucial responsibility of recruiting coordinator, assisting players in the process of finding the best fit for their college experience. Last season, Boden expanded his influence even further as he stepped into the role of associate director. He will be primarily focused on player development to continue while closely managing the National team progression. In this capacity, he will oversee the development and preparation of these elite squads, drawing on his wealth of coaching expertise to ensure they are equipped to compete at the highest levels of the sport. Boden most recently took the helm of the Hardin Valley Volleyball Program as Head Coach for the 2024 season.

Whether she is coaching a National team, directing beach players, guiding prospective collegiate athletes in their journey to find the right fit, or leading positional training sessions, Erika approaches each task with the same competitive passion and determination to help players elevate their game. Her passion for volleyball is evident not only in the knowledge she has committed to acquiring about the sport but also in the way she mentors and empowers the young women she is training. Erika played volleyball in college and continued to stay on the court for her career. She is currently the head coach of the Pellissippi State Panthers, after previously serving 6 years as the top assistant for the Walters State Volleyball program.

I played volleyball at CDHS and competed in club volleyball with Ahava before beginning my coaching career. I am currently coaching at Towering Oaks Christian School and previously coached at Freedom Christian Academy in Fayetteville, NC. Alongside coaching, I am pursuing a master’s degree in forensic science

Coach Greer grew up playing high school and club volleyball in Franklin, TN, and went on to compete with the University of Tennessee’s club program. She is currently the head coach for the high school team at Grace Christian Academy while also serving as a social worker for Knox County Schools. With experience coaching across multiple age groups at Club Unite, her most recent role was leading the 15 Premier team last season. This will be Greer's 3rd season coaching for CU.

I am entering my fourth year coaching with Club Unite and have also coached one season at White Pine. I played and coached for Revolution, competed with multiple club teams, and played two years at West High School. I love developing young athletes, teaching them new skills, and watching their passion for the sport grow! This will be Hannah's 4th season coaching for CU.

My name is Jackie, and I am a dedicated volleyball coach passionate about creating a supportive and competitive environment where athletes can grow in skill, confidence, and character—both on and off the court. I began my volleyball journey playing at Clinton High School, an experience that sparked my love for the game and inspired my commitment to developing young athletes.

I have had the privilege of coaching at LaFollette Middle School, where I’ve enjoyed being part of each athlete’s journey and growth. Outside of volleyball, I work remotely as a Business Administrator for a company based in Georgia, and I come from a close-knit family that shares my enthusiasm for sports and teamwork. I am excited to bring that same energy and dedication to my role with Club Unite

My name is Jason McAuliffe, and I am excited to begin my club volleyball coaching career with Club Unite this season. My love for the game began nine years ago when my oldest daughter tried out for her middle school volleyball team, sparking what has become a true passion for coaching. Since then, I have been dedicated to coaching middle school athletes and am now in my second year at Hardin Valley Middle School.

I truly enjoy working with young players, helping them pursue their goals on the court while also teaching the valuable life lessons that sports provide

My family and I recently relocated from Cheyenne, Wyoming, to Oak Ridge. I have been in education for 15 years—twelve years in early childhood and the last four teaching English and Math at the elementary level. When I’m not in the gym, I enjoy baking, spending time outdoors, and fostering kittens.

I’ve been involved in club volleyball for the past four years, alongside my oldest daughter. Although I didn’t grow up playing sports, I began as a team parent, then moved into communications and administration before stepping into coaching. With my background in education, guiding young athletes into becoming both skilled players and strong individuals came naturally. I strive to create a positive, supportive environment where every athlete feels valued and motivated to reach their full potential on and off the court.

John’s passion for shaping young athletes goes far beyond the game—it’s about building confident, connected, and inspired individuals. Now in his 9th year with Club Unite, he’s worn many hats: head coach, positional trainer, in-house league leader, and all-around champion for our players’ growth. John assisted Club Unite on an overseas mission trip to Costa Rica, where he not only served the community but also led transformative volleyball clinics that exposed the young players to new cultures.

John founded the Knoxville Independent Trailblazers, a vibrant community where athletes hone their abilities, build lifelong friendships, and learn the power of teamwork. Under his guidance, every player feels they belong, they matter, and they’re capable of more than they imagined. This will be John's 9th season with CU.

I’m so excited to be coaching this season! I am currently a junior at the University of Tennessee–Knoxville, majoring in Kinesiology with a minor in Sport Management. I grew up in East Greenbush, New York, where I played multiple sports, but volleyball has always been my passion. I competed for both my high school team and my club team, Team LVC, and the sport has been a big part of my life for many years. I’ve had the opportunity to work with athletes of all ages through camps and clinics, and I love sharing my knowledge and energy with younger players. Since I was just recently in their shoes, I understand the excitement and challenges that come with balancing high school, sports, and everything in between. My goal is to support each athlete not only in their development on the court, but also in their growth as teammates and individuals off the court. I truly believe the best teams are built on communication, effort, and trust. I’m looking forward to creating an environment where players can push themselves, have fun, and feel supported—both by me and by each other.

I am entering my sixth year of coaching, including my fifth with Club Unite, and I couldn’t be more excited! I recently graduated from Maryville College, where I played volleyball all four years, and spent time overseas after graduation exploring the sport and continuing to play at a high level.

I am currently pursuing my master’s degree at UT Knoxville and feel honored to be part of the Club Unite staff. Coaching has always reminded me why I love volleyball in the first place—the athletes I see in the gym inspire me as much as I hope to inspire them. Kayli will be entering her 5th season with CU.

I am beginning my second year of travel volleyball coaching with Club Unite this season, after completing my first season coaching middle school volleyball this fall. My journey with Club Unite began in 2021, when my daughter decided to try volleyball and I co-coached a fall league team. That experience reminded me of how much I love the game. Since then, volleyball has become an even bigger part of our family—my older daughter has completed three club seasons and my younger daughter just finished her second.

I first started playing volleyball in middle school and continued through high school before going on to play at Johnson University (formerly Johnson Bible College), where I competed in three NCCAA National Tournaments.

With 10 years of club coaching experience, I am entering my sixth season as head coach at Grace Christian Academy. During my time at GCA, our program has earned one district championship, five consecutive region tournament appearances, and three state tournament appearances, compiling 92 career wins along the way.

I am passionate about teaching the fundamentals of volleyball, developing mental toughness, and showing athletes what it means to be a great teammate. Most of all, I’m grateful for the opportunity to impact young women’s lives and help them grow both on and off the court through the sport I love.

I played volleyball for six years, starting in 6th grade, and quickly fell in love with the sport—the competition, the friendships, and especially the school and club tournaments hold some of my best memories. For five of those years, I played competitive travel volleyball, gaining valuable experience and the opportunity to travel. After graduating, I transitioned into coaching with the Knoxville Trailblazers Class of 2025. Coaching has allowed me to fall in love with the game all over again by mentoring young athletes and helping them build the same lasting experiences that shaped my own volleyball career. 

I began my volleyball journey playing both school and club in Indiana, where I also discovered my love for coaching by leading a 9U team during high school. After graduation, I attended Indiana University and played club volleyball for two years before transitioning into coaching and managing the men’s club team for a year and a half.

Melanie brings a wealth of volleyball experience to the team, having competed at the collegiate level for Carson-Newman University following a decorated high school career. Now in her third year with Club Unite, her passion for the game, strong organizational skills, and desire to help players make her a valuable asset to the program.

In her first year, Melanie served in a variety of roles—training and coaching the 11U and 12U teams while also stepping in as head coach for the 17 National team. Last season, she led the 13 Premier team as head coach while overseeing a variety of Club Unite team systems, further demonstrating her versatility and leadership.

Over the past nine years, I’ve coached a variety of sports—including volleyball, track, cross country, and girls basketball—but volleyball has always been my favorite. This is my sixth year coaching volleyball and my third season with Club Unite. I also serve as the head middle school coach at Grace Christian Academy and teach PE for 1st–8th grade.

My coaching journey began with 13s and 14s teams at Premier Volleyball Club in northern Colorado before moving to Tennessee last year. I first discovered my passion for volleyball in college while playing on a club team, and that experience inspired me to learn the game deeply and eventually share it as a coach. Today, I love helping athletes grow in skill, confidence, and love for the sport.

I’ve loved volleyball since the age of seven and played the sport throughout middle and high school, primarily as a setter. I am currently coaching at Grace Christian Academy as the middle school assistant volleyball coach, where I enjoy helping young athletes develop their skills and passion for the game.

I began playing volleyball at the age of 7 in recreational leagues and continued throughout middle and high school, competing on school teams at Karns, in recreational leagues, and with the K2 travel program. During college, I had the privilege of coaching both a recreational middle school team and a JV middle school team. After taking a short break to focus on teaching my wonderful 2nd graders, I returned to the sport last club season to coach a 13U team with another local club—and I absolutely loved being back in the game.

As both an educator and a coach, I’m passionate about teaching fundamentals, building teamwork, and creating a positive, encouraging environment where athletes can grow both on and off the court.

With nine years of coaching experience, I’m entering my fourth year with Club Unite. Outside the gym, I work as the Marketing Coordinator at Rehab Group Physical Therapy and as a Girl Scout Recruiter. Life is full with two adorable daughters, two sweet pups, and a well-documented love for Diet Dr Pepper!

I am currently a sophomore at Johnson University, where I also compete on the volleyball team. I have been coaching for a year and have found it to be an incredibly rewarding experience. I am passionate about creating an environment where athletes can grow, enjoy the game, and have fun while developing their skills.

This is my fifth year with Club Unite and my third year coaching. I played collegiate volleyball as a middle blocker and right-side hitter at Johnson University, where I earned my B.A. in Business Administration. In addition to coaching, I serve as a TSSAA volleyball official and work as the Marketing Manager at Valley Forge Inn.

I began playing volleyball at 14 years old at Newbury Park High School in California, where I spent one year on Frosh/Soph before moving up as a Varsity starter for the next three years as an outside hitter. Alongside school ball, I played four years of club with Beachbones and Spectrum Volleyball Club, competing each season in the Junior Nationals Open Division and earning two medals.

Recruited at the Division I level, I chose to help launch the men’s volleyball program at Bryan College, where I played for four years and deepened my knowledge of the game. My passion for volleyball has continued well beyond college—I still compete in high-level indoor, grass, and beach tournaments across the country.

This will be my 5th year coaching and working with athletes of various ages, and I am excited to share my playing experience and love for the game with the next generation.