Our Coaching Staff

THE PEOPLE
BEHIND LVA

Olympic athletes, international professionals, and dedicated mentors — united by a passion for developing the next generation of volleyball players and leaders.

75+
Combined Years Experience
2
Olympic Coaches
20+
International Medals
Leadership

CLUB LEADERSHIP

The family behind Luna Volleyball Academy.

Carlos Luna
CARLOS LUNA
Co-Owner / Director
Leads player and coaching development, and club vision.
Greymar Patino de Luna
GREYMAR PATINO DE LUNA
Co-Owner / General Manager
Oversees club operations, team management, and ensures LVA runs smoothly on and off the court.
Gineth Patino
GINETH PATINO
Administrator
Manages registrations, communications, and family support to keep our LVA community connected.
Coaching Staff

LEARN FROM THOSE
WHO'VE BEEN THERE

75+ combined years of international, professional, and collegiate volleyball experience.

Coach Carlos Luna
LVA 15 Elite Performance & LVA 15 Elite Red Head Coach
COACH CARLOS LUNA
Founder & Director
2008 Beijing Olympics Pan-Am Gold Medalist 20+ Int'l Medals 15-Year International Pro Author: Fundamentals Under Pressure

Coach Carlos brings elite international experience to every athlete at LVA. After competing at the highest levels of volleyball including the 2008 Beijing Olympics and winning gold at the 2003 Pan-American Games, he founded Luna Volleyball Academy to share Olympic-level training with young athletes in the DFW Metroplex. With a proven track record of teaching, coaching, and mentoring elite athletes for over a decade, Carlos has expanded his impact beyond the court as the author of Fundamentals Under Pressure, founder of Luna Online Volleyball Academy and the Wise Parent Circle Community, and as a sought-after speaker and consultant. His philosophy centers on developing complete athletes who excel both on and off the court.

"I don't just want players to execute skills — I want them to understand the game at a deeper level and carry those lessons into life."

Coach Leonard Colina
LVA 15 Elite White & LVA 14 National Red Head Coach
COACH LEONARD COLINA
Head Coach
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Qualifier FIVB Beach World Tour 20+ Years Int'l Experience Beach & Indoor Expertise

Coach Leo is one of the most sought-after private coaches in the DFW Metroplex, known for his exceptional ability to develop players at every level. With decades of international indoor and beach volleyball experience including competing at the highest levels on the FIVB World Tour for several years, he brings a rare global perspective to athlete development. His unique blend of beach and indoor expertise creates well-rounded athletes who are prepared to compete anywhere.

"I want athletes to think, move, and grow like professionals — whether they're on sand or hardwood."

Coach Joelle Zurilgen
LVA 15 National Red Head Coach
COACH JOELLE ZURILGEN
Head Coach
17+ Years Coaching Collegiate Libero/DS Multi-Position Background Libero & Defensive Specialist

Coach Joelle brings over 17 years of coaching experience and a versatile playing background to LVA. Having competed as an outside hitter, setter, and defensive specialist before transitioning to libero at the collegiate level, she offers athletes a well-rounded understanding of every position on the court. Since joining LVA in 2022, Coach Joelle has progressed through multiple roles and currently leads LVA 15 National Red. She specializes in libero and defensive development, with a strong focus on serving, ball control, and building volleyball IQ.

"I find the greatest fulfillment in watching players grow both as athletes and individuals. My goal is to help shape their confidence, mindset, and love for the game."

Coach Kathleen Trotter
LVA 15 National White, LVA 14 National White & 14 Metro Head Coach
COACH KATHLEEN TROTTER
National Head Coach
15 Years Coaching D2 Athlete (Cabrini University) Gold Medal Squared Certified NFHS Certified (Levels 1-3)

Coach Kathleen brings 15 years of coaching experience across middle school, high school, and club levels to LVA. A former Division 2 athlete at Cabrini University, she combines her competitive playing background with extensive coaching certifications to develop well-rounded athletes. Her approach focuses on maximizing every training opportunity while building relationships based on mutual respect and trust.

"I believe in challenging players to strive for excellence while building confidence both on and off the court through effective communication and empathetic leadership."

Coach Kinsleigh Vranish
LVA 12 Regional Head Coach & 16 National Assistant Coach
COACH KINSLEIGH VRANISH
Head Coach
9+ Years Coaching UT Austin (2012 Championship Staff) First Team All-District All-City Selection

Coach V brings a unique combination of playing honors and championship-level experience to LVA. After earning First Team All-District and All-City recognition in high school, she joined the University of Texas volleyball staff during their 2012 national championship run — an experience that shaped her coaching philosophy. With nine years of coaching across club and school settings, Coach V is dedicated to developing athletes both on and off the court.

"My goal is to inspire athletes to believe in themselves. We don't just improve skills — we foster a positive mindset that helps players reach their full potential."

Coach Ethan Hays
LVA 13 National & LVA 16 National Head Coach
COACH ETHAN HAYS
Head Coach
Coach of the Year (2022) 20-3 Record / League Champions State Tournament Univ. of Nebraska Volleyball

Coach Ethan brings a proven track record of success to LVA. As Head Boys Volleyball Coach at Stargate Charter School in Colorado, he led his team to a 20-3 record, an undefeated league championship, and a state tournament appearance — earning Coach of the Year honors in 2022. His experience as a team manager with the University of Nebraska volleyball program provided invaluable exposure to elite Division I training methods. Driven by his faith and family, he brings purpose and passion to every practice.

"I believe in developing confident athletes who don't just play the game but also understand it and know how to lead within a team."

Coach Daniela Rojas
LVA 15 National Red & LVA 15 Elite Red Assistant Coach
COACH DANIELA ROJAS
Assistant Coach
Bogotá League (4 Years) Libero Specialist Wizard Club de Voleibol Defensive Skills Expert

Coach Daniela brings a deep passion for volleyball and athlete development to LVA. She began playing at age 10 and spent four years competing in the Bogotá League as a libero, where she developed strong defensive skills and exceptional court awareness. She continued her volleyball journey with Wizard Club de Voleibol in Bogotá, gaining valuable competitive experience. Coach Daniela's mission goes beyond developing better players — she is committed to supporting young girls in their personal and spiritual growth.

"My goal goes beyond volleyball — I want to help young athletes grow as players while building character, confidence, and a deeper relationship with God."

Coach Todd Darland
LVA 14 National Red & LVA 15 Elite Performance Assistant Coach
COACH TODD DARLAND
Assistant Coach
7 Years Competitive Play Club Volleyball Background Player Development Focus Growth Mindset Advocate

Coach Todd brings seven years of competitive volleyball experience to LVA. A dedicated student of the game, he is committed to sharing his knowledge and experience with young athletes to help them grow both as players and individuals. His quiet, focused approach creates a supportive learning environment where athletes can develop confidence and reach their full potential.

"Focus on the next point, not the last one. I believe in always striving to reach your goals."

Coach Sophia
LVA 14 National White & LVA 15 National White Assistant Coach
COACH SOPHIA
Assistant Coach
11 Years Playing Experience Collegiate Athlete 3-Year Varsity Letterman Private Lessons Instructor

Coach Sophia brings 11 years of playing experience across club, high school varsity, and collegiate volleyball to LVA. As a three-year varsity letterman and former college athlete, she combines deep knowledge of the game with a genuine passion for player development. Now coaching in the same city where her volleyball journey began, Coach Sophia uses her perspective as a young coach to build trust, connection, and accountability with her athletes.

"Hard work builds skill. Belief builds champions."

Coach Lance Benas
LVA 15 Regional Assistant Coach
COACH LANCE BENAS
Assistant Coach
Current SMU Club Player 3 Years Playing Collegiate Athlete First-Year Coach

Coach Lance brings a fresh perspective and current playing experience to LVA. As an active member of the SMU club volleyball team, he understands firsthand what today's young athletes need to compete at the next level. His coaching philosophy focuses on building disciplined, confident, and respectful athletes who compete hard and support each other every day.

"I coach to develop disciplined, confident, and respectful athletes who compete hard, support each other, and strive to improve every day."

Coach Don Sias
Flight School & Performance Training
COACH DON SIAS
Performance Training Coordinator
Certified Adult & Youth Trainer Injury Prevention Specialist Athletic Literacy Expert Multi-Sport Performance

Coach Don brings a multidisciplinary background to support athletes across a variety of sports, ages, and abilities. Certified for adult and youth athletes, he focuses on injury prevention and athletic literacy, helping athletes build athleticism that translates across sports. He currently coaches national qualifying volleyball athletes, championship qualifying OCR athletes, military personnel, and kids and adults of all ages moving for the love of it.

"We set goals and push ourselves to achieve them, but the journey is the reward. You will find me on the court and in the gym with anyone who desires to pursue what 'best' means to them."

Our Approach

WHAT MAKES LVA
COACHING DIFFERENT

🌎

INTERNATIONAL METHODOLOGY

Training methods refined through decades of international competition, adapted for developing American athletes.

📈

DEVELOPMENT OVER TROPHIES

We measure success by athlete growth — players who make higher teams, earn college offers, and become leaders.

💎

CHARACTER FIRST

Volleyball is our tool for building people. Discipline, resilience, and integrity are taught alongside skills.

INTERESTED IN
COACHING AT LVA?

We're always looking for coaches who share our values and passion for developing young athletes. Join a team with 75+ years of combined experience.

VIEW COACHING OPPORTUNITIES →