Vortex Volleyball Club Leadership
Club leadership:
Ted Hackett, Board Member, 16 National Head Coach
hacketttj@gmail.comWith over thirty years of experience in both playing and coaching, Coach Ted brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the volleyball court. As an Outside Hitter for the men's college club volleyball team at Central Michigan University, Ted honed his skills and gained a deep understanding of the game.
Ted's passion for volleyball extended beyond the indoor court, as he also competed in two-man beach volleyball tournaments in the MidWest Pro Volleyball Association. This experience allowed him to embrace the unique challenges and strategies of the beach game. Throughout his coaching career, Ted has worked with athletes of all ages and skill levels. From guiding young players in YMCA youth recreational leagues to coaching high school teams, he has consistently fostered a love for the sport and helped athletes develop their skills.
Ted's coaching expertise also extends to the collegiate level. He has successfully coached Division One college women's club teams, contributing to their growth and success. Additionally, he has worked with Junior College teams, providing valuable guidance and support to players as they navigate their volleyball journey. Coach Ted's extensive experience, coupled with his dedication and passion for the sport, make him a highly sought-after coach. His ability to connect with players, adapt to different levels of competition, and instill a love for the game sets him apart as a valuable asset to any team he works with.
Austin Bryant, Board Member, 15 National Head Coach
austin@vortexvolleyball.comCoach Austin Bryant's volleyball journey started at the age of 13 in central Florida. Throughout his high school years, he actively participated in both club and school teams, honing his skills and passion for the sport. In his freshman year, Coach Austin played as a Middle, but soon discovered his true calling as a Pin Hitter, primarily on the Right Side of the court.
Building on his extensive playing experience, Coach Austin transitioned into coaching and joined Vortex Volleyball in the 2022/2023 season as the head coach for the 14-1's team. Recognizing his expertise and dedication, he continued to lead the 15-1's team in the following 2023/2024 season. Coach Austin is known for his offensive mindset, focusing on strategic plays and maximizing scoring opportunities for his team. His coaching philosophy revolves around creating a positive and growth-oriented environment. He believes in empowering his players to unlock their full potential, both individually and as a cohesive unit. His coaching approach emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and effective communication to foster a strong foundation for success.
Steve Nicola, 16 National Head Coach
steve@xsvvolleyball.comCoach Steve has played/coached volleyball for over 30 years. He is USAV CAP1, SafeSport, and IMPACT certified. He is the former Director at XSV Volleyball and current Director/Head Coach at XSV Beach Volleyball Club. Most recently he coached the 13-2's and then the 14-1's at XSV Volleyball Club to over a dozen tournament wins and podiums. Coach Steve is passionate about and dedicated to growing the sport of volleyball and helping athletes discover the value of responsibility, teamwork, courage, discipline and determination.
Sherry Swanson, Administrative Assistant, 14 National Yellow Head Coach
sherry@vortexvolleyball.comSherry Swanson is a dedicated and passionate individual who has been married for 33 years to the love of her life. With two grown children, two children-n-loves, and three granddaughters, family is a significant part of her life. From an athletic background, Sherry played various sports during her youth, including basketball, football, track, and softball. However, her love of volleyball developed later in life. Initially, Sherry had considered becoming a softball coach after spending almost 12 years playing the sport. But her coaching journey took a different turn when she took on a role in volleyball and instantly fell in love with the sport.
For the past 13 years, Sherry has dedicated herself to coaching volleyball. She began her coaching career at LaFayette Middle School and later established the program at Saddle Ridge Middle School, where she served as the Head coach for 10 successful years. In addition to her work in school volleyball, Sherry has also coached club volleyball for 10 years, with remarkable achievements. She even held the position of Director of Ascension Volleyball Academy for 4 years. Sherry's dedication to the sport extends beyond coaching, as she is also a Tennessee-sanctioned volleyball referee.
With over 30 years of experience in the fitness industry as a Physical Education teacher and personal trainer, Sherry brings a wealth of knowledge to her coaching. Her expertise extends to sports nutrition, a certification she obtained during her time as a competitive bodybuilder alongside her husband. Sherry utilizes this knowledge to help her players fuel their bodies for optimal performance. Sherry's coaching philosophy revolves around the values of character and integrity. Creating a strong and cohesive team is important to Sherry, but she also emphasizes the development of individuals who are accountable, respectful, and supportive of one another. She views athletes as ambassadors of the sport; therefore, maintaining high standards of behavior is a fundamental aspect of her volleyball program. She adopts a positive approach to encourage growth and confidence in young athletes, focusing not solely on winning, but on the pursuit of excellence. Sherry aims to cultivate a winning attitude in her athletes that will extend beyond the volleyball court and positively impact their personal and athletic journeys.
Other club staff:
Steven Lohn, Director of Fitness and Training, 17 National Head Coach
steve@vortexvolleyball.comSteve played college ball at Ole Miss, followed by Open/Pro level tournaments throughout the past 20 years. Steve is known for his Volleyball IQ and high level training expertise. Admittedly a volleyball nerd, he is always learning new systems and skill sets on top of his already vast knowledge. Steve firmly believes that fostering a positive culture and providing a dynamic learning experience will cultivate a deep love for the game among our local players, mirroring his own passion. College Coaching: OleMiss Men’s Club Team Head- 2003-2008 OleMiss Women’s Club Team Head- 2008 Rhodes College Assistant - 2010-2012 Birmingham-Southern College Assistant - 2013 University of Alabama-Birmingham Beach Assistant- 2014 University of the South Assistant - 2014-2018 California State University-Northridge Beach Assistant - 2021
