2023/24 Boys Coaches -Under Construction
McKayla Ferris
Mindfulness Coach
and
U17/18 Hybrid Head Beach Coach
McKayla Ferris is entering her 4th year with Kōkua. McKayla recently finished her first year as Volunteer Assistant Coach with Gonzaga University’s indoor volleyball program. Prior to joining the staff at Gonzaga, McKayla spent her fifth year of NCAA D1 volleyball eligibility competing on the top team for No. 12 ranked Loyola Marymount Beach Volleyball Team. While there, she received All-WCC First Team honors and nomination for the WCC Female Student-Athlete Sportsmanship Award. McKayla spent all four years of her indoor career as a six rotation outside hitter at Gonzaga University. Individually, she achieved the goal of surpassing 1,000 career kills while also being recognized for her commitment to academics as a two-time WCC All-Academic First Team member and two-time WCC All-Academic Honorable Mention.
Throughout her collegiate career she has participated in numerous ERVA beach events, several AVPnext tournaments, the 2016 USAV Beach HP Championships and the AVP tour. She had the opportunity to study under many FIVB and AVP legends including John Mayor, Betsi Flint, Diane Nelson, Billy Allen, Stafford Slick, Stanford Beach Head Coach, Andrew Fuller, and Hawaii Beach Associate Coach, Evan Silberstein. She is very excited to join the Kokua ohana and play a part in their mission to grow this amazing game!
A note from our Mindfulness Coach:
The modern world has our brains abuzz. From social media, to iPhones, to late-night Netflix binges, our minds are always in over-drive. Mindfulness practice is one of the most powerful tools that can help us slow down, live in the moment, and find a peaceful energy within ourselves.
A combination of intentional breathing, positive thinking and visualization exercises will not only unlock the key to better athletic performance but will also lead to a decrease in stress and anxiety, an improvement in concentration and strengthening of relationships. I look forward working with Kokua Volleyball Club as we navigate the benefits of mindfulness practice together!
What does mindfulness mean to you?
U12 Head Coach
Bio Coming
U14 Assistant Coach
U14 Assistant Coach
U12 Assistant Coach
Bio Coming
U14 Head Coach
Matt Mischke
U16 Assistant Coach
Matt grew up in spokane and graduated from Deer Park HS. He has played multiple team sports throughout the years along with competing at a high level of snow skiing at an early age. He has played volleyball for 20+ years including mens and coed indoor leagues and tournaments. His favorite to this date are the years of playing beach volleyball with his kids at seaside.
He has coached many different sports over the years of raising 5 children. The last few years has been full of backyard volleyball training for the 2 youngest kids that are still living at home (Titus 14 & Davie 16). He has seen their passion grow for the sport of volleyball and has been a huge part of their training throughout the years and wants to extend that to other kids. Matt and his wife Kim enjoy traveling to the kids out of state volleyball tournaments and turning them into week long family vacations.
Matt is very passionate about helping grow young male athletes into solid men by growing their character on and off the court along with their athletic ability. Matt believes that Sports teach so many useful life tools and lessons which gives kids an opportunity to become physically and mentally strong while teaching them how to navigate friendships, partnerships, and teamwork. He believes that competition teaches life lessons that these kids will use for years to come. Matt is very excited to be a part of the Kokua family that his kids have been training and playing with for the last few years.
Koa Diorec
U18 Assistant Coach
Coach Koa Diorec brings a unique philosophy to the volleyball court - "Embrace the suck." Currently in his third season as the U18's indoor boys' volleyball assistant coach, Coach Koa's approach to the game reflects his unwavering commitment to resilience and perseverance.
Hailing from Kenai, Alaska, Coach Koa's journey in volleyball began early, with his upbringing immersed in the sport. His coaching career took shape as an assistant coach with Kōkua U18's, where he discovered his love for mentoring young athletes.
Coach Koa's coaching style is characterized by his hands-on approach. He thrives on working alongside the players, leading by example, and instilling the values of grit and determination. His passion for the game and dedication to embracing challenges make him an invaluable asset to the U18's indoor boys' volleyball team.
Mark Felchlin
U18 Coach
Kuni Diorec
U18 Coach
Philosophy – “Better the person, better the ball with trusting, respectful, and learning culture”
Coach Kuni serves as the U18’s indoor boys volleyball coach on his fourth season. Originally from Molokai Hawaii, coach Kuni was raised in a volleyball centered family. USAV CAP Level III coach, NCCP Level II coach. He started his coaching career as an assistant coach for Outrigger Canoe club Team Maka’ala U19 jr men from 1989 to 1993. Kenai Central High School in 1997 and at the same time was awarded the head coach for FIVB U19 team for Team Alaska where he held three consecutive gold medals followed by three silver medals and one bronze medal in the Arctic Winter Games. The FIVB coach experience has allowed Coach Kuni the opportunity to learn more styles of volleyball from Russia, Canada, Europe, and United States. Coach Kuni second passion is developing firefighters and Rescuers. He has been a Fire Fighter since 1990 and has held the position of Emergency Response Chief for 15 years. He models both of his passions to develop and enhance men to be better people, high performance teammates, servant leaders, and assist “KoKua” their communities.
Coach Kuni and his family have now planted roots in Post Falls Idaho and have found a great volleyball family with KoKua. His mission is to assist with growing the sport of boys’ volleyball with the same family values that guided him of Trust, Respect, Accountability, and “Kuleana Ko Kakou” (All of our Responsibility).
Coach Kuni has a beautiful wife of 21 years Lysa, son KuKoa 20, daughter Courtney 27, and son Brandon 30.
Chan Esperas
Club Director
Bio Coming