2025/26 Coaching Team
Leaside Volleyball Club is proud to announce our preliminary coaching line up for the 2025/26 season!
Please CLICK on the names below for a brief biography for each of our coaching team!
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John Child - Technical Director
John is a 3-time Olympian (Atlanta, 1996; Sydney, 2000; Athens, 2004) and Bronze Medalist (Atlanta, 1996) in Beach Volleyball. In addition to playing 15 years of professional beach volleyball, John has played many years of indoor volleyball too. John has coached for many years at various levels from aspiring Olympians to young beginners, including being the head coach of the Havergal College Volleyball program and their 5 teams. |
18UG Surge
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Cicero Oliveira - HC 18U Girls Surge Cicero has been coaching volleyball since 2016, focussing primarily on boys and girls in the "Train to Train" stage of Volleyball Canada's, Long Term Athlete Development plan (12U to 15U). In 2021, Cicero started getting involved with Team Ontario as a Team Ontario Academy coach and in 2022, he is now one of the coaches for Team Ontario Beach's Full-Time Training Group. His coaching philosophy is focused on a holistic approach to athlete development that not only considers sports performance, but also an athlete's personal development. In his own words: "By being part of a team, striving to improve, competing, and being in charge of their self-development, athletes will be better prepared to deal with life's challenges with confidence, a positive attitude and team spirit." 
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Bruno Ikeda - AC 18U Girls Surge Bruno began his journey in volleyball as a setter from 2005-2011 at a high performance volleyball club in Brazil, where he developed his volleyball and teamwork skills through hard work and discipline. Over the years, Bruno joined a university team as a libero where he played from 2013-2019. Since then, has played some leagues and tournaments around Toronto. From 2011-2022, Bruno led and organized a summer camp in Brazil for children and teenagers, with a mission to create an environment where every child could feel valued and empowered, contributing to their personal growth and unforgettable moments. Bruno is transitioning into coaching, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge in skill development, game strategy, and player mentorship to the new generation of players. He believes in creating a positive and motivating environment where everybody can grow both technically and mentally, and he is committed to helping players reach their full potential, whether they are just starting out or looking to elevate their competitive edge. Bruno is super excited to kick off his coaching journey with the Leaside Surge team!" 
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Ben Wong - AC 18U Girls Surge Ben started playing volleyball recreationally in 2012 and over the years have developed a passion for the sport. Through his own training he has developed and now plays competitively different leagues and tournaments. He’s been cheering on Surge since their 16U season and is excited to step onto the bench this year. With strong game vision and strategic insight, Ben will help the team prepare for tough matchups. Off the court, he works as a psychiatrist, and will bring a unique focus on mental performance and resilience. 18UG Dynamite
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Jimmy Xu – HC 18U Girls Dynamite Jimmy's volleyball career started late in his university days where he would try to learn from anyone and anywhere he could because of his love for this sport. Since then, he has played in the NACIVT 9-man circuit and local leagues such as SMVA and TSVL. Prior to coaching Leaside, Jimmy has helped teach at various volleyball skill clinics where he enjoys the growth and improvement of all the individuals that he worked with. 
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Fernando Pham – AC 18U Girls Dynamite This is Fernando's first year of coaching with Leaside! He has been playing volleyball for over 10 years now, and is looking forward to working with the 17UG Dynamite team and helping to maximize each player's potential and growth. Prior to coaching, Fernando started playing in high school where he grew to love the game. Today, he currently plays in the NACIVT 9-Man Circuit and local leagues such as SMVA, in addition to pursuing his studies in Civil Engineering Technologist at Humber College. Vertical Divider
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18UB Knights
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HC 18U Boys Knights There is not much Laura hasn't done in Canada volleyball! Her volleyball resume both as a player and a coach is extensive and we are thrilled that she will be joining the Leaside Knights for the coming season! Laura has coached at all levels of volleyball including National Teams, Provincial Teams, University Teams and Club teams. Volleyball Canada - Beach Volleyball • Coach of CAN1 Women’s team at U21 World Championships 2009 Blackpool, England • Coach of Women’s U21 Gold Medallists at National Championships 2009 Toronto • Coach of CAN1 Women’s Team at U19 World Championships 2008 The Hague, Netherlands • Coach Girl’s U18 Silver Medallists at National Championships 2008 Toronto • Provide personal coaching for various National Team athletes 2007 - 2015 Ontario Volleyball Association - Beach Volleyball •Head Coach Women’s Team Ontario - Canada Games Bronze medallists 2009 - PEI •Head Coach Women’s OVA Provincial Team Summer 2007, 2008, 2009 University of Toronto - Women’s Volleyball • Assistant Coach - indoor program 2008 - 2015 Personal Coach- beach program 2009-2014 • Coach of Senior Women's Gold Medalists at National Beach Volleyball Championships 2014 Toronto, Canada • Coach of CAN2 Women's team at FISU World University Games 2013 Kazan, Russia • Coach of CAN2 Women’s team at U21 World Beach Volleyball Championships 2011 Halifax, Canada • Coach of Women’s U21 Gold Medallists at National Beach Championships 2011 Toronto, Canada Awards •Ontario Volleyball - Women’s Coach of the Year •Ontario Sport Awards - finalist Coach of the Year •University of Toronto - Varsity Blues Hall of Fame - 2019. As a player, Laura is a former OUA Champion during her time with the Varsity Blues (1987-92) as well as a four-time Canadian Champion. A participant at 8 FIVB events, including two world championships (1997, 2000), Laura was a gold medalist at the 2005 and 2009 world masters championships and consistently ranked among the top 10 teams in Canada. |
17UG Sparks
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John Child - HC 17U Girls Sparks John is a 3-time Olympian (Atlanta, 1996; Sydney, 2000; Athens, 2004) and Bronze Medalist (Atlanta, 1996) in Beach Volleyball. In addition to playing 15 years of professional beach volleyball, John has played many years of indoor volleyball too. John has coached for many years at various levels from aspiring Olympians to young beginners, including being the head coach of the Havergal College Volleyball program and their 5 teams. 
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Octavia Wong - AC 17U Girls Sparks Octavia is an Assistant Coach with the York University Women's Volleyball team and is excited to be back with Leaside for her 9th year! This past March, Octavia and her team, Unity Alpha, won gold at VC's 2023 Senior Nationals! Octavia will also be coaching the 17UG Black team at the June Biosteel Games in Toronto. In the past, Octavia played for York University and trained with the beach national team. She was a beach national champion in 2015 and beach provincial bronze medalist in 2017. Octavia was also the recipient of the Jason Seneschal Memorial award. Octavia currently plays for Philadelphia CIA in the 9man circuit. Octavia has a BSc in psychology and an MSc in biostatistics from York University. Currently, she is still at York University working toward a PhD in biostatistics 
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Melvin Lowe - AC 17U Girls Sparks Melvin is excited to be coaching with Leaside again this season. He started his coaching career with boys and girls volleyball at Sir Oliver Mowat Collegiate Institute, where he has developed and led the volleyball program to 7 city championships in just 5 years. In addition he has spent the last 7 years coaching at the OVA Club level. He has led these various teams to numerous medals at the Tier One level. In the past year, Melvin has worked with the ADP (Athlete Development Program) with the OVA that identifies and trains the top level athletes of their various age groups. He was an Assistant Coach with the Region 5 program when they won a Gold medal at the Ontario Summer Games held in Sudbury during the summer of 2010. 
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Ambre Desaulnay - AC 17U Girls Sparks Ambre, originally from Nice, France, was a member of the French Junior National Team before moving to the United States. She competed in both indoor and beach volleyball at the University of North Florida, a Division 1 school. Her coaching career began as an assistant coach at EVP, where she later advanced to head coach. Ambre also served as head coach with the Niagara Rapids for a season. In addition to coaching, she continues to play both indoor and beach volleyball tournaments! 17UG Voltage
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Ananda Singh - HC 17U Girls Voltage Ananda is going into her 7th year coaching with Leaside. She is excited to be working with young athletes and empowering them to continue their development in this sport. As an athlete, Ananda competed for Aurora Storm Volleyball Club through elementary and high school, with several gold medal finishes at Nationals between 2010-2012. She continues to play on court and on the beach in Toronto. Outside of volleyball Ananda has various interests in music, art, health and wellness, and possesses a strong passion for Public Health. She has completed a BPH in Public Health and a BASc in a Public Health and Safety with hopes for further education down the road. Ananda is looking forward to another season of hard work and fun here at Leaside! 
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Igor Smith - AC 17U Girls Voltage Igor has been playing volleyball since he was 10—started on the beach and eventually moved indoors where he played as a libero. Volleyball’s been a big part of Igor's life, and he is excited to share what he has learned as an assistant coach. Outside of volleyball, Igor works as project manager, and when he's not working or on the court, you’ll probably find him jamming on his guitar. Igor is all about teamwork, good vibes, and helping players grow both on and off the court. Vertical Divider
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15UG Dash
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Carli Yim - HC 15U Girls Dash This will be Carli's seventh year with Leaside but has been coaching club for the last 8 years. Prior to coaching, Carli played 4 years at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) and currently plays for Connex in the 9-Man circuit. Carli is also an assistant coach with the Toronto Metropolitan University Women's team. 
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Briana Vieira - AC 15U Girls Dash Briana is very excited to continue in her fifth year of coaching at Leaside! In the past, she has coached house league programs and beach camps for a few different clubs around Toronto and is also a Local Referee for Volleyball Canada. Currenty, Briana is attending the University of Toronto and studying Industrial Engineering. Over the course of her club career, Briana was the recipient of the OVA's Award of Excellence, a beach Provincial silver medalist in 2016 and an indoor Provincial silver medalist. She continues to play indoor at University and beach during the summer months. 15UG Flash
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Kayla Clennon – HC 15U Girls Flash Kayla is a graduate of York University with a BA with Specialized Honours in Sociology. A five-year veteran of the York U Lions, Kayla was recognized as an aggressive right side hitter who had a dominant attack from both pins. During her Club career, Kayla also played the position of middle blocker, bringing a wealth of experience to share with her team at Leaside. With her love of volleyball, Kayla is passionate about helping youth strive to achieve their goals and help develop their skills for maximum physical and mental performance. 
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Erica Naccarato - AC 15U Girls Flash An OVA alumni herself, Erica spent her club career playing for Durham Attack Volleyball Club, before spending four years with Ryerson University playing on the women's varsity team. Her coaching career started as the assistant coach for the University of Waterloo varsity women's team, and then went on to head coach 17/18U girls at Durham Attack for two years. Erica holds a Master's degree in Organizational Psychology, and works professionally as a leadership and organizational development consultant. Erica is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with our future female leaders, and contribute to building a strong culture on and off the court! 
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Christie Robertson - AC 15U Girls Flash Christie Robertson is very excited to be continuing with Leaside Flash as an assistant coach alongside Kayla and her former volleyball teammate, Erica! Christie played 4 years as a middle blocker for the Ryerson University Rams (now referred to as the Toronto Metropolitan University BOLD). She graduated with a bachelor of commerce and a minor in law while studying business technology management. Some of Christie's volleyball career highlights include winning the 2018 USPORTS national championship, winning the 2017 Devon Lord Brooks Athletic Award and placing 1st and 2nd in the 2018 and 2017 OUA championship, respectively. Christie has coached a variety of sports over the years including figure skating with the Saugeen Shores Figure Skating club and volleyball at the Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Launch Pad. She truly believes in the power of sport for development to help youth recognize and reach their potential and is excited to share her passion with this team! Vertical Divider
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15UB Lancers
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Jimmy Xu – AC 15U Boys Lancers Jimmy's volleyball career started late in his university days where he would try to learn from anyone and anywhere he could because of his love for this sport. Since then, he has played in the NACIVT 9-man circuit and local leagues such as SMVA and TSVL. Prior to coaching Leaside, Jimmy has helped teach at various volleyball skill clinics where he enjoys the growth and improvement of all the individuals that he worked with. 
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Chu Pheuy Wang - AC 15U Boys Lancers This is my first year coaching with Leaside, and I’m excited to share my knowledge and experience with the 15UB Lancers as they continue to grow. I began playing volleyball in elementary school as a setter and have stayed active in the sport for over 30 years, continuously learning as the game has evolved. Over the years, I’ve competed in numerous leagues, including XTSC, TSSC, SMVA, TDVC, and PCVC, and I’ve been involved with the NACIVT 9-man circuit for more than 15 years. In addition, I’ve played in a variety of tournaments such as Outtahand, CCVA, CSLA, and KW. Volleyball has been a lifelong passion, and I look forward to bringing that same energy and experience to Leaside athletes. |
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12UG Chili Peppers & 12UG Nirvana
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Dasha Ustinova - HC 12UG Chili Peppers & Nirvana This is Dasha’s 9th year of coaching with Leaside! Coach Dasha's journey in volleyball began on our very own courts. As a former Leaside player, Dasha and her team secured a bronze medal at provincials and played with the club from 15U - 18U. Dasha's passion for the sport evolved into a coaching career with a proven track record of nurturing successful teams at the development age. Beyond her club coaching role, Dasha leads the Vaughan House League and lends her support to the operations and growth of Leaside's Beach Camps. Coach Dasha brings her vibrant personality to the court making practices fun and intentional. Her coaching philosophy centers on building strong fundamentals, cultivating resilience, and fostering an unwavering love for the game. Dasha is excited to be leading our 12UG Programs this year! 
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Mina Shahriarpour 12UG Chili Peppers & Nirvana This is Mina's third year of coaching with Leaside Volleyball! Last season, Mina worked as an assistant coach with the Dragons team and is super excited about working with the 12UG teams this year! Mina has a second-level volleyball coach degree from the Iran Volleyball Federation and previously worked as a trainer for children aged 7 to 14 from 2017 to 2019. She collaborated with public schools and city clubs, focusing on basic-level training encompassing fitness, individual practice, and team sessions. At the end of each season, students had the opportunity to be referred to higher-level coaches and teams. Volleyball has been a part of Mina's life for 18 years. Prior to coming to Canada, Mina participated in the Tehran Province league, achieving third place in 2018 and 2019. Mina immigrated to Canada in 2020 and pursued a career in IT support, leveraging her academic background in Computer Network Engineering. 
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Natalia Souza 12UG Chili Peppers & Nirvana Natalia started and ended her club career here at Leaside Volleyball Club. During her club career, she was a part of both Team Ontario Indoor and Beach. She recently graduated from the University of Toronto where she studied Industrial Engineering and played Left-side/Libero for Blues. Natalia was a Lead Coach for Leaside's Sunday League for the past few years, and she is excited to coach a club team! 
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Elina Zvigelsky 12UG Chili Peppers & Nirvana Elina is excited to be coaching at Leaside Volleyball Club, where she played as an athlete in 16U, 17U, and 18U. Elina has also coached in the Sunday House League and beach camps, helping young athletes develop their skills and love for the game. Currently, Elina is heading into my final year of undergrad, while having played 3 years of Varsity volleyball for the York Lions. She is committed to bringing her knowledge, passion, and energy to help young players grow both on and off the court. |
12UB Llamas
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Aidan Haslett - HC 12U Boys Aidan has been involved with Leaside Volleyball for 11 years with the House League program. He has served as an assistant coach for 6 years with the University of Toronto's Men's Volleyball team and has head coached with Waves Volleyball Club for 3 years. As a player, Aidan played Club for Crush and went on to play for the University of Toronto for 5 years. Aidan graduated from the University of Toronto with a BKin degree and then attended OISE for his Master of Teaching degree. Aidan also heads up the Beach Volleyball program for Leaside bringing the sport of beach volleyball to many young athletes that are learning the game and working on their skills. 
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Khalil Nouri - AC 12U Boys This is Khalil’s first year coaching with Leaside Volleyball, and he is excited to be joining the 12UB program! Khalil grew up in El Jadida, Morocco, where he started playing volleyball at the age of 7. Over the years, he competed with three major clubs in Morocco and also developed a love for beach volleyball. In 2018–2019, he broadened his international experience by playing one season in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Formerly a middle blocker, Khalil brings years of competitive playing experience and a deep appreciation for the sport. Outside the court, Khalil holds a Master’s degree in Marketing and works at the Superior Court of Justice in Toronto. Since moving to Canada in 2023, he has been eager to stay connected to the volleyball community and inspire the next generation of athletes. Khalil is fluent in Arabic, French, and English, and also has working knowledge of Russian. His multicultural background and international volleyball experience allow him to bring a unique perspective to coaching, while his philosophy centers on sharing his passion for the game, teaching teamwork, and helping young players develop both their skills and confidence. |
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