Coaches

Nicole Powers

13 Black Head Coach

Bio coming soon!

Jon Specht

13 Black Assistant Coach

Jon is a seasoned volleyball coach and player with over 25 years of experience in the sport. He has dedicated his career to developing young athletes in various settings, including middle school, high school, and club volleyball. Jon’s expertise spans across coaching boys, girls, and beach volleyball, demonstrating his versatile approach to the game.

A strong advocate for athlete safety and development, Jon has held multiple certifications, including USAV SafeSport, Beach Impact/SafeSport, and CAP certification. His involvement in the USAV High Performance pipeline showcases his commitment to nurturing talent, as he has played a key role in team tryouts and camps.

Academically, Jon earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a focus on clinical exercise science, equipping him with a solid foundation in physical training and athlete health. His coaching accomplishments include multiple USA Jr. Nationals bids and helping lead the Granada boys’ varsity team to three consecutive NCS quarterfinals and two semifinals, highlighting his effectiveness in fostering competitive teams.

With a passion for the sport and a commitment to athlete development, Jon continues to make a significant impact in the volleyball community.

Karishma Brooks

14 Black Head Coach

We are so excited to welcome Krish to NorCal – although this is her first year with us, she is entering her 7th year coaching. As a player, Krish attended Gavilan College in Gilroy playing both Indoor and Beach volleyball. At Gavilan, her team was the conference champions 2 years in a row and to made to the California State Championships (2016). Karishma started her club coaching experience at MVVC, coaching at the 14s and 15s levels. She went on to Arroyo High School – coaching the JV Boys team, JV Girls team and assisting Varsity. Working mainly as a Behavioral Specialist in Oregon during the last 3 years, Krish has coached multiple sports (Girls Basketball, Softball, and Volleyball) as well as head coaching at the local volleyball club in Silverton, Oregon. She strives to bring high energy and passion to the court always!

Alex Auldridge

14 Black Assistant Coach

15 Black Assistant Coach

Bio coming soon!

Brian Calimpong

15 Black Head Coach

Brian enters his 2nd season at NorCal and 16th season overall. He is involved on both the girls’ and boys’ side. Do not ask which he prefers to coach as he will tell you both have a special place in his coaching heart. He is a self-proclaimed “Volley-Nerd” as he fully enjoys all forms of the sport- Indoor, Beach, Sitting, Snow, etc…

He has coached all levels of volleyball from middle school to high school to College. Growing up in South Santa Clara county, a majority of his coaching assignments have been there. He has head or assistant coached 4 different middle schools as a way to help strengthen the high school volleyball IQ of all area athletes. He has also coached Girls’ Varsity programs at Gilroy and Christopher High where both teams qualified for post season CCS play all but 2 of the 11 years he led the programs. Next, he moved on to be a part of the Gavilan College Women’s Volleyball staff while they were on a historic run in 2017-18. The Gavilan College Rams finished top in the state in CCCAA Indoor and Beach volleyball. In addition to all this, Brian helped coach and direct Rush/Adrenaline VBC in Gilroy as well as helped found Garlic City VBC in 2008.

In his non-volleyball time, Brian enjoys time on the golf course, spending time with his large Filipino/Hispanic family and seeking refuge in the outdoors where he can reflect on where we all fit in the big picture.

Alex Auldridge

15 Black Assistant Coach

14 Black Assistant Coach

Bio coming soon!

Owen Dawson

16 Black Head Coach

Owen started coaching in 2022 as an Assistant Coach for Granada High Schools Boys and Girls Volleyball programs. As a coach, Owen enjoys helping players at all positions have a well-rounded skill set as well as helping with their ability to see what is happening on the court around them in order to make smart decisions and be confident in a variety of situations.

Owen still loves to play volleyball in his free time, mostly playing beach volleyball with friends in the area or traveling to play in tournaments or watch professional competitions with his brother. Owen watches many international indoor and beach volleyball competitions and enjoys learning about evolving strategies used at the highest levels of play.

Jack Caudill

16 Black Assistant Coach

This is Jack’s second year of coaching at NorCal – previously assistant coaching our 15-1s group and our 13-1s team in their extended season. Outside of club, Jack has coached at Foothill High School and Hart Middle School for their boys programs. He is currently an assistant coach at Dublin High School with the girl’s JV program.

As a player, Jack began competing for NorCal his 16s year and continued on for 2 more years with us! Starting out as a DS, Jack worked hard to break out of that role and eventually switched to the opposite – which boded well as a left-handed attacker! After switching to opposite, Jack started on the Foothill Men’s Varsity team where they would go on to win the EBAL league title and finish second in NCS!

Jack cherishes building connections with his players and watching as they bring mechanics and skills he’s taught them into their game as they discover their own brand of volleyball.

Elena Webster

16 Blue Head Coach

Bio coming soon!

Mike Bongay

17 Black Head Coach

Mike has over 21 years of coaching experience and has dedicated his career to developing athletes across all age groups, from 5-year-olds to adults. His journey in coaching has allowed him to lead varsity boys and girls teams to success and mentor young athletes as a club coach for ages 14-18’s. In addition to his extensive coaching background, he has served as a club director and competed as a former and founding member in the men’s Premier Volleyball League. He was fortunate to play with some amazing teammates and learn from great coaches. This has provided him with unique insights and strategies that has greatly influenced his coaching style.

Beyond the court, he is a proud father of two kids who are both just starting their careers as volleyball players. Off the court you can find Coach Mike at a Warriors game,  Lake Tahoe or maybe a music festival.

His commitment is to not only develop skilled athletes but also to nurture individuals who are confident, disciplined, and passionate about the game.

Sarah Harkleroad

17 Black Assistant Coach

Sarah brings a wealth of experience and passion to the volleyball court, having been deeply involved in the sport as both a club player and varsity athlete, she continued to excel at Bellevue College, where her team participated in the NWAC Championships.

Sarah graduated with a degree in Public Health from Cal State East Bay, and balances her professional career in biotech with her dedication to coaching. She has coached at both club and high school levels.

Her favorite part of coaching is helping athletes experience the same great moments she cherished throughout her career. Whether it’s achieving personal milestones or celebrating team successes, Sarah is committed to fostering an environment where athletes can thrive and create lasting memories.

John Buchenauer

18 Black Head Coach

Coach John has been coaching a total of 5 years – spending the past 2 at NorCal with the 16s age group. Outside of club, he is the head Boy’s Varsity coach at Livermore High.

As an athlete, John grew up in the tri-valley and attended Amador Valley High School. There he was a 4 year varsity starter accolading 2 all league nominations and selected for the All-NCS team. During his time as a member of Club VIP, his teams earned 4 trips to Boys Junior Olympics (2005-2009), 3 years in Open finishing in the top 20. As far as individual accolades go, John earned an NCVA 16s All-State Team honor and was nominated to join the USA High Performance team in back-to-back years.

As a coach John strives to teach and develop young men in the principles of good sportsmanship and skilled/fluid volleyball. He asks each athlete to play with effort, communication and energy, support each other in good times and bad, and respect your opponent by playing their best.