Coaching Experience: 2nd season at East Coast Power Allegheny, Pittsburgh Elite for 7 years, Shaler Middle School for 3 years
Coaching Philosophy: I coach because of the love I have for the game of volleyball. I also coach because of the athletes, helping them to love the game as well as learn the skills, develop determnination, work ethic, leadership skills, connection with and respect for others. I also want the athletes to play together as a team, play hard, and reach their full potential, all while having fun.
Best Volleyball Moment: As a player, I have two best volleyball moments:
1. In high school, winning the WPIAL and PIAA state championship twice, in my junior and senior years.
2. In college, winning the PSAC championship in my junior year.
As a coach: having one of my past teams finishing 3rd at the Steel City Freeze Tournament.
My Life in Sports: Growing up, I played softball. Once middle school started, my volleyball career started. I played volleyball and basketball through high school, but volleyball was definitely my sport of choice. I played club volleyball for Pittsbrugh Golden Triangles (which is PEVA now). I went on to play volleyball at Slippery Rock University, where we won the PSAC Championship in my junior year and made it to the Div II Sweet Sixteen that year. We were the runner up in the PSAC my senior year and also made it to the Div II Championships. I was named PSAC Player of the Year in my Junior and Senior years.
I was brought back into the volleyball world when my sister, Jen Flynn Oldenburg, returned to Pittsburgh. I thank her every day for bringing me back into the volleyball life. I truly love volleyball and am grateful to be coaching young athletes.
When I’m Not Coaching Volleyball…I am traveling to see my sons, one lives in NYC and the other is a Junior at IUP and he plays hockey, so I go and see his games. My dog, Twyla, and I are training for her to be a therapy dog, so we take classes for this. I also enjoy reading, walking, working out, and binging shows on Netflix or Hulu.
Favorite subject in school: English
Last Book I Read: I read all the time, it is one of my favorite past times. I am currently reading the Eva Rae Thomas series.
Favorite Movie: Legally Blond or Grease, can watch either of them at any time!
Favorite Quote: Life isn’t about finding yourself…life is about creating yourself.
The person I’d Like to Have Dinner With: Princess Diana
Something You Probably Don’t Know About Me: I was a Middle Hitter in high school and college!