Our coaching and administration staff consists of volunteers from many different volleyball backgrounds. All Stars coaches support the club's philosophy of building young leaders, encouraging all players positively and working with them to improve both on the court and off. We also support all our coaches in their NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program) advancement and certification. If you are interested in joining the Stars coaching team, please contact us!
Please note that the coaching positions listed below are subject to change.
Board of Directors & Head Coaches
Sandy Hancock
President & U14 Head Coach
Sandy Hancock
Sandy has been with the Stars from the start, and has coached U14 and U15 as well as the Youth League. She has coached Elementary school grades 6 and 7, and at Handsworth Secondary school, grades 8 through 10. In her younger days, Sandy was an avid volleyball enthusiast playing indoor and outdoor ball, predominantly beach doubles and triples. More recently, she has taken part in outdoor (recreational level) 6s. In her spare time, she enjoys Irish dancing and step dance.
Sandy has been with the Stars from the start, and has coached U14 and U15 as well as the Youth League. She has coached Elementary school grades 6 and 7, and at Handsworth Secondary school, grades 8 through 10. In her younger days, Sandy was an avid volleyball enthusiast playing indoor and outdoor ball, predominantly beach doubles and triples. More recently, she has taken part in outdoor (recreational level) 6s. In her spare time, she enjoys Irish dancing and step dance.
Abigail Turner
Vice President
Abigail Turner
Abigail has been involved with Stars since 2016 after her daughter was first selected for the U14 team. In her high school and university days, Abigail was a volleyball enthusiast and played on numerous teams both at school and in the community. More recently she coached the Windsor High School Girls Bantam Team in 2016 and the Girls Juvenile Team in 2017. Abigail currently sits on the Stars Volleyball Club Board, which she been on since 2018. Abigail is a lawyer by profession, a Partner at Harper Grey LL, working mainly in Health and Insurance Law.
Abigail has been involved with Stars since 2016 after her daughter was first selected for the U14 team. In her high school and university days, Abigail was a volleyball enthusiast and played on numerous teams both at school and in the community. More recently she coached the Windsor High School Girls Bantam Team in 2016 and the Girls Juvenile Team in 2017. Abigail currently sits on the Stars Volleyball Club Board, which she been on since 2018. Abigail is a lawyer by profession, a Partner at Harper Grey LL, working mainly in Health and Insurance Law.
Samantha Mills
Treasurer & U17/18 Head Coach
Samantha Mills
Samantha began her volleyball career playing for the Stars during her high school years. In 2018 she returned to the sport by coaching at Stars and Collingwood School during the high school season. Samantha is an NCCP Development coach (formally Level 1). In 2020 she was appointed to the Stars Board of Directors, which she currently sits on as the Treasurer. Outside of volleyball, Samantha works in operations at a real estate developer. Samantha is very excited to be with Stars after benefitting herself from years of coaches volunteering their time and effort to impact lives through the power of sport.
Samantha began her volleyball career playing for the Stars during her high school years. In 2018 she returned to the sport by coaching at Stars and Collingwood School during the high school season. Samantha is an NCCP Development coach (formally Level 1). In 2020 she was appointed to the Stars Board of Directors, which she currently sits on as the Treasurer. Outside of volleyball, Samantha works in operations at a real estate developer. Samantha is very excited to be with Stars after benefitting herself from years of coaches volunteering their time and effort to impact lives through the power of sport.
Laura Pickard
Secretary & Assistant Coach
Laura Pickard
Laura began coaching with the Stars in 2014, but has been coaching volleyball at various levels since she was just 15. During the school season, she helps coach the Senior Girls team at St. Thomas Aquinas. Laura played club and school volleyball on the North Shore until grade 12, and in 2020 went back to school to play varsity volleyball at CBC, where she currently plays as an outside hitter. Laura is passionate about the sport and eager to challenge players to unlock their potential and try new things, while making new friends and having some fun along the way. When not on the court, she is a certified web and graphic designer and is currently working in marketing at a local business.
Laura began coaching with the Stars in 2014, but has been coaching volleyball at various levels since she was just 15. During the school season, she helps coach the Senior Girls team at St. Thomas Aquinas. Laura played club and school volleyball on the North Shore until grade 12, and in 2020 went back to school to play varsity volleyball at CBC, where she currently plays as an outside hitter / libero. Laura is passionate about the sport and eager to challenge players to unlock their potential and try new things, while making new friends and having some fun along the way. When not on the court, she is a certified web and graphic designer and is currently working in marketing at a local business.
Karen Martin
Director & U14 Head Coach
Karen Martin
Karen has been coaching with the Stars since 2010. She has coached girls' volleyball on the North Shore, both high school teams and club teams, for 13 years. Since 2010 she has coached at Handsworth. Karen played volleyball in high school, for UBC in 1979 to 1984 (mostly Junior Varsity, but also some Varsity) and then women's club volleyball, followed by many years of co-ed rec ball. She is NCCP certified as an Advanced Development Coach (formerly Level 2).
Karen is passionate about the importance of team sport to teenage girls and is thrilled to be able to coach with the wonderful coaching and club admin team at the North Shore Stars. Karen has two grown daughters who also coach with the Stars from time to time. When she is not on the volleyball court, you can find Karen practising construction law as a partner at Dentons Canada LLP.
Karen has been coaching with the Stars since 2010. She has coached girls' volleyball on the North Shore, both high school teams and club teams, for 15 years. Since 2010 she has coached at Handsworth. Karen played volleyball in high school, for UBC in 1979 to 1984 (mostly Junior Varsity, but also some Varsity) and then women's club volleyball, followed by many years of co-ed rec ball. She is NCCP certified as an Advanced Development Coach (formerly Level 2).
Karen is passionate about the importance of team sport to teenage girls and is thrilled to be able to coach with the wonderful coaching and club admin team at the North Shore Stars. Karen has two grown daughters who also coach with the Stars from time to time. When she is not on the volleyball court, you can find Karen practicing construction law as a partner at Dentons Canada LLP.
Stephanie Cook
U15 Head Coach
Stephanie Cook
Steph grew up on the North Shore playing both Stars and BCO during high school. She coaches volleyball at Handsworth Secondary and the North Shore Stars and is passionate about coaching people first and players second. Steph is a certified NCCP Development Coach (formally Level 1) and works for an accounting firm as the listings manager assisting private companies go public.
Steph grew up on the North Shore playing both Stars and BCO during high school. She coaches volleyball at Handsworth Secondary and the North Shore Stars and is passionate about coaching people first and players second. Steph is a certified NCCP Development Coach (formally Level 1) and works for an accounting firm as the listings manager assisting private companies go public.
Emily Hardy
U16 Head Coach
Emily Hardy
Emily played volleyball on the North Shore for her high school and club for five years, coming back to coach as a Stars Alumna. She graduated from Sutherland Secondary in 2018 and is currently a student studying Applied Animal Biology at UBC. Emily has been coaching with the Stars since she graduated and helped coach at Sutherland before that.
Emily played volleyball on the North Shore for her high school and club for five years, coming back to coach as a Stars Alumna. She graduated from Sutherland Secondary in 2018 and is currently a student studying Applied Animal Biology at UBC. Emily has been coaching with the Stars since she graduated and helped coach at Sutherland before that.
Joanna Meltzer
U18 Sea to Sky Head Coach
Joanna Meltzer
Joanna grew up playing rep volleyball in Ontario for Georgetown Impact, and Burlington Blaze. Her volleyball career continued through post secondary where she played left side for the University of Waterloo. She has only been coaching high school for a short time, but eager to advance her time in the sport with the Stars. On the court she values hardwork and determination. She always encourages players to hit they're highest potential while never losing sight of the most important thing - the love of the game. Off the court you can find her in the mountains up in Whistler skiing, mountain biking and spending time with friends and family.
Joanna grew up playing rep volleyball in Ontario for Georgetown Impact, and Burlington Blaze. Her volleyball career continued through post secondary where she played left side for the University of Waterloo. She has only been coaching high school for a short time, but eager to advance her time in the sport with the Stars. On the court she values hardwork and determination. She always encourages players to hit they're highest potential while never losing sight of the most important thing - the love of the game. Off the court you can find her in the mountains up in Whistler skiing, mountain biking and spending time with friends and family.
Rebecca Oxland
Director
Rebecca Oxland
Rebecca has been involved with coaching volleyball since 2013 at Handsworth Secondary School, Stars Volleyball Club, and Team BC Summer Games. She played volleyball in North Vancouver for her high school team at Handsworth and on club teams. She went on to study Health Science and play volleyball for the varsity team at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario. Rebecca is currently a registered nurse at Lions Gate Hospital. Her role is assisting Stars Volleyball Club with administrative duties and coaching development.
Rebecca has been involved with coaching volleyball since 2013 at Handsworth Secondary School, Stars Volleyball Club, and Team BC Summer Games. She played volleyball in North Vancouver for her high school team at Handsworth and on club teams. She went on to study Health Science and play volleyball for the varsity team at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario. Rebecca is currently a registered nurse at Lions Gate Hospital. Her role is assisting Stars Volleyball Club with administrative duties and coaching development.
Assistant Coaches
Sara Freyvogel
U14 Assistant Coach
Sara Freyvogel
From the bantam to senior level in high school, Sara played for the Handsworth volleyball team and the Stars as a Left-side/power hitter. Today, she is actively playing volleyball on the SFU club team as well as in some of the community volleyball leagues that run throughout the year. Sara has been coaching with the Stars and Handsworth since 2016 and has been a referee with the LMVOA since 2015. She is also currently studying Psychology and Humanities at Simon Fraser University.
From the bantam to senior level in high school, Sara played for the Handsworth volleyball team and the Stars as a Left-side/power hitter. Today, she is actively playing volleyball on the SFU club team as well as in some of the community volleyball leagues that run throughout the year. Sara has been coaching with the Stars and Handsworth since 2016 and has been a referee with the LMVOA since 2015. She is also currently studying Psychology and Humanities at Simon Fraser University.
Eve O'Bryne
U14 Junior Coach
Eve O'Bryne
Eve has been playing volleyball since grade 7, and has played club volleyball in Edmonton. She is currently in grade 11 at Sutherland Secondary, where she helped with coaching both the grade 8 volleyball and basketball team. She played for her school's senior team as a left-side hitter, and is very excited to continue coaching this year. As well as to gain more knowledge about what it means to be a coach and to help out Stars this season!
Eve has been playing volleyball since grade 7, and has played club volleyball in Edmonton. She is currently in grade 11 at Sutherland Secondary, where she helped with coaching both the grade 8 volleyball and basketball team. She played for her school's senior team as a left-side hitter, and is very excited to continue coaching this year. As well as to gain more knowledge about what it means to be a coach and to help out Stars this season!
Natalie Ranspot
U14 Assistant Coach
Natalie Ranspot
Natalie grew up on the North Shore and played volleyball through high school and recreationally during her four years at McGill University. She is a NCCP Level 1 certified coach and has been coaching with the Stars since 2013. Natalie also coaches at Handsworth Secondary Schoo1!
Natalie grew up on the North Shore and played volleyball through high school and recreationally during her four years at McGill University. She is a NCCP Level 1 certified coach and has been coaching with the Stars since 2013. Natalie also coaches at Handsworth Secondary Schoo1!
Lise Byers
U15 Assistant Coach
Lise Byers
Lise played volleyball throughout high school at both the school (Handsworth) and club (Stars & BCO) levels. After graduating from the University of Western Ontario in 2019, Lise returned to the North Shore and now works in wholesale sales for a sustainable apparel company. Lise is excited to return to the world of club volleyball and develop her coaching experience this year with Stars!
Lise played volleyball throughout high school at both the school (Handsworth) and club (Stars & BCO) levels. After graduating from the University of Western Ontario in 2019, Lise returned to the North Shore and now works in wholesale sales for a sustainable apparel company. Lise is excited to return to the world of club volleyball and develop her coaching experience this year with Stars!
Emma Dyer
U15 Assistant Coach
Emma Dyer
Emma began playing club volleyball with the Stars at U14 and has been with the club ever since. She has assistant coached grade 8's at Windsor as well as U14 and U15 Stars teams in the past. Emma graduated from Windsor in 2021 where she played as a middle blocker. She is currently studying at BCIT and is excited to be helping out at Stars for another season!
Emma began playing club volleyball with the Stars at U14 and has been with the club ever since. She has assistant coached grade 8's at Windsor as well as U14 and U15 Stars teams in the past. Emma graduated from Windsor in 2021 where she played as a middle blocker. She is currently studying at BCIT and is excited to be helping out at Stars for another season!
Cristina Botteselle
U16 Assistant Coach
Cristina Botteselle
Tina's coaching career began in 2017 at Stars and STA, but has been playing since she was young. She grew up playing club and school on the North Shore as a setter and put away her court shoes in grade 12. Today, she still plays often in beach and indoor recreational leagues around the Lower Mainland with friends and was the head coach of the Mulgrave senior team this past season. Outside of volleyball, Tina works as an Educational Assistant as well as an early childhood educator, after finishing her BA in Education from SFU. She is currently working on getting her ECCE Certification as well.
Tina's coaching career began in 2017 at Stars and St. Thomas Aquinas, but has been playing since she was young. She grew up playing club and school on the North Shore as a setter and put away her court shoes in grade 12. Today, she still plays often in beach and indoor recreational leagues around the Lower Mainland with friends and was the head coach of the Mulgrave senior team this past season. Outside of volleyball, Tina works as an Educational Assistant as well as an early childhood educator, after finishing her BA in Education from SFU. She is currently working on getting her ECCE Certification as well.
Marisa Gour
U16 Assistant Coach
Marisa Gour
Marisa joined the Stars as a coach in 2018 after playing for the Stars and Handsworth for 5 years. She is now a student at SFU studying Kinesiology. Marisa coached volleyball at Canyon Heights Elementary School from 2014-2018 and is excited to continue to progress her coaching experience with more competitive play at Stars.
Marisa joined the Stars as a coach in 2018 after playing for the Stars and Handsworth for 5 years. She is now a student at SFU studying Kinesiology. Marisa coached volleyball at Canyon Heights Elementary School from 2014-2018 and is excited to continue to progress her coaching experience with more competitive play at Stars.
Georgina Titus
U18 Sea to Sky Assistant Coach
Georgina Titus
Georgina began as Assistant Coach of the Sea to Sky Stars in 2022. She retired a year before from teaching after a 34-year long career and is looking forward to assistant coaching with the Sea to Sky Stars again. In this way, she can stay connected with some of her former students at Whistler Secondary. Georgina first fell in love with the game in elementary school and continued to play throughout high school. She went on to play for the JV team at UBC as well as for the Meralomas’ club team. Throughout her teaching career, she coached her high schools’ teams for many years, and she also continues to play with a women’s group in Whistler.
Georgina began as Assistant Coach of the Sea to Sky Stars in 2022. She retired a year before from teaching after a 34-year long career and is looking forward to assistant coaching with the Sea to Sky Stars again. In this way, she can stay connected with some of her former students at Whistler Secondary. Georgina first fell in love with the game in elementary school and continued to play throughout high school. She went on to play for the JV team at UBC as well as for the Meralomas’ club team. Throughout her teaching career, she coached her high schools’ teams for many years, and she also continues to play with a women’s group in Whistler.
Jessie Thompson
U17/18 Assistant Coach
Jessie Thompson
Jessie has been playing Volleyball since she was 10 years old. She played for 5 years at Notre Dame Regional Secondary and for the North Shore Stars her grade 9 and 10 club season. She is excited to return to the Stars in a new capacity as a coach after 10 years. Off the court Jessie works for an engineering firm on the North Shore. She is thrilled to join her fellow alumni to back to the court to coach this year's team.
Jessie has been playing Volleyball since she was 10 years old. She played for 5 years at Notre Dame Regional Secondary and for the North Shore Stars her grade 9 and 10 club season. She is excited to return to the Stars in a new capacity as a coach after 10 years. Off the court Jessie works for an engineering firm on the North Shore. She is thrilled to join her fellow alumni to back to the court to coach this year's team.
Sophia Kostamo
U17/18 Assistant Coach
Sophia Kostamo
Sophia has been playing club and school volleyball on the North Shore since 2012. Currently studying at UBC, Sophia has previously coached grade 6 and 7's at St. Anthony's Elementary in West Vancouver and has been coaching with the Stars since 2020.
Sophia has been playing club and school volleyball on the North Shore since 2012. Currently studying at UBC, Sophia has previously coached grade 6 and 7's at St. Anthony's Elementary in West Vancouver and has been coaching with the Stars since 2020.