Meet the Team
Anyla “AK”
Academy Coach
AK has played volleyball for 15+ 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.
Moana
Academy Coach
Moana played four years for Johnson & Wales University, where she served as co-captain. She is a setter who has played volleyball for 15+ years, won a DII national championship in 2018 and been recognized twice as an All-American in the USCAA. She is the Head Coach for Women’s Volleyball at JWU. She believes that a strong work ethic and positivity will set up athletes for success both 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.
Crystal R.
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.
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.