ACES Coaching staff
Coach Tori
Tori McCardell began coaching with ACES Spring 2022. She started playing volleyball at the age of 8 years old at a Houston Parks community center. Coach Tori then went on to play in middle school, becoming captain her first year playing along with being MVP. During this time, she also played in a club league for various teams. Coach Tori won various awards and recognitions such as Outstanding Performance, MVP, League Champion, etc. Outside of volleyball coaching she is a full-time student in college majoring in nursing. Coach Tori brings pure passion and firmness with her coaching style along with open mindedness to expand her knowledge of the sport. She dedicates herself to the sport and the players to shape them into the best volleyball version of themselves.
Coach bailey
Bailey Banks is a dedicated coach that has well over a decade of competitive playing experience from youth to collegiate. She earned a full-ride scholarship to Houston Christian University. She received her Master's of Business Administration all while being a member of the indoor and beach volleyball teams. She received yearly high-performance All-Southland Conference awards and accolades as a leading 6 rotation outside hitter in the conference. She is a native to Missouri City, where she attended Elkins High School in Fort Bend ISD and was on the varsity volleyball team all 4 years. She served two years as team captain, received several MVP and Offensive player district awards. Before her collegiate career, she played club at Houston Juniors Volleyball where she made several Junior National Appearances.
In addition to Bailey’s high-level playing experience, she has over 6 years of coaching experience and counting. Through the duration of her time as a collegiate athlete she coached club, as well as camps and clinics for youth and juniors.
Bailey is an active licensed Realtor. When she is not selling Real Estate or coaching, she is maintaining her volleyball skills on the court and on the sand, traveling, or spending time with her family and friends.
Her philosophy is ingraining in young athletes’ competitiveness, the go getter attitude and aggression in every aspect of the game, it is always easier to reel it in than to pull it out of athletes, especially if they desire to play at a high level.
Coach bre
Coach Bre’ is 20 years old and was born and raised in Sugar Land, TX. Bre’ has been coaching with ACES since 2021. Bre’ started playing volleyball when she was in the middle school in the 7th grade, and played all throughout high school, where she played middle and blocker, and received the honorable mention her junior and senior year, she also started playing club volleyball in the 9th grade and played all they way up until her senior year. Due to covid she was not able to try out for her freshmen/sophomore year.
Bre’ currently attends PV AM and is expected to graduate in May of 2024 and will be obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry.
Bre currently works full-time at the YMCA. She enjoys hanging with her family/friends at sporting events, working out and just making memories.
Sports has prepared her for life in many ways. Its taught discipline, teamwork, and how to handle success and failure. It also taught her how to work hard and stay focused on her goals. Sports has also helped Bre’ develop leadership skills, communication skills, and problem-solving skills.
Bre’ believes that her unique perspective and experience as a former volleyball player and current coach makes her an ideal candidate to help athletes reach their goals. She has a passion for the game and a strong understanding of the technical and tactical aspects of the sport. Bre’ strives to bring a positive and encouraging attitude to her coaching, while also providing clear instruction and feedback to help athletes reach their full potential.
Coach Cori
Coach Cori played volleyball for 12 years for both school and the Houston Juniors Volleyball club. She now plays for Prairie View A&M University, where she is studying to earn a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Playing sports taught her to take every opportunity and accept critiques because it will not only better yourself, but the environment around you as well. Coach Cori emphasizes the importance of clean technique and the dynamic side of volleyball to players. Technique will stick with players for the rest of their volleyball career.
Coach va'jay
Va’Jay Finley has been involved in volleyball for the last 7 years. She began in middle school and continued in high school, as well as basketball. Coach Jay as the girls refer to her, not only coaches' volleyball, but assures ACES players are educated on the rules of sportsmanship, accountability, and collegiate potential. Ms. Finley aims to bring knowledge to a dedicated athlete.
Coach autumn
Coach Autumn has been playing volleyball for 8 years including the YMCA, Middle School and High School as well as Club volleyball. She attends Prairie View A&M University majoring in Health and Wellness.
Playing volleyball has taught Autumn to step out of her comfort zone, the true meaning of teamwork in sports, how to accept constructive criticism, and how to take corrective action according to instructions from coaches. Coach Autumn also focuses on getting the girls to break out of their shells so they can put all their potential out on the court. Not only does this allow the girls to push themselves, but it also gives them confidence that they can do anything they put their minds to.
Coach MonÀ
Coach Monà is a distinguished collegiate volleyball player whose career at Texas Southern University has left an indelible mark on the sport. As a key player for the team, Monà has earned accolades by being consistently named to SWAC All-Conference teams, showcasing an exceptional blend of skill, dedication, and leadership.
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The rigorous demands of collegiate volleyball have not only honed Monà’s athletic abilities but have also imparted valuable life lessons. The discipline, resilience, and teamwork cultivated on the court have prepared Monà to tackle challenges with confidence and determination in every aspect of life. These experiences have shaped Monà into a coach who understands the profound impact that sports can have on personal growth.
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What sets Coach Monà apart is a unique combination of strategic insight, motivational prowess, and a deep empathy for athletes’ journeys. With a focus on holistic development, Mona aims to instill not only technical excellence but also a sense of self-belief and perseverance in those coached. Through personalized guidance and an unwavering commitment to their players' success, Coach Monà seeks to empower athletes to reach their full potential both on and off the court.
Coach taylor
Coach Taylor has been passionate about volleyball since she started playing as a middle schooler. Taylor continued to play until she began to focus on her education while earning her degree from the University of Houston. Taylor currently has a sales career in the oil and gas industry but wanted to continue being proactive in volleyball, which led her to coach at the Fort Bend YMCA.
She has been coaching at the YMCA since 2020 and has had the honor of growing a strong team and taking them to multiple championships each year. In the summer season of 2023, her team was undefeated. She is excited for the opportunity to coach for ACES and is dedicated to the growth and development of every athlete she works with. She hopes that her love for volleyball will inspire athletes of all ages and skill levels to develop the same appreciation for the sport, because where there is passion, there is success
Coach cece
Meet Ce’Loris Arrington who goes by “Coach CeCe.” She is a mother of one and has played volleyball for over a decade. She started with attending volleyball camps in the 4th grade and then played throughout middle and high school obtaining the captain position. She graduated from Hightower HS class of 2017, played club volleyball for Fort Bend Fire and Club Catalyst. She played at the collegiate level at Kentucky Christian University as a setter where the Knights received the NCCAA 2017 National Championship Runner-Up title. She also played for Wiley University as a setter and the Wildcats received 2020 Regional Championship. She started coaching in 2021 and coached at Our Lady of Guadalupe Middle School. Under Coach Cece her team went to second round of playoffs. She currently coaches at Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory (high school) receiving the 2023 TCAL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS RUNNER UP title.
Coach CeCe's coaching style is similar to the way she was taught, with patience and determination with the goal of being able to get the player out of their comfort zone. She pushes her athletes to the limits so they can see what they can truly accomplish. She loves the quote “Hard work beats talent, when talent fails to work hard.”
Coach D
Meet Coach D., a dynamic and passionate volleyball coach born and raised in Houston, Texas. With a lifelong love for the sport, Coach D. began playing volleyball at 12 and went on to become a varsity captain in high school and a collegiate player, majoring in Biology.
As an athlete, Coach D. developed valuable leadership skills, confidence, and discipline that have served her well beyond her playing days. Now, as a coach, she focuses on creating a positive environment that fosters growth, teamwork, and discipline, helping her players reach their full potential.
With a genuine passion for the sport and a desire to share it with others, Coach D. is dedicated to guiding her players toward success, both on and off the court. Her ultimate goal is to empower the next generation of collegiate athletes.
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“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”
Coach Hailè
Coach Hailè has been playing volleyball since 7th grade and was a varsity middle hitter starting her freshman year. With four years of coaching experience — including
helping lead a beach volleyball camp in the Dominican Republic — she brings both skill and passion to every team she works with. She is currently studying Kinesiology to further her understanding of the body and sports performance.
Athletics have shaped her — teaching her perseverance, discipline, and confidence. She strives to pass those same lessons on to her athletes, helping them grow not just as players, but as people.
One of her favorite quotes is by Dwayne Johnson:
“One day or day one. You decide.”
It’s a mindset she lives by and one she hopes to instill in every student she coaches.
Coach Jones
Coach Jones has been playing volleyball since she was in the 6th grade. She is a graduate of Stafford High School and played for Spike Sport Volleyball Club during her high school years. She has played various volleyball positions from outside hitter in middle/high school, to libero in college. Her club volleyball training helped her achieve a volleyball scholarship to Prairie View A&M University. Shortly after graduating from Prairie View A&M University, she began coaching different summer volleyball camps in the Southwest Houston area.
Volleyball has given her the confidence that she uses today as a police officer. She looks forward to teaching girls of all ages how fun the sport of volleyball is and how its principles can give you the confidence needed in life.
Her motto is:
“Discipline, hard work, and fundamentals will take you to the next level in anything you put your mind to.”
Coach AshlEI
Coach Ashlei is originally from Jacksonville, FL, and now calls Houston, TX home as she pursues her dream of becoming a physician at the University of Houston Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine. A lifelong athlete, she played volleyball throughout middle and high school, serving as a two-year captain of her high school team and competing on the Jacksonville AllStar Volleyball Team in 2018.
Coaching with ACES allows Coach Ashlei to combine two of her greatest passions, mentoring young women and sharing her love for the game of volleyball. She understands the importance of discipline, teamwork, and resilience, and she brings that balance of intellect and athletic passion into her coaching. Her goal is to not only sharpen volleyball skills but also to build confidence, leadership, and a growth mindset in every player she mentors. Coach Ashlei strives to create an environment where young women feel empowered to push past limits, support one another, and carry lessons from the game into life.
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She lives by the words of Serena Williams: “The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up.”
Coach Dominique
Coach Dominique has had the privilege of coaching girls' volleyball for four years, working with players aged 10 to 13. During this time, he has been honored to receive the Coach of the Year award, along with three consecutive Runner-Up titles. Volleyball has been a passion of his since childhood. Whether playing at school or competing with family and friends at gatherings, his love for the game has never wavered.
His coaching style is built on three pillars: Develop, Inspire, Win. Winning isn't just about the scoreboard—it's about building confidence, grit, and the drive to take on new challenges. By the end of each season, his mission is to see his players grow—not only from their victories but also from the lessons learned in our setbacks. He aims to instill a positive mindset that will benefit them both on and off the court.
“Great players inspire themselves, but great teams inspire each other."
- Coach Dominique
Coach Dani
Danielle began playing volleyball at 10 years old in Southern California with Rancho Valley Volleyball Club, where she competed through high school and earned a gold medal at the 2017 Junior National Championship. In high school, she served as a two-year team captain and was named MVP as a senior. She later continued her career at Texas Southern University, maintaining a 3.0 GPA throughout both high school and college.
Volleyball has shaped Danielle’s character, teaching her resilience, teamwork, and selflessness while giving her lifelong friendships and experiences. As a coach, she brings a relatable yet experienced perspective. Having played multiple positions, she is able to coach the game from different angles and help athletes understand the demands of the next level. Danielle is committed to continuous learning and studying the sport, and her goal is to develop players on and off the court while preparing them for opportunities beyond youth volleyball.
Coach O.
Our Founder:
Ifoma is a native Houstonian and grew up in Alief, Texas. Fitness is her passion and believes fitness should be a lifestyle.
When in middle and high school she was a three-sporter athlete (Basketball, Track & Field and Volleyball). Ifoma was a NCAA Division I scholarship athlete, 3-time All American (High Jump and Heptathlon) and former Olympic hopeful at the University of Houston. Her career continued after college and in 2005 she was top 20 in the world in the women’s high jump.
Ifoma has worked in youth sports in various positions. She was the coordinator of two youth running series and an outdoor volleyball camp, as well the high jump coach at The Kincaid School.
Ifoma strives to inspire and motivate those around her. She takes the responsibility of training others very seriously. She considers it is an honor as well as a privilege for parents to trust her with their precious assets. She will motivate, encourage and guide athletes to reach their fitness and sports goals.