We believe in simple ideas, strong relationships, and lasting impact for BOTH boys and girls.
Our Team
Gabriel Islas
Coach Gabe is the current boys and girls varsity head coach at VAAS High School, where he has built a winning and player-focused program. During his tenure, he has led his teams to two CIF-LACS City Championships and two City Championship runner-up finishes, earning Coach of the Year honors twice.
Known for his ability to develop well-rounded athletes, Coach Gabe specializes in helping players identify and overcome weaknesses while building skills that translate both on and off the court. His coaching experience spans school programs, park leagues, and club volleyball, giving him a diverse perspective on athlete development.
At the core of his philosophy is a commitment to growth, passion, and respect for the game. Coach Gabe believes volleyball is not just about competition, but about building character, relationships, and resilience. He encourages his players to embrace challenges, support one another, and most importantly—have fun along the way, because life is too short not to enjoy the journey.
Owner / Coach
Gursewak Singh
Gursewak Singh is a student at UC San Diego and an alumnus of Van Nuys High School, where he played competitive volleyball and developed a strong passion for the sport. His experience as a player shaped his understanding of teamwork, discipline, and the importance of fundamentals, which now influence his coaching approach.
Now on the other side of the game, Gursewak serves as both a coach and Head of Digital Media for the club. As a coach, he focuses on skill development, confidence building, and creating a supportive yet competitive environment for athletes. He emphasizes strong fundamentals, game IQ, and helping players grow both individually and as teammates.
In his role as Head of Digital Media, he designs and manages the club’s website and oversees the club’s online presence. His work focuses on showcasing player development, promoting club opportunities, and building a strong digital identity that reflects the program’s culture and growth.
Head of Digital Media / Coach
Josh Lopez
/ Clinic Coordinator
Joshua Lopez is a collegiate volleyball Libero/Defensive Specialist at Westcliff University and a proud alumnus of Valley Academy of Arts & Sciences. During his high school career, he earned Co-Player of the Year (2025) and received two All-City First Team honors in the CIFLACS. Joshua specializes in coaching and breaking down the technical aspects of defense and serve receive, helping athletes improve with precision and purpose. He emphasizes the development of a gritty, resilient mindset, believing that mental toughness is the most important skill in achieving success on the court. @15joshualopez
Coach
James Kainoa
Coach James has dedicated more than 25 years to building volleyball programs, developing student-athletes, and creating opportunities for youth through education and sport.
He currently serves as Assistant Coach for the Women’s Indoor and Beach Volleyball programs at Fullerton College, Director of the California Educational Volleyball Association (CEVA), Director of Starlings Long Beach West, Head Coach at Sato Academy of Mathematics & Science in Long Beach, and Volleyball Consultant for Compton Unified School District, supporting Compton High School and Compton Dominguez High.
Known for his blue-collar approach, Coach James emphasizes hard work, discipline, consistency, and accountability.
Advisor
Eileen Estrada
CoachEileen started playing volleyball at twelve years old. She played on Coach Gabe’s team all throughout her six years in club. Although she did not play on a high school team, her club experience earned her a spot at Los Angeles Mission College. During her two and a half years at LAMC, Eileen learned what it takes to be an ultimate competitor, an extraordinary teammate, and a true volleyball player. As a Coach, Eileen brings high energy, devotion, and a strong commitment to helping athletes improve their skills. Drawing from her years of playing experience, she strives to create a positive and competitive environment where players can develop their skills, build confidence, and grow on and off the court. Eileen believes in leading by example, fostering teamwork, and encouraging every athlete to embrace hard work, a growth mindset, and a love for the game.
Jake Lopez
CoachAs a collegiate volleyball player at Pacific Union College, Jake Lopez also coaches other athletes on how to improve their skills and develop themselves as players, not just athletically but mentally as well. As a Valley Academy of Arts & Sciences (VAAS) graduate, Jake was part of the team that won a league title and received All-City honors after being recognized for his play and leadership.
During his first year of college as a starting player, Jake earned over 160 digs and demonstrated his ability to excel in various roles throughout the season. Through this, he understands every aspect of volleyball, including technical development and strategic game planning, allowing him to provide other athletes with additional insights about what it takes to be successful in each area. In addition to providing knowledge of the sport, Jake is interested in the physical elements of athletics such as strength and conditioning, nutrition, and overall athletic performance. He believes that discipline in training, healthy habits and having a growth mind set are essential for creating a solid foundation that will allow athletes to achieve their goals in athletics as well as life.
Amanda Islas
10U - 14U Coordinator
Coach Amanda is the current JV Boys and Girls Volleyball Head Coach at VAAS High School, as well as an assistant coach for the varsity program. During her time at VAAS, she has contributed to the success of two CIFLACS Championship teams, helping build a competitive and driven volleyball culture.
With over seven years of coaching experience at both the club and high school levels, Coach Amanda is deeply committed to player development—both on and off the court. She is passionate about bringing out the best in each athlete, creating a supportive environment where players can grow in confidence, skill, and mindset. She draws from her own experiences to guide athletes through challenges, teaching them how to overcome fear, build resilience, and trust in their abilities.
Known for her patience and positive coaching style, Coach Amanda emphasizes fundamentals, teamwork, and mental toughness, helping her players not only succeed in volleyball but also develop skills that extend beyond the game.
Director / Coach
Alyssa Islas
Alyssa Islas is a current collegiate volleyball athlete at Pacific Union College, where she plays as a setter. She is a proud alumna of Van Nuys High School, where she earned two-time All-League First Team honors in the CIF Valley Mission League. Alyssa has been recognized as a CalPac Champion of Character and Pacific Union College's Character Player of the Year. She was also featured in the Los Angeles Times for her leadership and perseverance through adversity.
As a Coach and Community Outreach Coordinator, Alyssa brings intensity, purpose, and passion to everything she does. Her coaching style is built on developing both mental toughness and self discipline, pushing athletes to compete with confidence and resilience. She holds her players to a high standard, emphasizing accountability, consistency, and effort every day. Alyssa coaches with a progress over perfection mindset that challenges athletes to stay locked in, embrace pressure, and show up ready to get better every single day, on and off the court.
Director / Community Outreach Coordinator / CoachOur Team
Gabriel Islas
Coach Gabe is the current boys and girls varsity head coach at VAAS High School, where he has built a winning and player-focused program. During his tenure, he has led his teams to two CIF-LACS City Championships and two City Championship runner-up finishes, earning Coach of the Year honors twice.
Known for his ability to develop well-rounded athletes, Coach Gabe specializes in helping players identify and overcome weaknesses while building skills that translate both on and off the court. His coaching experience spans school programs, park leagues, and club volleyball, giving him a diverse perspective on athlete development.
At the core of his philosophy is a commitment to growth, passion, and respect for the game. Coach Gabe believes volleyball is not just about competition, but about building character, relationships, and resilience. He encourages his players to embrace challenges, support one another, and most importantly—have fun along the way, because life is too short not to enjoy the journey.
Owner / Coach
James Kainoa
Coach James has dedicated more than 25 years to building volleyball programs, developing student-athletes, and creating opportunities for youth through education and sport.
He currently serves as Assistant Coach for the Women’s Indoor and Beach Volleyball programs at Fullerton College, Director of the California Educational Volleyball Association (CEVA), Director of Starlings Long Beach West, Head Coach at Sato Academy of Mathematics & Science in Long Beach, and Volleyball Consultant for Compton Unified School District, supporting Compton High School and Compton Dominguez High.
Known for his blue-collar approach, Coach James emphasizes hard work, discipline, consistency, and accountability.
Advisor
Amanda Islas
Director / Coach
10U - 14U CoordinatorCoach Amanda is the current JV Boys and Girls Volleyball Head Coach at VAAS High School, as well as an assistant coach for the varsity program. During her time at VAAS, she has contributed to the success of two CIFLACS Championship teams, helping build a competitive and driven volleyball culture.
With over seven years of coaching experience at both the club and high school levels, Coach Amanda is deeply committed to player development—both on and off the court. She is passionate about bringing out the best in each athlete, creating a supportive environment where players can grow in confidence, skill, and mindset. She draws from her own experiences to guide athletes through challenges, teaching them how to overcome fear, build resilience, and trust in their abilities.
Known for her patience and positive coaching style, Coach Amanda emphasizes fundamentals, teamwork, and mental toughness, helping her players not only succeed in volleyball but also develop skills that extend beyond the game.
Alyssa Islas
Alyssa Islas is a current collegiate volleyball athlete at Pacific Union College, where she plays as a setter. She is a proud alumna of Van Nuys High School, where she earned two-time All-League First Team honors in the CIF Valley Mission League. Alyssa has been recognized as a CalPac Champion of Character and Pacific Union College's Character Player of the Year. She was also featured in the Los Angeles Times for her leadership and perseverance through adversity.
As a Coach and Community Outreach Coordinator, Alyssa brings intensity, purpose, and passion to everything she does. Her coaching style is built on developing both mental toughness and self discipline, pushing athletes to compete with confidence and resilience. She holds her players to a high standard, emphasizing accountability, consistency, and effort every day. Alyssa coaches with a progress over perfection mindset that challenges athletes to stay locked in, embrace pressure, and show up ready to get better every single day, on and off the court.
Director / Community Outreach Coordinator / Coach
Gursewak Singh
Gursewak Singh is a student at UC San Diego and an alumnus of Van Nuys High School, where he played competitive volleyball and developed a strong passion for the sport. His experience as a player shaped his understanding of teamwork, discipline, and the importance of fundamentals, which now influence his coaching approach.
Now on the other side of the game, Gursewak serves as both a coach and Head of Digital Media for the club. As a coach, he focuses on skill development, confidence building, and creating a supportive yet competitive environment for athletes. He emphasizes strong fundamentals, game IQ, and helping players grow both individually and as teammates.
In his role as Head of Digital Media, he designs and manages the club’s website and oversees the club’s online presence. His work focuses on showcasing player development, promoting club opportunities, and building a strong digital identity that reflects the program’s culture and growth.
Head of Digital Media / CoachJoshua Lopez
Joshua Lopez is a collegiate volleyball Libero/Defensive Specialist at Westcliff University and a proud alumnus of Valley Academy of Arts & Sciences. During his high school career, he earned Co-Player of the Year (2025) and received two All-City First Team honors in the CIFLACS. Joshua specializes in coaching and breaking down the technical aspects of defense and serve receive, helping athletes improve with precision and purpose. He emphasizes the development of a gritty, resilient mindset, believing that mental toughness is the most important skill in achieving success on the court. @15joshualopez
Coach / Clinic CoordinatorEileen Estrada
CoachEileen started playing volleyball at twelve years old. She played on Coach Gabe’s team all throughout her six years in club. Although she did not play on a high school team, her club experience earned her a spot at Los Angeles Mission College. During her two and a half years at LAMC, Eileen learned what it takes to be an ultimate competitor, an extraordinary teammate, and a true volleyball player. As a Coach, Eileen brings high energy, devotion, and a strong commitment to helping athletes improve their skills. Drawing from her years of playing experience, she strives to create a positive and competitive environment where players can develop their skills, build confidence, and grow on and off the court. Eileen believes in leading by example, fostering teamwork, and encouraging every athlete to embrace hard work, a growth mindset, and a love for the game.
Jake Lopez
CoachAs a collegiate volleyball player at Pacific Union College, Jake Lopez also coaches other athletes on how to improve their skills and develop themselves as players, not just athletically but mentally as well. As a Valley Academy of Arts & Sciences (VAAS) graduate, Jake was part of the team that won a league title and received All-City honors after being recognized for his play and leadership.
During his first year of college as a starting player, Jake earned over 160 digs and demonstrated his ability to excel in various roles throughout the season. Through this, he understands every aspect of volleyball, including technical development and strategic game planning, allowing him to provide other athletes with additional insights about what it takes to be successful in each area. In addition to providing knowledge of the sport, Jake is interested in the physical elements of athletics such as strength and conditioning, nutrition, and overall athletic performance. He believes that discipline in training, healthy habits and having a growth mind set are essential for creating a solid foundation that will allow athletes to achieve their goals in athletics as well as life.
What Sets Us Apart
Player-First Development
Everything we do is centered around athlete growth. We focus on skill development, confidence, and building well-rounded players—because when our athletes improve, the whole team succeeds.
Strong Team Culture
We’re more than just practices and games. We build a supportive environment where players form friendships, push each other, and grow together both on and off the court.
Structured Training, Flexible Coaching
We bring organized, high-level training with the flexibility to meet each athlete’s needs. Our practices are purposeful, competitive, and designed to help players improve at every level.