Anyla “AK”

Academy Coach

AK has played volleyball for 14 years and is a member of the Kosovo National Volleyball Team. She moved to Charlotte in 1999 to escape the Kosovo-Serbia War. AK has coached locally for several years, both in club and as the Head Volleyball Coach at Hopewell High School. Her volleyball philosophy and life motto is: “Be better than the person/player I was yesterday for I am my only competition.” AK previously coached QCVA’s 16s, 17s and 18s teams.

Crystal Hutson

Academy Coach

Crystal is a Chicagoland native who earned All-Conference recognition in three sports. She attended Central Michigan University, minored in Athletic Coaching, and played club/competitive intramural volleyball. She recently coached a new club team at an NAIA college that competed against NCAA D-l Club teams. She believes a great athlete is teachable, hard working and a team player, on and off the court.

Justin

Co-Founder & Co-Director

Justin channels his deep passion for community building and youth development into building QCVA. His 15-year career in public affairs includes five years at the NBA, where he grew the profile and programs of NBA Cares — the league’s social responsibility initiative. A native of Raleigh, Justin leads the management of QCVA’s operations.

Moana

Academy Coach + Program Manager

Moana played four years for Johnson & Wales University, where she served as co-captain. She is a setter who has played volleyball for 14 years, won a DII national championship in 2018 and been recognized twice as an All-American in the USCAA. Coach Moana is in her fourth season coaching at QCVA. She believes that a strong work ethic and positivity will set up athletes for success both on and off the court.

Bailey

Academy Coach

Bailey graduated from Georgia State University, where she played DI Beach Volleyball. She was the school’s first student-athlete to be a Presidential Scholar. Bailey grew up in Winston-Salem, where she was a four-year varsity captain and academic All-American. She led her to the final four or state finals during all four years at Reagan High School. She believes working hard and paying attention to detail makes a great athlete.

Makayla

Academy Coach

Makayla graduated from Johnson C. Smith University, where she played as a middle blocker and right-side hitter. Makayla has been playing beach and club volleyball for 10 years. She previously coached at Phillip O. Berry Academy, when the school made its first playoff appearance. Makayla is the head coach at United Faith Christian Academy. She believes with hard work and dedication, anyone can be successful on and off the court.

Crystal

Co-Founder & Co-Director

Crystal grew up in Charlotte, where she played volleyball for Myers Park High School. While there, she earned MVP, All-Conference and 2001-2002 Southwestern 4A Conference Player of the Year. Kurt attended UNC-Chapel Hill and played on the UNC Club Volleyball Team. Crystal has coached for 12 years and has a passion for holistic athlete development and community service. She works closely with QCVA’s coaches on our training programs and supports athletes’ college recruitment efforts.

Mya

Academy Coach

Mya is a recent graduate from Johnson and Wales University, hailing from Greenville, SC. She played outside hitter and DS for the school’s team, which won a DII National Championship in 2018. She earned Second Team DII All-American and USCAA Honorable Mention All-American in 2019. She believes a strong work ethic is a key element to success in volleyball. She is entering her third season as a QCVA (previously leading 16s and 18s).

Lynasia

Academy Coach

A senior at Johnson & Wales University, Lynasia plays libero for the school’s team. She won a DII national championship in 2018 with J&W and a high state championship in 2016. Lynasia has played volleyball for ten years. She believes having a positive mindset and working hard is a way to having a successful volleyball career.

Mariah

Academy Coach

Originally from Urbana, Illinois, Mariah played volleyball at Bryant University (NCAA Division I) from 2010-2012. Mariah coached club volleyball for four seasons prior to joining QCVA in 2019. She supported back office operations and served as a coach liaison during QCVA’s first two seasons. She believes the best athletes are coachable, adaptable, and have a strong work ethic during every single rep.

Mikayla

Academy Coach

A sophomore on Johnson & Wales University’s volleyball team, Mikayla has played volleyball for nine years. During her senior year at East Rowan High School, she received an All-County award and played for QCVA’s 18s team. Majoring in Sports Entertainment and Event Management, she wants to help athletes learn and love the game of volleyball and grow as individuals. Mikayla trains athletes in our High Performance Training Program.