VOLLEYBALL
UPcoming TRYOUTS
SATURDAY, JULY 26TH
The HUB Sports Center
19619 E Cataldo Ave
Liberty Lake, Washington 99016
OUR COACHES
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CLUB DIRECTOR / COACH
Debbie Buchanan is one of the most accomplished and respected volleyball coaches in the Pacific Northwest, bringing over two decades of NCAA Division I coaching experience to our club. A native of St. Maries, Idaho, Buchanan led the University of Idaho’s volleyball program for 22 seasons (2000–2021), becoming the all-time winningest coach in program history.
Coach Buchanan’s ability to build consistent, competitive programs was evident throughout her tenure as she successfully navigated Idaho through multiple conference transitions—from the Big West to the WAC and finally the Big Sky—while maintaining a tradition of excellence. In recognition of her outstanding career and impact on the sport, Buchanan was inducted into the North Idaho Athletics Hall of Fame in 2025.
Beyond wins and titles, Buchanan is known for her commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the court. Debbie brings experience, a passion for teaching, a legacy of mentorship, and a background in recruiting to help players reach the next level.
Her coaching journey began as a student-assistant at USC after an injury ended her playing career early. She gained further experience as an assistant at USC, Idaho, and Colorado State before taking over the University of Idaho program in 2000. She is a proud Idahoan, wife, and mother of two collegiate athletes.
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17’s CoachWith over 39 years of coaching experience at the collegiate, high school, and club levels, Bret Taylor brings a legacy of excellence to every program he leads. He has coached teams to a NJCAA National Championship, two Region 18 titles at North Idaho College, and multiple top finishes at the Idaho State Championships. A two-time AVCA Western Region Coach of the Year and multi-time District 1-2 5A Coach of the Year, Bret has also served as an assistant at Gonzaga University and helped guide the College of Southern Idaho to a perfect 50-0 season. In addition to his success at the high school and college levels, Bret has coached numerous high-performing USA Volleyball club teams across the Evergreen Region since 1986.
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17’s CoachKarla Mitchell is a veteran volleyball coach with decades of experience developing athletes at the high school and club levels. She first made her mark as head coach at Coeur d'Alene High School in Idaho during the 1990s, where she led the Vikings to multiple Inland Empire League titles and earned Coach of the Year honors in 1996. Known for her emphasis on fundamentals, mental toughness, and team unity, Karla built a reputation as a transformative leader who consistently elevated the performance and confidence of her players. Karla assisted Bret Taylor at North Idaho College from 2002 through 2008. They led the Cardinal volleyball program to their first NJCAA DIV 1 National tournament in 2004 and earned a Final Four appearance in 2006. In recent years, she returned to the court through club volleyball, contributing her expertise to Spokane-area programs including Renovators Volleyball Club. Karla is also widely recognized for the athletic success of her children, particularly her daughter Klaire Mitchell, a standout NCAA Division I setter. As both a coach and a mentor, Karla brings a blend of competitive excellence and deep care for athlete development, continuing to shape the next generation of volleyball talent.
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17’s CoachWith over 39 years of coaching experience at the collegiate, high school, and club levels, Bret Taylor brings a legacy of excellence to every program he leads. He has coached teams to a NJCAA National Championship, two Region 18 titles at North Idaho College, and multiple top finishes at the Idaho State Championships. A two-time AVCA Western Region Coach of the Year and multi-time District 1-2 5A Coach of the Year, Bret has also served as an assistant at Gonzaga University and helped guide the College of Southern Idaho to a perfect 50-0 season. In addition to his success at the high school and college levels, Bret has coached numerous high-performing USA Volleyball club teams across the Evergreen Region since 1986.
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17’s CoachMcKenzie Brewer is currently an assistant volleyball coach at Gonzaga University and is entering her fifth year coaching at the NCAA Division I level. She brings six years of club coaching experience across multiple age groups, most recently leading a 15U boys’ team in Dallas. McKenzie is passionate about growing the game and helping athletes develop in ways that best suit their individual strengths.
Originally from Dallas, Texas, McKenzie played club volleyball in the North Texas region and continued her collegiate career at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas.
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16’s CoachKlaire Mitchell, a Coeur d’Alene native and former Grand Canyon University standout, was a three-time WAC Setter of the Year and four-time First Team All-WAC selection. She holds GCU’s Division I-era record for career assists (4,582) and set a single-season record with 1,148 assists in 2023.
After graduating, Klaire coached with Renovators Volleyball Club and the Evergreen Region All-Stars before joining Gonzaga University as an assistant coach in 2025. She brings elite technical skill, leadership, and a passion for developing athletes at every level.
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15’s CoachChristie has a diverse background in coaching; from head coach of Division 1 college volleyball at Cornell University to community center clinics, club coaching, high school coaching, and camps where she served as the camp director and founder. Christie played as a setter for the University of Idaho on a full-ride scholarship for the legendary coach Tom Hilbert, where she still holds an assist record, after being named the regional MVP at Mount Hood Community College. As a head coach, Christie inherited an 8 in 20 Cornell team and transformed them to a 21 and 4 Ivy League championship runner up team. Throughout her 4-year tenure as head coach at Cornell University, Christie set a Cornell record as the 3rd winningest coach in school history and had one player named an AVCA All-American. In addition to her Ivy League experience, Christie has run Nike camps and started her own All Net Volleyball program to hold clinics and camps for her community. She is passionate about strong fundamentals and developing holistically healthy athletes. In addition to her coaching prowess, Christie is also a teacher, further showcasing her zest for the empowerment of youth in the communities she is part of.
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15’s CoachBrooks' volleyball experience and IQ developed from a young age in the Cornell University gym, observing her mom coaching elite athletes. She has played volleyball throughout her life, on high school and club teams. Engaging with high level athletes from a young age, she is a scholar of the game. She has coached volleyball for over a decade, in clinics and camps. She has worked several Nike camps and All Net Volleyball Camps, helping young girls and boys develop strong fundamentals and a fierce competitor mentality. She has worked with the New Mexico State University coaches developing young players in their community. Additionally, she is currently serving as an assistant coach at Lake City High School in Coeur d’Alene. Aside from her coaching experience, Brooks has poured into mental health and wellbeing. With a Masters in Social Work, she has worked as a therapist for several years; using a holistic approach to empower athletes and build sustainable strategies to maintain positive and competitive mindsets.
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14’s CoachBaylee Williams is a former NCAA student-athlete with a strong background in both playing and coaching. She competed for five seasons at Pacific Lutheran University, where she helped lead her team to multiple postseason appearances, including a run to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Baylee began playing in 6th grade and developed her skills across club, school, grass, and sand volleyball, giving her a well-rounded perspective on the game.
Her coaching experience includes working with a variety of age groups, from 12s to 17s, at Puyallup Juniors Volleyball Club and 208 Spokane. Baylee is passionate about technical development, building athlete confidence, and fostering a love for the sport at all levels.
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14’s CoachBecca Neighbors is a Southern California native with over a decade of playing experience, including four years of varsity high school and seven years of club volleyball in Los Angeles. She went on to compete at Central Methodist University on a volleyball scholarship, helping her team reach the NAIA National Tournament three times, including a Sweet 16 finish her freshman year.
Since moving to Spokane, Becca has coached athletes at the 12s, 14s, and 18s levels. She brings energy, experience, and a strong team-first mindset to every practice and match, and is excited to continue growing the game this season.
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13’s CoachKaela is a standout volleyball coach and former University of Idaho outside hitter. Over her collegiate career (2015–2018), she amassed 1,161 kills in 117 matches, earned Second Team All–Big Sky in 2017 and First Team All–Big Sky in 2018, and was a two-time Big Sky Athlete of the Week. Following graduation, she spent six years coaching club volleyball in the Spokane area. In 2019, Kaela joined Spokane Falls Community College as an assistant coach and helped them earn the NWAC Championship. She now serves as head volleyball coach at Freeman High School, where her teams have qualified for the state tournament four consecutive years, finishing 5th, 9th, 2nd, and 3rd.
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13’s CoachKatrina Morris brings years of competitive playing experience to her second season of coaching. She was a four-year varsity athlete and competed in club volleyball for five seasons before continuing her career at Ohlone Community College in Fremont, CA. While at Ohlone, she was a key contributor as a versatile player while preparing for her academic path in healthcare.
Katrina is passionate about developing young athletes and helping them build strong fundamentals, game awareness, and confidence on the court. She brings a player-first approach and is excited to share her deep love for the game through coaching.
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13’s CoachJessica Saugen is currently entering her 2nd season as the Assistant Volleyball Coach at North Idaho College’s, where she brings her passion for athlete development and strong community ties to the court. Before North Idaho Jessica was an Assistant coach at Whitworth University for five years, where she got her undergrad in psychology and masters in Non Profit administration and leadership. Jessica played two years at SFCC then transferred to Whitworth where she ended her career with All-American Honors. Jessica’s emphasis on fundamentals, positive culture, and the holistic growth of young players has made her a valued mentor for youth volleyball programs throughout North Idaho and eastern Washington. Her hands-on approach in both college and club settings continues to strengthen the skills and confidence of athletes under her guidance.
Since moving to Spokane, Becca has coached athletes at the 12s, 14s, and 18s levels. She brings energy, experience, and a strong team-first mindset to every practice and match, and is excited to continue growing the game this season.
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13’s CoachNate Wright is a dedicated volleyball coach with over 25 years of experience developing athletes across age brackets from U11 to U18. Beginning his journey with the U18 boys’ club as a high school freshman, Nate transitioned to coaching following graduation from a local college, eventually guiding six club teams to the Junior National Championships over a decade. In addition to his club roles, he serves as a varsity assistant coach at Central Valley High School and has coached teams ranging from 7th grade to high school at Gonzaga Prep, Greenacres Jr. High, Evergreen Jr. High, Valley Christian, and All Saints. Nate’s holistic approach focuses not only on enhancing technical skills but also on translating life lessons—such as discipline, goal-setting, and resilience—into real-world success. His players have advanced to collegiate volleyball programs spanning NAIA to NCAA Division I, reflecting his commitment to nurturing both athletic excellence and personal growth.
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12’s Coach and Speed/Agility CoachOriginally from Bottineau, North Dakota, Kelsey was a three-sport standout and named North Dakota’s High School Athlete of the Year. She went on to compete at Dickinson State University, where she played volleyball and earned national recognition in track and field as a 4-time NAIA National Pole Vault Champion and 7-time All-American.
Kelsey began her coaching career at North Idaho College in 2011, where she led the volleyball program to the JUCO National Tournament in just her second season and guided the team to multiple NWAC Championship appearances. In 2022, she founded Go Getters, a youth athletic development program focused on building strong foundations, confidence, and mindset in young athletes. Kelsey brings unmatched energy, leadership, and a passion for empowering players both on and off the court.
Katrina is passionate about developing young athletes and helping them build strong fundamentals, game awareness, and confidence on the court. She brings a player-first approach and is excited to share her deep love for the game through coaching.
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11’s CoachHayley Bretz is a former collegiate libero with high-level experience at both Walla Walla Community College and Rocky Mountain College. At WWCC, she earned First Team East Region Libero honors, was named an NWAC All-Star Defensive Player, and served as team captain. At Rocky Mountain, she helped lead the team to a Frontier Conference title and two NAIA National Championship appearances, earning recognition as a 2023 Frontier Conference NAIA Champion of Character.
Hayley has three years of club coaching experience, was an assistant coach at Spokane Falls Community College in 2024, and is currently the Graduate Assistant at Eastern Washington University while pursuing her master’s in Exercise Science. She brings energy, leadership, and a strong commitment to athlete development at every level.
DETAILS & COST
Coaches
17’s Brett Taylor, McKenzie Brewer, Karla Mitchell
16’s Klaire Mitchell, Debbie Buchanan, Levi Taylor, Brett Taylor
15’s Debbie Buchanan, Karla Mitchell, Christie Strawn, Brooks Strawn
14’s Baylee Williams, Becca Neighbors, Jessica Saugen, Nikki Leonard
13’s Jessica Saugen, Kaela Straw, Nate Wright, Katrina Morris
12’s Kelsey Stanley, Nia Damuni, Maggie Rickert, Kate Herrick
11’s Hayley Bretz, Brie Martin
Fees
17U, 16U, 15U, 14U
$2,950 10 Players (November start)
Includes: 2-3 weekly practices, Hudl subscription, 4/5 local tournaments, 4 multi daytournaments, local coaches expenses, equipment fees. Not included: coachess travelexpenses, uniform package, additional travel tournaments and post season afterregionals.
13U
$2,650 10 Players (November start)
Includes: 2 weekly practices, Hudl subscription, 4/5 local tournaments, 3 multi daytournaments, local coaches expenses. Not included: coaches travel expenses, uniformpackage, additional multi day tournaments or post season after regionals.
12U
$1,700 10 Players (January start)
Includes 2 weekly practices, Hudl subscription, 4/5 local tournaments, 2 multi daytournaments, local coaches expenses. Not included : coaches travel expenses,uniforms package, additional multi day tournaments or post season after regionals tobe discussed.
11U
$1,550 10 Players (January start)
Include 2 weekly practices, Hudl subscription, 4/5 local tournaments, 1 multi daytournament, local coaches expenses, Not included: uniforms package. Season willend after regionals the end of April.
**Mode Volleyball is a 501(C)(3) Non-Profit Organization.
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GAME ON
For more information on our Volleyball program, coaches, upcoming events, etc. Please contact us here.