COACHES AND STAFF
Barry Wheeler
18 National Navy Head Coach
Originally from Flint, MI Coach Wheeler has 34 years combined experience in coaching/teaching at the college, high school, and club levels, with 17 years at the NAIA and NCAA DII level. Coach Wheeler received his BA from Harding University, MSS from United States Sports Academy, MEd from Southwest Baptist University, and is USA CAP II certified. Married to Lynette (1986), Barry has 3 children (Logan, Brandtly, and Lauren) and 5 grandchildren.
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HS/College Awards and Accomplishments:
Conference Coach of the Year (3x)
MHSVCA Class 2 Coach of the Year
Rochester University Shinsky Hall of Fame
National Champion (2x)
Missouri Class 2 State Champion
Conference Champion (4x)
District Champion (4x)
State Quarterfinalist (3x)
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Club Awards and Accomplishments:
Regional Champion (2x)
Lonestar National Qualifier Champion
USAV Girls National Championship participant
Mizuno Easterland Qualifier 3rd place
Mid-East National Qualifier Top 10
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Deirdre Smith
17 National Navy Head Coach
Deirdre grew up playing both soccer and volleyball all four years of high school. She was First Team All-Northern for soccer and volleyball, and was the league MVP, team MVP, and top server. Deirdre went on to play volleyball at Evangel and was voted the Most Improved Player in 1993. She graduated college with a degree in physical education and obtained a Masters in Education with an emphasis in Physical Education from Missouri State University. Deirdre has an extensive coaching career, having coached Varsity volleyball at Springfield Catholic, JV volleyball at Parkview High School, middle school volleyball at Reed Middle School, and currently is going into her fourth season as the varsity coach at Hillcrest High School. Coach Smith has coached for Club Bear/Apex for 21 years and the last two took her teams to the GJNC's. Deirdre is CAP 2 Certified and has attended gold medal square coaches' training.
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Favorite Quote: "Most people get excited about games, but i've got to be excited about practice because that's my classroom" -Pat Summit
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Chris Smith
17 National Navy Assistant
Bio Coming Soon
Rachel Watson
17 National Navy Assistant
Bio coming soon
Kennedy Atkinson
17 National Red Head Coach
Kennedy grew up in Willard, MO where she attended Willard High School and graduated in 2018. While in high school, Kennedy played volleyball on the varsity team all 4 years and gained a great deal of knowledge of the game while building lifelong relationships throughout her high school career. Following high school, she continued her volleyball career at College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, MO as an OH. In the fall she will be attending Missouri State University pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Kennedy also played competitive club volleyball for 7 years. Coach Atkinson is excited to create more relationships and memories as a coach for Apex!
McKenna Miller
17 National Red Ast Coach
McKenna grew up in Rogersville, Mo where she attended Logan-Rogersville High School and graduated in 2018. McKenna played volleyball all 4 years of high school, where she played varsity the last 3 years of high school. McKenna was the setter for the Rogersville team, where she lead the team to 3 district championships, 3 COC conference championships, and 1 final 4. Following high school, she attended College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, MO as a S/DS. In the winter of 2019, she decided to transfer to Evangel University where she played as the setter her sophomore year. McKenna is now at Evangel University and Cox College pursuing a degree in nursing. This is McKenna’s 2nd year at Apex and 4th year coaching club. She is so excited to form relationships with these girls and coach in a competitive club!
Kiley Alumbaugh
16 National Navy Head Coach
Kiley attended Willard High School and played Club Bear volleyball during her time as a high school athlete. She continued her education and volleyball career at Evangel University where she majored in Early Childhood Education. She also received her Masters in Literacy through Missouri State University. She coached club volleyball for Club Bear during her collegiate career until she moved from Springfield to pursue a teaching job. She has coached volleyball for numerous age groups over the past 10 years. She is currently a Kindergarten teacher and a Momma to her one-year-old, Hattie. She is excited to build relationships and watch her players grow and develop.
Emily Moore
16 National Red Head Coach
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Emily attended Aurora High School and graduated in 2018. She was a three-sport athlete in volleyball, basketball, and track. In high school, she helped her volleyball team win Districts three of the four years, and she earned several different district and conference honors as a 6 rotation OH. After high school, she continued to play volleyball at Missouri State University - West Plains as a Libero. There her team won Regionals her sophomore year. Over the years, Emily has gained knowledge of the game from several different coaches and mentors. Currently she is coaching at Central High School as the freshman coach and attending Missouri State University where she is studying to be a Physical Education teacher. Coach Emily is super excited to create memories this coming season!
Paige Huddleston
16 Regional Navy Head Coach
Bio coming soon
Trisha Rapien
16 Regional Navy Assistant Coach
Bio coming soon
Caira Dortch
15 National Navy Head Coach
Director of Player and Coach Development
Recruiting Coordinator
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Dortch is in her 3rd year at Apex Volleyball Club as Recruiting Coordinator/Director of Coach and Player Development Coordinator. Dortch will also be working with The Art of Coaching Volleyball. LLC for the upcoming 2023 Coaching Clinic Series in addition to her roles with Apex Volleyball.
Dortch recently spent 6 seasons (2014-2020) as the Head Coach at NCAA D-II, Southwest Baptist University. During her time at SBU, there were 9 All-MIAA recognition and 46 MIAA Academic Honor Roll recognition. She also guided the team to an AVCA team-academic award in 2017 and 2018.
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Previous to SBU, Dortch spent three seasons (2011-2014) as the assistant coach at Drury University. At Drury, Dortch primarily trained the Defense and Outside Hitters. She helped lead the volleyball team to their first ever GLVC conference tournament win in 2011. Dortch coached multiple All-Conference and Academic All-Conference players while at Drury.
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In 2009, Dortch was the Assistant Varsity/Head JV Coach at Evangel and helped lead the team to a 28-9 record and a berth in the NAIA National Tournament.
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Dortch graduated in 2009 from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in French. She played volleyball for Arkansas from 2005-2006; 2008 where she was a setter and defensive specialist. Dortch went on to receive her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Evangel University in 2011.
Caira currently resides in Springfield, Missouri with her husband Jarrod and two daughters, Addisyn (11) and Evyn (5).
Courtney Jackson
15 Regional Navy Head Coach
Courtney has played volleyball for 7 years before beginning her coaching career. She graduated from Hillcrest High School, where she played volleyball all four years. She has been a coach for Apex/Club Bear for 5 years now. She has coached 10's, 12's, 13's, and 16's. Along with coaching club, Courtney has coached middle school volleyball for two years, one at Hickory Hills and one season at Ash Grove. She will be teaching sixth grade reading and writing in Bois D’Arc this year. She has been married and living in Strafford for a year now with her husband and dog, Lila. Coach Jackson's goals as a coach are to give every player a chance to love the game and improve their skills while building teamwork. Courtney says, "I strive to be like Proverbs 21:35 “She is clothed in strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the future.”
Lindsey Barton
15 Regional Red Head Coach
Lindsey grew up in the small town of Hillsboro, Missouri which is just south of St. Louis. She grew up playing volleyball since the age of 13 in the combination of church leagues, club, and with her mother. She also played on the Hillsboro school team starting her 7th grade year through her senior year. Barton has also been apart of many club teams in the St. Louis area. She specialized in defense, but also has experience with outside/right side positions in the front row and setting.
After graduating high school, Lindsey took her volleyball career to Jefferson College, which was a local community college in her area. She played there for two years then transferred to Southwest Baptist University to finish off her career. Lindsey graduated from SBU with a Bachelor’s degree in General Biology, and is still attending SBU as a part of their Doctorate of Physical Therapy program.
Lindsey has helped with many clinics and camps not only through APEX, but through out her career playing volleyball. This will be Lindsey’s second year with APEX.
Kyle Miller
15 Regional Blue Head Coach
Bio Coming soon
Taegan Hadlock
15 Regional White Head Coach
Bio Coming soon
Griffin Heller
15 Regional White Assistant Coach
Bio Coming soon
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Ashton Wildermuth
14 National Navy Head Coach
Ashton grew up in Willard, MO where she attended Willard High School and graduated in 2020. Ashton played volleyball all 4 years of high school and 2 of those years playing at the varsity level. Ashton was the setter for Willard Tigers, where she led the team to 2 district championships, 2 COC championships, and 1 final four. She was a 2x all-state setter, 2x all district, 2x all-conference and Ozone setter of the year. Following high school, she attended Missouri State - West Plains in West Plains, MO as a setter where her team ended 9th in the National tournament. She has gained a lot of knowledge of the game over the years. She is currently coaching at Clever High School. In the fall she will be attending Missouri State University to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Entertainment Management. Ashton also played competitive club volleyball for 6 years and went to the National tournament for 4 of those years. This is Ashton’s first year coaching at Apex and is super excited to create new relationships and make memories with the Apex family!
Bayli Duran
14 Regional Navy Head Coach
Bio coming Soon
Rylee Moseman
14 Regional Red Head Coach
Rylee graduated from Republic High School in 2020. She earned several different district and conference honors as a 6 rotation setter and right-side hitter. After high school, Rylee continued her volleyball career and attended Neosho County Community College where she spent 2 seasons. In Rylee's freshman year she and her team earned the first district title for the college volleyball team in history while Rylee was ranked 3rd nationally in assists as a setter. She gained her love for the sport by playing for Club Bear from the ages of 12-18 and has a lot of respect for this club. She has gained a lot of knowledge about this sport and is super excited to pursue this knowledge and love for volleyball with others. Recently she just ended playing her last year of volleyball and will be entering her first year of coaching. She is very excited to see everyone continue to get better and create memories with her team!
Barry Wheeler
14 Regional Blue Head Coach
Originally from Flint, MI Coach Wheeler has 34 years combined experience in coaching/teaching at the college, high school, and club levels, with 17 years at the NAIA and NCAA DII level. Coach Wheeler received his BA from Harding University, MSS from United States Sports Academy, MEd from Southwest Baptist University, and is USA CAP II certified. Married to Lynette (1986), Barry has 3 children (Logan, Brandtly, and Lauren) and 5 grandchildren.
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HS/College Awards and Accomplishments:
Conference Coach of the Year (3x)
MHSVCA Class 2 Coach of the Year
Rochester University Shinsky Hall of Fame
National Champion (2x)
Missouri Class 2 State Champion
Conference Champion (4x)
District Champion (4x)
State Quarterfinalist (3x)
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Club Awards and Accomplishments:
Regional Champion (2x)
Lonestar National Qualifier Champion
USAV Girls National Championship participant
Mizuno Easterland Qualifier 3rd place
Mid-East National Qualifier Top 10
Brooke Cowherd
14 Regional White Head Coach
Bio coming soon
Kaley Thigpen
14 Regional Gray Head Coach
Bio coming soon
Abbie Lane
13 National Navy Head Coach
This is Coach Lane's third year coaching at Apex. Last season her 12 National Navy team finished 42 in the National division at the GJNC. This is the top division for 12's to compete at nationals. Abbie was a former collegiate volleyball player at the University of Kansas, she will bring not only years of experience on the court but also will be leading our athletes in sports performance training clinics. Abbie is a Certified Youth Exercise Specialist and NASM Certified Personal Trainer. The training programs will focus on helping our athletes become more dynamic and efficient while educating the importance of total boy control and strength.
Abbie was the head coach at St. Teresa’s Academy in Kansas City for 6 years before moving to Springfield with her husband and 3 children. While in KC, she also coached for the MAVS organization and led her 12-1 team to the National finals.
Carly DeBriyn
13 Regional Navy Head Coach
Carly attend Clever High School and graduated in 2020. In high school, she played volleyball and ran track. She was on the varsity team all 4 years playing 6 rotations 3 of those 4 years. She earned several awards including, 4x academic all-state, 3x all-conference, 3x all-districts and all-state. Carly played volleyball for 10 years before deciding she wanted to showcase her passion for volleyball through coaching. After high school, she continued her education at Missouri State University studying Entertainment Management. She plans to get a Masters in Business Administration following graduation. This is Carly’s second year at Apex and she also coaches Freshman volleyball at Clever High School.
Brittany Courtois
13 Regional Red Head Coach
Bio coming soon
Sarah Holmes
13 Regional Blue Head Coach
Sarah is a graduate of Camdenton High School where she played volleyball, basketball, and ran track. Playing club volleyball since she was little has impacted her and she has developed a love for the game. Sarah is currently at Missouri State University studying biomedical sciences. Sarah says "I am excited to coach this season and be a part of the Apex program!”
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Marci Adams
12 National Navy Head Coach
Marci is going into her 9th year as the varsity volleyball coach at Kickapoo High School. Prior to coaching at Kickapoo, she was the head coach at Springfield Catholic for 4 years. During her high school years, Coach Adams played volleyball at the record setting Winona High School. Her team won second place in the state her junior year and won the state title her senior year. Marci went on to play volleyball at MSSU, where she played every position on the court, but her main role was setting. Her club coaching experience started when she was playing in Joplin at MSSU. She's coached various ages while in Joplin, with Springfield Juniors, and most recently last year coaching the Apex 13 National team. Coach Adams is impact certified and has attended the gold medal square coaching clinics.
Rylee Moseman
12 Regional Navy Head Coach
Rylee graduated from Republic High School in 2020. She earned several different district and conference honors as a 6 rotation setter and right-side hitter. After high school, Rylee continued her volleyball career and attended Neosho County Community College where she spent 2 seasons. In Rylee's freshman year she and her team earned the first district title for the college volleyball team in history while Rylee was ranked 3rd nationally in assists as a setter. She gained her love for the sport by playing for Club Bear from the ages of 12-18 and has a lot of respect for this club. She has gained a lot of knowledge about this sport and is super excited to pursue this knowledge and love for volleyball with others. Recently she just ended playing her last year of volleyball and will be entering her first year of coaching. She is very excited to see everyone continue to get better and create memories with her team!
Micki Moseman
12 Regional Red Head Coach
Coach Tessa grew up in and went to school at Clever. She was a three sport athlete in high school playing basketball, volleyball, and running track. She was an honorable mention selection x3, all conference selection x2, and went to state in track her sophomore year. She graduated from Clever high school in 2019 and continued her volleyball career at Labette Community College for the past two years. While playing she earned an all tournament team selection and was ranked 2nd in the nation for digs. Coach Tessa moved back home after completing her associates degree and is now attending Missouri State University where she is pursuing a degree in Communication Science and Disorders with an emphasis in Speech Language Pathology. Coach Tessa started her first year of coaching junior varsity at Clever high school in 2021, as well as her first year at Apex. She is very excited to join the Apex family!
Carly DeBriyn
11 National Navy Head Coach
Carly attend Clever High School and graduated in 2020. In high school, she played volleyball and ran track. She was on the varsity team all 4 years playing 6 rotations 3 of those 4 years. She earned several awards including, 4x academic all-state, 3x all-conference, 3x all-districts and all-state. Carly played volleyball for 10 years before deciding she wanted to showcase her passion for volleyball through coaching. After high school, she continued her education at Missouri State University studying Entertainment Management. She plans to get a Masters in Business Administration following graduation. This is Carly’s second year at Apex and she also coaches Freshman volleyball at Clever High School.
Chris Smith
11 Regional Navy Head Coach
Bio Coming Soon
Chloe Regier
11 Regional Red Head Coach
Bio coming soon
Savanna May
10 Regional Navy Head Coach
Bio Coming soon
Sara Bull
10 Regional Navy Assistant Coach
Bio coming soon
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Jerry Schneider
11 Regional Red Assistant Coach
Coach Jerry Schneider continues to be actively involved with volleyball, entering his 30th year in USAV volleyball. Jerry was previously with Club Bear Volleyball for its entire 24 years of existence. Now with Apex Volleyball and serving as Director of Coaches. Jerry has both CAP 1 and 2 certification from USAV. While coaching with Club Bear twice his teams won Regional Championships.
Coach Schneider served as the head high school volleyball coach at three different high schools -- Strafford for 24 years, Cassville for 3 years and Marionville for two seasons. During his tenure at Strafford Schneider's teams won 500 matches, eleven District championships, and made three appearances in the Final Four State Championships. Additionally at Strafford Schneider served as Head Varsity Boys Basketball coach for five years and Head Track and Field coach for both boys and girls for 20 years.
For five seasons Jerry served as the volunteer assistant volleyball coach at Southwest Baptist University. Schneider very much enjoyed the privilege and challenge of working with collegiate athletes and learned much during his time at SBU.
Jerry is a graduate of Crocker High School. He graduated from. Southwest Missouri State University in 1973 with Bachelors Degree in Physical Education and Health. In 1980 Jerry received his Masters in Education from Drury University.
Schneider has two daughters, both which played with Club Bear. Andrea resides in Lincoln Nebraska with her husband Ed and daughter Anya. Tiffany resides in Strafford with husband Justin and has two children, Parker and Payton. Jerry loves spending time with his grandchildren, possibly spoiling them some.
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SUE DAUGHERTY
APEX CLUB DIRECTOR
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CONNIE FARIA
APEX CLUB OWNER
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