Meet the Gale Force Volleyball Club Coaches

I am thrilled to begin coaching with Gale Force Volleyball Club this year. I have 9 years of experience playing on school, club, and provincial teams. My volleyball journey began at Leary’s Brook Junior High, playing for Gale Force’s own coach, Gord Stokes, which sparked my love for volleyball. I later joined the Seahawks Club, where I played for 5 years. I played for the U18 Seahawks team for 3 years, starting at 15 years old, and competed at Nationals in 2019 and 2022. 

In grade 9, I was selected for the NL 15u team, where I trained in Wolfville, NS, and competed at Eastern Elites. In high school, I played for the PWC varsity team from grades 10–12. In my senior year, I was the captain of the PWC team and was named MVP, PWC Athlete of the Year, and PCSP Athlete of the Year.

I am currently a third-year student at Memorial University working on a Bachelor of Science Honours degree, majoring in biology. I continue to play in women’s leagues and remain actively involved in coaching. For the past 3 years, I have assistant coached the PWC varsity team. This year I will be coaching Gale Force Volleyball Club’s 14u team alongside Hannah Rideout and John Randell.

Hi I’m Hannah and I will be one of this year's Gale Force 14U coaches for this season!

I’m from CBS NL and currently in my third year of doing a Bachelor of Science at MUN majoring in Human Biosciences and Minoring in Psychology. I first started playing volleyball in grade 7 as part of my FRJH school team. After my first year I fell in love with the sport and continued to play throughout all of junior high and highschool on the FRJH and QE school teams! I began my club volleyball experience when I played with Seahawks Volleyball Club in 2018. In 2019 I was lucky enough to be a part of the CBS Wolves club team and attended 15U nationals in Edmonton AB. That same year I travelled to Nova Scotia with Team NL to compete in the Eastern Elites Tournament. I was also part of the CBS club teams in 2020 as well as 2022! Throughout the years of playing volleyball I have also completed my reffing courses and had the chance to ref at both local and provincial tournaments.

I’m so excited to start this new chapter into coaching with Gale Force Volleyball Club and can’t wait to see what amazing players this season will bring!

This year John Randell is excited to be returning to Gale Force Volleyball Club this year. He has worked as a volleyball referee and has a long successful career as a volleyball player. Starting out eight years ago on the St. Peter’s Junior High Python’s team, John served as the captain of the team, and they won provincials all three years of Junior High. He played on the NL U15 team in both grade 8 and grade 9 and competed at nationals both years, the second of which they finished 2nd place in division 2. In grade 9 he was named the NLVA Junior High Player of the Year, after being a runner-up the previous year. 

John’s success continued into high school, where he played on the O’Donel High School team as well as continuing with the Python’s club team. His team won many provincials in all age groups, and John was named MVP of the grade 12 club provincials when he was only in grade 10. In grade 12, his club team won provincials and his school team won the 4A’s, both teams going undefeated that season. 

John is now attending MUN planning to study computer science, and he has continued to play volleyball since his graduation. He plays on multiple co-ed teams and in multiple men’s leagues and has dabbled in beach volleyball during the summers. Currently, John is also working towards achieving his developmental coach status. With his variety of skills and his experience, John will be an excellent coach and role-model for his team and he is looking forward to passing on his knowledge and love of the sport on to the next generation of players. This year John will be assistant coaching Gale Force Volleyball Club’s 14U team alongside Hannah Rideout and Jessica Hall.

Gordon Stokes is a dedicated and accomplished volleyball coach with a passion for the game that has been evident throughout his extensive career. His journey in the world of volleyball began in 1992 at Lumsden School Complex, where he took his first steps onto the court as a player. Little did he know that this initial introduction to the sport would spark a lifelong commitment to both playing and coaching volleyball.

With over 10 years of coaching experience, Gordon has become a respected figure in the volleyball community. In 2016, he took on the role of head coach for the LBJH (Leary’s Brook Junior High) team, dedicating three years to nurturing and developing skills. From 2019- 2021, Gordon head coached the PWC Junior team and in 2022, he helped coach the PWC Varsity team.

Gordon's coaching journey also includes a significant time with CBS Volleyball, where he dedicated four years to the development and success of the team. His leadership was instrumental in representing CBS at Nationals twice, in both 2019 and 2022, showcasing the team's talent on the national stage. Beyond his coaching duties, Gordon served as the President of CBS Volleyball for two years, demonstrating his commitment to the overall growth and success of the sport in this community. 

Another highlight in Gordon's coaching career is when he became the head coach of SMASH Volleyball’s 14U team in 2023 and the team achieved gold in Tier 4 at nationals. Additionally, Gordon's commitment to fair play and sportsmanship was recognized with the prestigious Volleyball Canada Fair Play Award. Known for his infectious passion for the game, Gordon Stokes stands out as a positive role model for his players. His enthusiasm, coupled with his coaching expertise, has inspired countless athletes to not only excel on the volleyball court but also to develop a deep love for the sport. This is displayed as this year Gale Force has a coaching staff compiled of 6 past athletes that he had a hand in coaching.

Gordon is a Trained Advanced Development Coach. As the upcoming season approaches, Gordon is eagerly anticipating the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead. His dedication to the game, combined with his positive influence on players, sets the stage for another exciting chapter in his coaching journey. With a track record of success and a genuine love for the sport, Gordon Stokes is excited to continue making a lasting impact on the volleyball community. This year will be Gordon’s 2nd year with Gale Force! 

Katie-Ann, a passionate individual with a love for volleyball, began her volleyball journey in 2016 at Leary’s Brook Junior High. Along with this, she had also played on PWC’s junior teams through grades 10-11 and finished off her senior year playing on the PWC Varsity team. Over the years, she honed her skills and showcased her dedication as a member of the CBS Volleyball club team for four years. Katie-Ann's time on the court was highlighted when she participated at nationals, in 2019 and 2022. 

Not content with just playing, Katie-Ann began coaching, serving as an assistant coach with the SMASH Volleyball 14U team during the 2022-2023 season. Her coaching abilities shone through as she helped lead the 14U team at Nationals in Halifax, not only winning gold in Tier 4 but also receiving the Volleyball Canada Fair Play Award, leaving an amazing impact on her coaching journey.

Academically, Katie-Ann completed her studies at PWC in 2022, and she is currently immersed in her first year of primary/elementary Education at MUN (3rd year at MUN). Her goal extends beyond a classroom; she envisions providing youth with exceptional experiences, aiming to create unforgettable memories for the young athletes she guides.

Driven by her passion for volleyball and a desire to contribute to the development of the sport, Katie-Ann is on path to achieving her trained developmental coach status. Her journey exemplifies a blend of athletic excellence, coaching dedication, and a commitment to shaping the future for aspiring athletes, making her a true inspiration on and off the court. This year will be Katie-Ann’s 2nd year with Gale Force and she cannot wait to see what lies ahead for the next season! 

Perryn Newman is very excited to kickstart her coaching career with Gale Force Volleyball Club. She began her volleyball journey in 2018 in junior high, playing with the Brookside Intermediate Bulldogs. She then played with the PWC Senior B Volleyball team for two years before joining the Varsity team for her senior year. Throughout her high school education, she played alongside her fellow coach Katie-Ann Stokes on the CBS 18U team in 2022, coached by the one and only Gord Stokes. This opportunity showed Perryn how valuable it was to be able to play for a club team and really set in stone her love for the sport. She returned to the CBS volleyball community to play a second year with their team before accepting a position with the SeaHawks Volleyball Club for her senior year. Overall, the opportunity and experience to be able to play for a club team is something that should be cherished and something that Perryn recommends to all athletes. 

From an academic perspective, Perryn is currently in her first year at Memorial University pursuing a joint-degree of a Bachelor of Science with a major in Psychology, and a Bachelor of Arts with a major in French. She aims to study forensic science and criminology in the future after completing her undergraduate at MUN. 

Perryn has always been very active throughout the volleyball community, working alongside many volleyball organizations including Gale Force as well as Wreckhouse in assisting with many camps and events throughout the past year, using this as an opportunity to showcase her coaching abilities and extending her knowledge to our younger generation of athletes. 

After bringing home a silver medal with the 18U SeaHawks this past season, Perryn is extremely excited to begin this new chapter with Gale Force Volleyball Club and be able to create the same atmosphere and opportunities for our athletes as was done for her. 

Billi Yetman, a passionate and dedicated individual from St. John’s has always had a passion for volleyball. Her journey in the sport began at Brother Rice Junior High & Holy Heart, where she honed her skills and later extended her prowess to club volleyball with MAX and the Sea-Hawks Volleyball Clubs. Billi's commitment to the game led her to Nationals in 2013, an experience that fuelled her enthusiasm for the sport. 

Nine years ago, Billi transitioned into coaching, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her volleyball journey. Since then, she has lent her expertise to various school teams across the island, leaving a positive impact on the players under her guidance. In the 2020-2021 season, Billi joined forces with SMASH volleyball, contributing to the development of the team.

Billi is a teacher, who coaches the St. John Bosco Junior High Volleyball Team. Last year Billi won an award for the ISVL Coach of the Year and travelled to Nationals in Edmonton with the Gale Force Volleyball 15U girls.

Billi Yetman stands out not only for her coaching but also for her unwavering dedication and positive attitude towards her athletes. These qualities have made her a natural fit for the Gale Force team, where she is set to make an impact this season. As an NCCP Trained Development Coach, Billi eagerly looks forward to sharing her knowledge and her passion for volleyball with the Gale Force athletes, fostering both skill development and a love for the game.

 Amber is thrilled to be part of Gale Force Volleyball Club this year, bringing her passion for the sport and dedication to coaching young athletes. My volleyball journey began in 2017 at BJH, where I discovered my love for the game. Throughout high school, I played for the WVH B team in grade 10 and then advanced to the varsity A team for grades 11 and 12. My time with SMASH Volleyball Club further honed my skills and commitment to the sport, culminating in a proud achievement: winning a gold medal at Nationals 2022.

My coaching journey began in 2021 when I started working with the BJH grade 7 team, and I remained with them as they transitioned into high school. This experience was incredibly rewarding, as I witnessed their growth both as players and individuals. Additionally, I've had the opportunity to coach various age groups at St. John Bosco, including grades 4-6 and grades 7-9. I've also served as an assistant coach for multiple teams and camps at SMAH, focusing primarily on the U15 travel team in 2023.

Coaching is not just about developing athletic skills; it's also about building character and fostering a sense of teamwork and camaraderie. I take great joy in creating an environment where players can not only improve their skills but also form lasting friendships. I believe that the bonds formed on the court can lead to lifelong connections that extend beyond the sport.

In addition to my coaching responsibilities, I am currently in my first year of nursing studies at the Centre for Nursing Studies at the Miller Centre, where I am starting as an LPN student with aspirations of becoming a post-partum travel nurse. My experiences in nursing further enhance my coaching philosophy, as I am passionate about helping others reach their goals and supporting them in their personal journeys.

As I embark on this coaching year with Gale Force, I am excited about the opportunities ahead. I look forward to seeing my players develop their skills, build confidence, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Together, we will strive for excellence on and off the court, fostering a love for the game and a strong sense of community within our team.

 Kyra Benson, a passionate volleyball enthusiast from St. John’s, has cultivated a strong foundation in the sport through years of competitive play. Her volleyball journey began at Frank Roberts Junior High, where she competed as a leftside and rightside player, contributing to multiple Volleyfest and Provincial championship wins, and earning NLVA’s 2019 Team of the Year recognition. At Queen Elizabeth Regional High, Kyra’s impact on the court continued, securing two Volleyfest titles, a 16U Provincial Championship, and leading her team to both 4A Sectional and 4A Provincial Championships during the 2020-2022 seasons.

After high school, Kyra advanced to the collegiate level, playing as a libero and defensive specialist for Holland College where she pursued her studies in kinesiology. Her tenure included an ACAA Championship win and a program-record 7th place finish at the 2022 CCAA Nationals, followed by a standout 2023-2024 season as the team’s leader in digs per set and a 3rd place regular season finish. Kyra’s club experience with CBS further expanded her versatility, where she played as a left side hitter, competing at both 15U and 18U Nationals. She also represented Team NL across multiple age levels, taking on key roles as setter and left side.

Kyra is also a certified Level 2 Volleyball Canada referee, currently playing in local women’s and co-ed leagues. She is eager to share her skills, dedication, and love for volleyball with the next generation of athletes, fostering both growth and passion for the sport.

 Matthew’s passion for coaching volleyball began when he was a high school student in the late 1990’s. In 2000, he was a part of the coaching staff that led the Holy Trinity Central High Girls Varsity team to the 3A provincials. For the last seven years, Matthew has been actively coaching teams at various levels in the Torbay area. He has been a coach with Gale Force Volleyball since day one and this past season, was Head Coach of Gale Force Volleyball 15U team that attended the 2024 Volleyball Canada Youth Nationals.

Matthew is a trained Development and Advance Development coach with Volleyball Canada and has completed courses under the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP).    

Currently Matthew is the Head Coach of the Holy Trinity High Girls Varsity team and will be the Head Coach of the 17U Gale Force Volleyball team.

 Sophie Crummey, a dedicated and passionate individual from Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s, has been deeply engaged in volleyball since her early years. She began playing in grade 7 at Leary’s Brook Junior High and continued developing her skills all the way through high school. Her commitment to the sport extended to club volleyball with the CBS Volleyball Club, where she had the opportunity to compete on a national stage at Volleyball Canada Nationals, a highlight that solidified her love for the game.

Now transitioning into coaching, Sophie contributes her knowledge and enthusiasm to the Holy Trinity High Varsity team alongside Matthew Cooper. Her dedication to developing young athletes is matched by her commitment to her own growth, as she works towards achieving her NCCP Trained Development Coach status.

Currently a French major at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Sophie has aspirations of furthering her education through a Bachelor of Education, aiming to combine her love for teaching with her passion for volleyball. Sophie is excited to share her expertise and love for the sport, inspiring her athletes both on and off the court.

Owen Roberts grew up in central NL, where he played volleyball all throughout his jr. & sr. high years. After graduation, he spent  several years coaching both sr. high boys & girls volleyball. He had the opportunity to both play and coach at multiple provincial tournaments. 

After a few years away from volleyball, Owen recently got reconnected to the game because of his daughter’s love for the sport. He has had the opportunity to go to the last 2 Nationals tournaments in Halifax & Edmonton as the team manager. 

Owen is looking forward to this opportunity to coach with Gale Force Volleyball, and is excited to work with such incredible athletes.