I'm Nikki, a former professional volleyball player turned full-time coach with a passion for developing youth athletes. My volleyball journey began in grade 7, playing for three different clubs due to challenges like being cut and not playing my desired position. Having to find ways to overcome these challenges with extra training and touches at home ultimately led me to compete at the highest level in Canada (USport) with Trinity Western University. There, I helped secure our first-ever CanWest and National Championships, earning accolades such as First Team All-Canadian, Tournament MVP, and the Ray Lepp Scholarship.

After university, I trained with the National Excellence Program (NEP) and the Senior National Team, captaining Team Canada at the FISU Universiade Games. Between national team seasons, I played professionally in Germany and Finland, setting and swinging until the pandemic introduced me to coaching.

With experience as both a setter and outside hitter, I bring a well-rounded technical perspective to coaching all positions. I’m excited to help the next generation of athletes develop their skills and achieve their goals!

I’m Maleki, a former NCAA Division I and professional football player turned trainer and recruiting consultant, committed to helping athletes navigate their path to post-secondary sports. Growing up in the South, where football is more than just a game, I excelled at every level, eventually playing five years professionally—four with the Calgary Stampeders, where I won a Grey Cup, and one with the BC Lions.

My experience competing at the highest levels in both the U.S. and Canada has given me a deep understanding of college sports, recruiting, and the academic and athletic requirements needed to succeed. I’m passionate about helping athletes find the right fit, whether they have a clear goal in mind or are just starting their journey.

I train all of our athletes in the gym to enhance their strength and performance for their respective sports, whether it’s volleyball or football. On the football field, I specialize in technical training, positional skill development, and building both mental and physical toughness. Regardless of position, I’m confident I can help take an athlete’s game to the next level.

My goal is to equip every athlete I work with with the tools, knowledge, and mindset needed to achieve success both in competition and in life.

Julio joins us from Argentina, where he most recently served as the coach for the Women's Junior National Team. With a wealth of experience in volleyball, he has played a pivotal role in transforming our association’s approach to training, feedback, and overall player development. Under his guidance, our athletes have made significant strides, and our coaching staff has become stronger and more knowledgeable.

Before coming to Canada, Julio refined his coaching skills with numerous professional teams in Europe. He is widely regarded as our most technically proficient skills coach, with a deep understanding of all aspects of the game—from passing to attacking and blocking. His ability to develop athletes across all positions and levels makes him an invaluable asset to our program.

Julio’s expertise is often underappreciated in Canada, but those who have trained under him know firsthand the impact he can have on an athlete’s growth. We trust him completely with our athletes and are grateful to have him on board. In addition to his role with us, Julio is now the Assistant Coach & Player Development Coach for the UBC Men’s Volleyball program, further showcasing his dedication to advancing the sport at all levels.