Coaches - Stars Volleyball Academy

Head Coach - Molly Xu

Coach Molly is entering her third year as Head Coach at SVA. She has been a competitive volleyball player for over 11 years, serving as a club A-team setter at the University of Maryland, College Park, and playing nine years on travel club teams. In high school, she was a three-year Varsity starter, team captain of her SVA club team, and part of the 3A Regional Championship team in 2022. She was also recognized as the program’s most consistent server, maintaining a 96% accuracy rate—one of the best in school history.

Molly has been coaching for five years, leading SVA summer camps and seasonal clinics while also providing individual coaching that has helped athletes earn spots on their high school JV and Varsity teams. She is known for her dedication, detailed technical instruction, and ability to give individualized feedback to help players grow in both skill and confidence.

As Head Coach, Molly has led SVA teams in highly competitive regional and national tournaments year-round, with teams earning multiple gold and silver medals. Beyond team coaching, she has taught numerous volleyball classes and multiple sessions of summer camps, where she designs creative drills and activities to maximize player development.

Highlights:

-- 11 years of volleyball experience

-- 5 years of coaching experience

-- 9 years of travel club volleyball

-- 3-year Varsity starter and 2022 3A Regional Champion

-- Captain and key player of SVA club team

-- Recognized for 96% serving accuracy (one of the best in program history)

-- Lead coach for 5 years of camps and clinics

-- Coached athletes into JV and Varsity programs

Head Coach - kayla Tomas

Kayla is entering her second year coaching club volleyball in SVA, having led the competitive 17 Spectra team last season. A graduate of the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), she played Division 1 volleyball as a DS/L for four years. Kayla was known for her hustle and defensive skills, helping her team become three-time America East Conference champions and competing in multiple NCAA tournaments against teams like Pepperdine, Pittsburgh, and Penn State. A Silver Spring, MD native, she loves the sport of volleyball and is passionate about mentoring young athletes

- 4 years of coaching experience

- 4 years of playing Division 1 volleyball ( UMBC 2019-2023)

- 8 years of playing club travel volleyball (MVSA, MDJRS, VA Juniors)

- Secured a bid to nationals with the VA Juniors team by winning the Northeast Qualifier in 2018 & 2019

- 4 years of high school varsity volleyball, playing six rotations, primarily as a Libero

- Attended James Hubert Blake High School

- Honorable Mention All-County (2017-2018)

- Selected for the Montgomery County Public School Senior All-Star game (2018)

- Most Valuable Playing of the varsity Team (2017-2019)

- Captain of the Blake Bengal (2017-2019)

Coach - kyra Feinauer

- Coach Kyra is entering her second year as a club volleyball coach.

- Four years of experience coaching skills oriented, pre-high school and interest volleyball camps. Also four years of experience coaching SMCM college volleyball interest camps and assisting in recruitment.

- Played on B-CCs girls varsity volleyball team for four years and competed at the elite level for seven years with MVSA, CVC and MDJRs. Graduated from St. Mary’s College of Maryland in 2023, where she was a pin hitter for the women’s varsity volleyball team.

Coach - Joshua Dang

Coach Josh is in his third year at the University of Maryland, College Park, where he plays on the Men’s Club Volleyball team. With a background as a high school Varsity captain and four-year letter recipient, Josh brings both leadership and technical expertise to his role as coach.

Josh has been an active member of Stars Volleyball Academy, coaching at summer camps, seasonal clinics, and private lessons. He is dedicated to helping players improve their technique, strengthen their confidence, and reach their individual goals. His coaching style blends detailed technical instruction with positive energy, creating a supportive environment where athletes can develop as both players and teammates.

Highlights:

Coach for SVA summer camps, clinics, and private lessons
Current Men’s Club Volleyball player at the University of Maryland
4 years of high school and club volleyball experience
Team captain at Sherwood High School (2022–2023)
4-time Varsity letter recipient
Skilled in volleyball technique, drills, game strategy, and player development

Coach - Mo Sowe

Mo Sowe, a junior at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) studying Information systems. He’s been the starting middle for UMBC’s Men’s Club Volleyball A Team also holding an executive board position. Last Season his team placed 9th in the Gold Bracket at the 2024 NCVF National Tournament.

For the past two years He has also served as an assistant coach player for UMBC’s NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Team, gaining valuable high-level training experience. In addition he has coached clinics with SVA. He has developed a passion for teaching and mentoring athletes.

Mo brings energy, encouragement, and focus on growth. His goal is to helps players not only improve their volleyball skills but also gain confidence and enjoy the sport as much as he does.

Head Coach - Guy Saltsman

Coach Guy has been involved in MoCo volleyball for many years, aiding in camps, workshops, private lessons and more. Coach Guy enjoys teaching and promoting volleyball to others to share his love for the sport. His goal is to continue to share his knowledge of the game with others and to continue getting better as a coach.

- 5 years of coaching experience

- 2nd year with SVA

- 2 years as senior captain in high school

- Placed 2nd 2022 Maryland Varsity Boys state finals

- Placed 2nd 2023 Maryland Varsity Boys state finals

- Current starting Right Side for UMD men’s club volleyball

- 6 years volleyball experience

Coach - Arjun Chun

- 2 years of coaching experience

- Current starting setter for UMD Men’s Club Volleyball

- 2 years of club volleyball experience at UMD

- 5 years of club volleyball experience at Mountain View Volleyball Club (NCVA)

- 7 years of total volleyball experience

- Medaled - AAU New Jersey State Championship (2024) / Stars Volleyball Academy / 15-Nova Team

- 1st Place - ECVA DII Central Division Tournament (2024) / UMD Men’s Club Volleyball / B Team

- Volleyball League Champions (2021-2022) - EVHS Boys Varsity Volleyball / Blossom Valley Athletic League / Santa Teresa Division

- Volleyball All-League Second Team (2020-2021) - EVHS Boys Varsity Volleyball / Blossom Valley Athletic League / Santa Teresa Division

- 1st Place - NCVA Boys’ Far Westerns Volleyball Tournament (2020) / Mountain View Volleyball Club / 14-Black Team

- 2nd Place - NCVA Boys’ Far Westerns Volleyball Tournament (2022) / Mountain View Volleyball Club / 16-Black Team

- 3rd Place - SoCal Cup Winter Formal Volleyball Tournament (2022) / Mountain View Volleyball Club / 17-Black Team

- Coaches Recognition Award for Resilience, Competitiveness, and Community / Mountain View Volleyball Club (2023)

Head Coach - Kelsey Tomas

Kelsey Tomas, is a 2022 graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park. Kelsey attended James Hubert Blake High School, where she made the Girls Varsity Volleyball team as a freshman. She was a starting player throughout her high school career, primarily playing as a setter and served as team captain during her junior and senior years. Additionally, Kelsey played and traveled with her volleyball club team for six years. Her leadership experience extends beyond the court, as she was the president of her college dance team, further enhancing her teamwork and leadership skills.

Coach - Luc Bartusek

Luc is a senior at the University of Maryland, College Park, pursuing a degree in Computer Science. He has four years of experience in volleyball, competing in indoor, grass, beach, and 9-man tournaments. Currently, Luc serves as the starting outside/middle blocker for the A team of the UMD Men’s Club Volleyball, where he also holds an executive board position. In the previous season, his team earned a bid to the Eastern Collegiate Volleyball Association Tournament and achieved a top 10 finish in the gold bracket at the NCVF National Tournament. Additionally, Luc has two years of coaching experience and is dedicated to elevating his players' performance to the next level.

Coach - Adeeb Mashriqui

Adeeb, a dedicated sophomore at the University of Maryland majoring in Computer Science and Math, brings a wealth of volleyball experience to his new coaching role. His journey began in high school, where he not only excelled as a middle and right side player for the Annapolis Volleyball Club but also made significant contributions as the founder of Centennial High School’s Volleyball Club. In this role, Adeeb crafted innovative drills and mentored aspiring players, showcasing his exceptional coaching ability.

During his high school years, Adeeb served as the Manager for the Girls Volleyball Team, collaborating closely with experienced Coach Michael Bossom. Under their leadership, the team achieved remarkable success, securing both Regional and County titles during Adeeb’s Junior and Senior years.

Now in his inaugural season as a coach at SVA, Adeeb is thrilled to bring his extensive expertise and passion for the sport to the team, eager to foster their development and drive them toward success throughout the season.

Coach - Maryam Haider

Maryam is entering her 2nd year of coaching in SVA. She currently a sophomore at the University of Maryland, College Park and plans to join their volleyball clubs as well. She has been playing volleyball for four years, and gained a lot of experience through club. She has played for Maryland juniors 16s and Stars Volleyball academy 18s team. She has 3+ years of coaching experience for summer clinics and beginner and intermediate volleyball classes for SVA. With her experience, she’s able to plan and execute efficient drills and practices that cover all positions of volleyball players. She works well with leading and guiding big groups and is able to give advice to players one on one for individual improvement. She has participated in regional and national tournaments for 3 years through both SVA and MDJRS.

Head Coach - David Le

David Le is entering his 2nd year of club coach with SVA. He currently a junior at the University of Maryland, College Park, playing as an opposite and outside hitter for the Men’s Club Volleyball Team for two years.

David has been playing volleyball for four years, participating and travelling across the nation for various clubs and teams, such as the DC Maryland Volleyball Program’s 9-man team, Philadelphia CIA, and UMD’s FCA D6 and VSA volleyball teams. In high school, David was the captain of his volleyball team and earned distinctions as the team’s MVP and Offensive Player of the Year.

With his passion for the sport and experience in leadership roles, he is committed to coaching young players to achieve their full potential, providing the fundamentals and confidence they need to thrive both on and off the court.

Coach - Jack McDermott

Jack is a senior at the University of Maryland, College Park, where he is a starting outside hitter for the Men’s Club Volleyball Team. Jack has been actively involved in the volleyball community for several years, participating in indoor tournaments, as well as grass, beach, and 9man. With a passion for the sport and a commitment to sharing his knowledge, Jack enjoys helping players develop their skills and understanding of the game both individually and as a team. With his experience and enthusiasm, Jack is dedicated to sharing his knowledge of the game and helping others succeed on the court.

Head Coach - Nikky Duong

-- 2nd year of team coach with SVA

-- Junior at the University of Maryland, College Park.

-- 6 years of experience in volleyball, competing in and winning tournaments.

-- Playing at his university’s club team as a defense specialist.

-- Captained team in practice and matches, providing leadership.

-- Supported coaches by demonstrating techniques and drills for teammate learning

Floater Coach - Gunny Viragi

Gunny is a senior at the University of Maryland, College Park, pursuing a degree in Computer Science. He has four years of experience in volleyball, competing in and winning indoor 6s and grass tournaments. For the past 2 years, Gunny has been playing at his university’s club team as a setter and was appointed as captain of his team after showing his dedication to the team and organizing practices and effective drills, leading to many top 3 finishes in tournaments.

Gunny has a passion for spreading his love of volleyball, as he regularly organizes scrimmages for his university.

- 3 Wins at collegiate level volleyball tournaments

- 2 Wins at the intramural league level

- 4 years of volleyball experience at the collegiate level

Floater Coach - Niti Rao

-2 years of coaching experience with SVA summer camps and clinics.

-Intramural with club team, won first place in intramural - play for fall and winter.

-Won MVP award freshman and junior year of volleyball career.

-Played at CVA and MDJRS.

-9 years of volleyball playing experience.

-3 years as libero in Stars Volleyball Academy club team.

-Played for all 4 years Varsity- 2 years Jv in Mount Hebron Volleyball Team.

Coaching Director & Coach - Frank Xu

Established the Stars Volleyball Academy in 2019, steering its growth and overseeing all coaching activities.

Directed the coaching strategies and development programs for athletes aged 16-18, leading them to achieve significant success in multiple tournaments, including earning several medals.

Spearheaded the organization and management of volleyball clinics and summer camps, significantly enhancing player skills and performance since 2018.

Fostered a team-oriented environment, guiding the club teams through practices, strategic game play, and tournaments, starting in 2017.

Key Achievements:

Successfully led the 16s, 17s, and 18s club teams to numerous tournament victories and medal placements, demonstrating effective team leadership and coaching acumen.

Cultivated a comprehensive volleyball academy from the ground up, which now stands as a beacon for youth volleyball training and competitive success.

Implemented innovative coaching techniques and strategies, resulting in marked improvement in player performance and competitive standings.