Meet The Coaches
Meet Owner/Coach Paul
Coach Paul is a highly experienced and successful volleyball coach, with a proven track record of winning and building unity among his teams and their supporters. He has coached players of all ages, from 12 to 18 years old, and has shown a remarkable ability to connect with each individual and help them reach their full potential.
With years of experience under his belt, Coach Paul has developed a keen eye for talent and knows how to bring out the best in his players. He is a dedicated and passionate coach, always striving to create a positive and supportive environment where his players can thrive both on and off the court. Paul coached at the middle school level for several years before moving to Varsity Head Coach. While coaching varsity, he began coaching travel volleyball teams at the national level. Most recently leading 2 national teams to medal at National tournaments while at NC Volleyball Academy.
Coach Paul is known for his strong leadership skills, his ability to motivate his players, and his unwavering commitment to teamwork. He understands the importance of building strong relationships with his players and their families, and he always goes above and beyond to ensure that everyone feels valued and included.
Over the years, Coach Paul has led his teams to numerous victories and championships, earning a reputation as one of the most successful volleyball coaches in the area. But for him, it's not just about the wins and losses – it's about helping his players grow as individuals and achieve their goals, both on and off the court.
If you're looking for a coach who can inspire your child to become the best version of themselves, both as a player and a person, Coach Paul is the perfect choice. With his years of experience, his proven track record of success, and his unwavering commitment to his players, he is sure to make a lasting impact on your child's life.
With years of experience under his belt, Coach Paul has developed a keen eye for talent and knows how to bring out the best in his players. He is a dedicated and passionate coach, always striving to create a positive and supportive environment where his players can thrive both on and off the court. Paul coached at the middle school level for several years before moving to Varsity Head Coach. While coaching varsity, he began coaching travel volleyball teams at the national level. Most recently leading 2 national teams to medal at National tournaments while at NC Volleyball Academy.
Coach Paul is known for his strong leadership skills, his ability to motivate his players, and his unwavering commitment to teamwork. He understands the importance of building strong relationships with his players and their families, and he always goes above and beyond to ensure that everyone feels valued and included.
Over the years, Coach Paul has led his teams to numerous victories and championships, earning a reputation as one of the most successful volleyball coaches in the area. But for him, it's not just about the wins and losses – it's about helping his players grow as individuals and achieve their goals, both on and off the court.
If you're looking for a coach who can inspire your child to become the best version of themselves, both as a player and a person, Coach Paul is the perfect choice. With his years of experience, his proven track record of success, and his unwavering commitment to his players, he is sure to make a lasting impact on your child's life.
Meet Coach Brandi
Coach Brandi has a love for athletics that started at a young age, and was a multi-sport athlete in high school, graduating from Garner Magnet HS in 2000. She has a passion for mentoring young women, and serves as the youth group volunteer & leader for the high school girls group. In the last 10 years as a group leader, Coach Brandi has helped countless teens with character-building, leadership skills and guiding them to achieve their goals. She is so excited to transfer these skills to the volleyball court.
Coach Brandi spent 2023 learning the ropes of volleyball by shadowing and training under Coach Paul Hobbs. She can’t wait to continue growing and learning in the coming years.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband Josh of 17 years and her two daughters (CQ, Berkley) (age 7 & 13).
Coach Brandi spent 2023 learning the ropes of volleyball by shadowing and training under Coach Paul Hobbs. She can’t wait to continue growing and learning in the coming years.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband Josh of 17 years and her two daughters (CQ, Berkley) (age 7 & 13).
Meet Coach Kara
Hello, my name is Kara Dawson. I’m from North Carolina and I grew up in Chatham County where I played volleyball growing up. My first time touching a volleyball was in middle school and that’s when my love of the sport started. I went on to play in high school and formed relationships with my teammates that I’ll never lose. I continued my passion for volleyball into my college years at Methodist College. I played defensive specialist and right side hitter/back up setter. These were some of my favorite experiences and memories. After college I stayed at the school that I graduated from and worked in their Microbiology and Chemistry labs working with students. I then transitioned into working with the camps the university offered, with middle school, high school, and college students (focusing on STEM and Leadership). I’m currently a Science and Social Studies teacher at a local charter school to 5th grade students. I’ve also coached middle school volleyball, starting in 2018; we won conference championships in 2021 and runner up in 2018.
I believe in Direction Volleyball, what it stands for and what it will introduce players to; passion for the sport, for each other and the family that it’ll build, and always with a direction to a higher purpose. I’m excited to share this experience with my girls!
I believe in Direction Volleyball, what it stands for and what it will introduce players to; passion for the sport, for each other and the family that it’ll build, and always with a direction to a higher purpose. I’m excited to share this experience with my girls!
Meet Coach Jeff
Jeff Larsen is a Colorado native and graduate of Horizon High School where he played middle blocker and served as team captain. He attended and played men’s club volleyball at Ricks College (2001-2002), the University of Utah (2016-2019), and the University of Georgia (2019-2020). As a men’s club player, Jeff played Outside, Opposite, and Libero. He began his coaching career in his home state at Broomfield High School where he coached the girls’ Freshman (1 year), Sophomore (3), JV (6), and Varsity (3) teams. He also coached the Fairview High School boys’ varsity team and Juggernaut VBC 15’s Cardinal team. Jeff continues to play with former teammates and players throughout the region and he is excited to coach at Direction VBC.
Meet Coach Nicole
Hi! my name is Nicole Bossemeyer, I just recently moved to North Carolina from Arizona where I played a year of college ball and then when COVID hit, I decided to start coaching. I have been coaching for five years and love it. I have helped lead elite teams to medals throughout my years. I excel in hitting, blocking and serving, I enjoy watching players learn to love the game and make life long friendships through the years. I played Volleyball for a top team for 12 years in Oregon, I was a three-year varsity athlete and one of the top middle blockers in the state, I also received 1st team all state and honorable mention all state throughout my high school career. In my free time I enjoy traveling and hanging out with my family. And I am so excited to be coaching with Direction Volleyball Club.
Meet Coach Alexa
Hey! My name is Alexa Mikesell and I am originally from Sanford, NC. I played volleyball for seven years, three years at the varsity level. I have coached at the club level for two years and the high school varsity level for one year. I have worked as a certified volleyball official with juniors for three years and two years at the college level. I love working with athletes and helping them find their passion for their sport in whatever position and level. Outside of coaching, I attend NC State University and will graduate with a B.S. in Nutrition Science and a minor in Sports Science in the spring of 2025. I also love staying active by playing intramural and recreational volleyball and going to the gym to weight lift. I look forward to getting to work with the athletes at Direction Volleyball Club! All for an audience of One!
Meet Coach Megan
My name is Megan Phillips, and I am from Sanford, NC. I played volleyball for 5, three years at the varsity level, and 2 years at a junior college. I then proceeded to play club ball at Liberty University. I have coached volleyball for a total of 6 years, 4 of those being at the club level. I am on the volleyball staff at Grace Christian School, where I head coached both JV and Varsity volleyball for a total of 4 years, and am currently the assistant athletic director. I am 3D coaching certified and believe in coaching the whole child. Coaching is my passion, and leading strong young women is a ministry to me. Athletics is a huge mission field, and I am so happy and honored for God to continue opening doors to broaden that ministry. I love working with athletes, as sports strengthen individuals beyond their athletic capabilities. When I’m not coaching or working in athletics, you will mostly find me with my 3 daughters. We love all sports and anything outdoors. I look forward to working with the families and athletes at Direction Volleyball Club, Coaching Champions for Christ!!
Meet Coach Sydney
My name is Sydney Strickland, and I am from Kenly, NC. I am a lifelong resident of Johnston County. I have played volleyball since the age of 5, including middle school, high school, and 6 seasons of club volleyball. While in high school, I was a 2 time all conference setter. Throughout my volleyball career, I have been a setter, but I have experience in a variety of other positions. I am currently a student at Campbell University majoring in Pharmaceutical Science and play for Campbell’s Women’s Club Volleyball team. Volleyball is a passion, and it’s my hope to share the love I have for the sport while helping players achieve their passion and potential. My faith is very important to me and a major part of Direction Volleyball club. I am excited and honored to be a part of the Direction family.
Meet Coach Sierra
Hi everyone! I’m Sierra and I am so excited for this upcoming season! I attend NC State University where I am majoring in Psychology with a double minor in Biological Sciences and Business Administration. I hope to become a pediatric occupational therapist and work with children with cognitive disabilities. I played volleyball in middle and high school and also played club for five years. My senior year was definitely my favorite for club because I was placed on a team with mostly complete strangers who quickly became my best friends and we had an extremely successful season and won almost every tournament. My coach always told me that attitude and effort are the most important things to bring into the gym everyday and that has become a coaching motto of my own. One of my favorite volleyball memories is guest coaching for my younger sister’s team and watching them win the championship for their last tournament of the season in a very close third set. I am so blessed to be a part of Direction Volleyball Club and can’t wait to work with everyone! All Glory to God!
Meet Coach Naudika
Hi, My name is Naudika and I am so thrilled to start this club season with Direction Volleyball! I have played volleyball from 8th grade through college, and that’s when my story started. I attended Louisburg College. When I first started school I wasn’t a part of the team, but I worked hard for a spot to walk on the following year. I went from being an outside to being a BEAST in the middle. I was number 5 in the state for having the most blocks. I didn’t want my volleyball career to end, so after college I started coaching at a local club. I am currently the Varsity Volleyball Coach at SSS. I am so excited to meet everyone and have a great season!
Meet Coach Kat
My name is Kat Strickland, I'm from Princeton, North Carolina and I have played volleyball since I was 9 years old. From the first day that I held a ball, my love for the game has continued to grow. I spent the majority of my athletic career as a setter and throughout the years, I have been named team captain, 3x All-Tournament, 2x MVP, and All-Conference once. I began competing at the club level my freshman year of high school, playing one season for NCYVL and three seasons for Wilson Elite. My freshman year of college I assisted the Wake Tech Women's Volleyball program as a team manager. My junior year of college I transferred to Carolina University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina where I played two seasons as a DS. During my time as a Bruin, the team was crowned the 2022 NCCAA DI Regional Champion which allowed us the opportunity to compete at Nationals in Branson, Missouri. I just recently graduated from Carolina University in December of 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Currently, I work full-time at a pharmaceutical company and I am also the head JV coach of a local homeschool organization. This sport has given me so many great memories and countless opportunities. I'm so thankful to be part of the Direction family and I can't wait to see what God has in store this season!
Meet Coach Rachel
With over 10 years of coaching experience in the Triangle area, Rachel has established a reputation for developing competitive and cohesive teams.
Rachel is known for her strategic approach to the game, focusing on both the physical and mental aspects of volleyball. She emphasizes the importance of teamwork, communication, and resilience, ensuring that each player reaches their full potential both on and off the court.
Throughout her career, Rachel has coached at various levels, including the collegiate level, and has consistently produced winning records and developed players who have gone on to compete at prestigious levels.
In addition to her coaching duties, Rachel is dedicated to continuous learning and improvement, regularly attending coaching clinics and staying updated with the latest techniques and strategies in the sport.
Coaching Philosophy
Rachel believes in a holistic approach to coaching, where the development of the athlete as a person is just as important as their development as a player. She focuses on creating a positive and inclusive environment where athletes feel supported and motivated to achieve their best.
Key elements of her coaching philosophy include:
Off the court, Rachel is passionate about mentoring young people, which she believes contributes to a well-rounded coaching philosophy. I'm so happy to serve the players and families of Direction Volleyball Club.
Rachel is known for her strategic approach to the game, focusing on both the physical and mental aspects of volleyball. She emphasizes the importance of teamwork, communication, and resilience, ensuring that each player reaches their full potential both on and off the court.
Throughout her career, Rachel has coached at various levels, including the collegiate level, and has consistently produced winning records and developed players who have gone on to compete at prestigious levels.
In addition to her coaching duties, Rachel is dedicated to continuous learning and improvement, regularly attending coaching clinics and staying updated with the latest techniques and strategies in the sport.
Coaching Philosophy
Rachel believes in a holistic approach to coaching, where the development of the athlete as a person is just as important as their development as a player. She focuses on creating a positive and inclusive environment where athletes feel supported and motivated to achieve their best.
Key elements of her coaching philosophy include:
- Teamwork and Communication: Emphasizing the importance of working together and maintaining open lines of communication both on and off the court.
- Resilience and Mental Toughness: Encouraging players to develop mental strength and resilience to overcome challenges and setbacks.
- Continuous Improvement: Instilling a growth mindset in athletes, where continuous learning and improvement are valued over immediate results.
- Respect and Integrity: Promoting a culture of respect, integrity, and sportsmanship in all aspects of the game.
- Individualized Coaching: Recognizing that each athlete is unique and tailoring coaching strategies to meet individual needs and strengths.
Off the court, Rachel is passionate about mentoring young people, which she believes contributes to a well-rounded coaching philosophy. I'm so happy to serve the players and families of Direction Volleyball Club.