Director of Communications
Kelsey Stilson (she/her)
Kelsey has spent two decades involved with volleyball and this game is her passion. She began playing in fifth grade and continues to find opportunities to play whenever she can. Her playing career included time at Oregon HS, AVC, and the University of North Florida. Kelsey was honored to be inducted, alongside her team, to the UNF Athletics Hall of Fame class of 2021. Kelsey’s coaching career began in 2013 and she is so grateful to be able to continue the mission of the club where it all began for her. Off the court, Kelsey enjoys spending time with her husband, Eric, and kids, Nick, Lyla, and Avi. As a family, they love to travel and spend time in nature, and they have a goal to visit every national park.
CAP I Certified
Impact Certified
Safe Sport Certified
Key Point to Remember: Team sports are about confidence, leadership, and life skills that go beyond the gym. I hope to pass along my passion for volleyball to the next generation while encouraging them to be the best players, teammates, and people they can be.
Director of Operations
Josie Logan (she/her)
Josie has been involved in the volleyball community for over 15 years. Her love of the game outlasted her athletic career which brought her back to the game as a coach. She has coached many ages of club volleyball and has served at the high school level an assistant varsity coach. Josie enjoys working with athletes to continue fueling their passion for the game, assisting with goal-setting, holding accountability, and having fun through the ups and downs of the game. Court skills are not the only important part to Josie, she also strives to help her athletes prepare for life outside of volleyball and support the goals and ambitions of the individual.
Outside of the gym, Josie enjoys spending time finding adventures with her husband, Paul. They also enjoy hiking, spending time with their families, and trying new recipes.
Impact Certified
Safe Sport Certified
Key Point to Remember: Learning to be comfortable being uncomfortable is where growth happens, both on and off the court. I want to provide a positive and challenging opportunity to develop individuals as athletes AND as young people. I will share my passion of volleyball and along the way share and encourage skills that will bring them success in the future. When asked “how is your team doing,” I want to respond with “I will see in 20 years” because my athletes mean more to me than a winning season.
Sammi Yozamp (she/her)
Sammi brings over ten years of coaching experience and passion to Acers Volleyball Foundation. As a former Acers VBC player, Sammi loves coaching for a club she adored as a player! Sammi has coached youth volleyball in the Wisconsin Dells area and is currently a coordinator and coach for youth volleyball in Waunakee. In the summer, Sammi also coaches with Special Olympics. Off the court, Sammi teaches in the Waunakee Community School District and loves to read. When she's not coaching or teaching she enjoys traveling and spoiling her dog, Tully. Sammi's greatest joy in coaching comes from meeting players where they are and assisting them in achieving more than they thought possible.
CAP I Certified
Impact Certified
Safe Sport Certified
Key Point to Remember: “There is always going to be a reason why you can’t do something; your job is to constantly look for the reasons why you can achieve your dreams.” —Shannon Miller
Rachel Smith (she/her)
Coach Rachel has been coaching with AVC for 12 years. She is also in her second year as the JV1 head coach at Monona Grove High School. Rachel grew up in Oregon, playing at Oregon High School and AVC as a Libero. Fun Fact: she was a member of the very first Acers team! Rachel still plays volleyball as often as she can, as it is a passion for her. Outside of the gym, Rachel is a dental assistant at a root canal specialty office, and a mother to her 14 year old son, Caiden. She is thankful to continue her coaching career with AVC and hopes to continue to make a difference in her athletes’ lives.
CAP I Certified
Impact Certified
Safe Sport Certified
Key Point to Remember: I want to instill a good work ethic and passion for the game in all my players.
Stephanie Garrett (she/her)
Stephanie is a former Acer's VBC player who is now returning as a coach. Stephanie played for Brodhead High School and then attended college at the University of Wisconsin - Madison where she completed her undergraduate education and then earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Stephanie now works as a physical therapist for Stoughton Health. She enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and two dogs.
Impact Certified
Safe Sport Certified
Key Point to Remember: Never forget the reason why you began to play the sport to begin with. Make sure to have fun and keep your mind open to new experiences.
Haley Marks (she/her)
Haley originates from the Green Bay area, where she competed in school and club volleyball. She currently enjoys playing recreational sand volleyball. Haley’s coaching philosophy is built around developing the fundatmentals, motivating players to give their highest possible effort, and requiring a team approach from all players. Day to day, Haley enjoys outdoor activities including disc golf and hiking, and traveling often.
Impact Certified
Safe Sport Certified
Key Point to Remember: Every day is different. Because of that, giving 100% of your effort each day will look different, and that is ok. It’s the discipline to continue giving that effort that will progress you toward your goals.
Our Founder
Carol Smith (she/her)
Carol played at both UW-Green Bay and UW-Madison club and played in leagues for many years from 1979 to 2002. She coached 5th and 6th grade teams in the Madison Area Independent Sports League (MAISL) from 2002-2006. She coached club volleyball from 2005 to 2019, including one year coaching 16s for SE Dane and experience coaching 12s through 16s with Acers. Carol developed our 5th and 6th grade program from scratch and served as the head coach for that program from 2009 to 2019. She is our founding director, starting Acers VBC in 2004 and she continues to enjoy volleyball greatly - but now from the stands.
Impact Certified
Key Point to Remember: Be a student of the game. It is an ever changing game and it is as much a sport of the mind as it is of the body.