A student of the game, JT brings to SoCal a vast knowledge of the sport and over 30 years of volleyball coaching. From a high school age, JT had an unquenchable thirst to learn as much as possible about the game of volleyball. Under the guidance of one of his mentors, Fred Sturm, a US National Coach, JT acted as a host for visiting National teams in order to surround himself with high level volleyball. He also visited Japan after college, traveling with the Japanese National team and learning from their coaches and players. Doug Danovik, UCSD coach, was instrumental for JT's learning process during this time in his life as well.
Very passionate about both girls and boys volleyball, JT has coached Freshman, JV and Varsity programs for many years at San Dieguito Academy, Torrey Pines, Mira Mesa, University City, and Carlsbad high school.
No stranger to the club volleyball scene, JT has not only coached teams in the 13s, 14s, 15s and 16s age groups, but also owned and operated the very succesful Sunwest Volleyball Club for 5 years. Fascinated by the Cal Jrs. club model, he learned from director and CSULB coach Chris Gonzales. He also credits Nick Fotias as a mentor for his development as a club director and coach. Before coming to SoCal, JT spent several years coaching at Epic Volleyball Club with Luis Cuatok and Ozhan Bahrambeygui, both of whom he credits for being instrumental in his development as a coach.
This will be JT's 3rd season with SoCal VBC, and he is thrilled to be returning to the club. Historically, his teams have experienced incredible growth, as proven by his 10th place finish in last year's Volleyball Festival. JT has a vast knowledge of the technical aspects of the game and says that his learning of the sport will never end. He loves to teach and states that it "keeps him young".
In his spare time, JT swims and jogs at the beach and enjoys reading non-fiction.
