Meet our Coaches

Sun-kissed Delaware sand in 1993 - that's where Coach Mike's love affair with volleyball began. By 1996, the game had taken him from playground prodigy to professional player, where the thrill of competition ignited another passion: coaching. Fast forward 25 years, and Coach Mike stands tall as a veteran of the beach volleyball scene, not just for his impressive playing career, but for the countless lives he's shaped as a coach.

"There's no price tag on that spark in a kid's eyes when they finally master a skill," Coach Mike says, his voice echoing the genuine joy he finds in teaching. His own trophy case, however, overflows with accolades – over 30 Men's Pro Tournament wins, including a triumphant sweep of the Miller Lite titles in 2002. Top 10 finishes across prestigious tours like EVP and Dig the Beach paint a picture of consistent excellence. But for Coach Mike, victory comes in a different form.

"Coaching," he admits, "is my true calling. Witnessing a child grasp a concept I've shared – that's a victory that transcends any championship. It's a gift you give them, something they carry forever."

Coach Mike's story is more than just sand and spikes. It's about passion, legacy, and the profound impact of mentorship. He's not just a coach; he's a guide, a cheerleader, and a believer in potential. Through his dedication, countless kids have found their own love for the game, and beyond the court, learned valuable lessons about perseverance, teamwork, and the joy of achievement.

So, when you next see Coach Mike on the beach, sand flying with each serve, remember – he's not just playing, he's building futures, one lesson, one dig, one triumphant bump at a time.

Coach Hari's story is one of dedication, athletic prowess, and a love for sharing her knowledge with the next generation. For over 25 years, she has been a guiding light for countless kids in Deerfield Beach, Florida, nurturing their talents in various dance disciplines, basketball, and most notably, volleyball. Her journey with volleyball took a defining turn 18 years ago when she moved to Deerfield Beach. The sun-kissed shores and vibrant beach volleyball scene ignited a passion within her, leading her to delve deeper into the sport. This passion soon blossomed into a mission to share her expertise and love for the game with others.

Over the past decade, Coach Hari, along with her partner Mike, has channeled her enthusiasm and skillset into creating Riptide Volleyball, a year-round training academy that fosters volleyball excellence in young athletes. Riptide isn't just about honing physical skills; it's about cultivating a love for the game, building sportsmanship, and fostering a supportive community.

Coach Hari's infectious energy and genuine care for her athletes are the driving forces behind Riptide's success. She creates a fun and encouraging environment where every child feels valued, regardless of their skill level. Her patient guidance and insightful coaching techniques help them unlock their potential, both on and off the court.

Whether it's teaching the intricacies of a volleyball set, celebrating a hard-earned point, or offering words of encouragement after a missed serve, Coach Hari is always there for her athletes. She embodies the true spirit of a coach, not just a trainer, leaving an indelible mark on their lives long after they leave the court. So, if you're looking for a place where your child can learn volleyball from a passionate and experienced coach, look no further than Riptide Volleyball. Under Coach Hari's expert guidance, they'll not only develop their athletic skills but also find a supportive community and a lifelong love for the game.

Coach Anthony Kim Hoang brings a well-rounded blend of technical knowledge,

competitive playing experience, and coaching leadership to Riptide Volleyball Academy. With over a decade of combined involvement in the sport, Coach Anthony has developed a coaching style that prioritizes strategic thinking, strong team chemistry, and a positive, player-first environment.

Anthony's volleyball journey began as a versatile athlete playing both Outside Hitter and Libero at St. Thomas Aquinas Middle School. He continued to develop his skills at South Philadelphia High School as a dedicated Outside Hitter. His talent and determination led him to walk on as an OH/DS for the Community College of Philadelphia’s men’s volleyball team.  Although the program was discontinued after one season, this experience gave him valuable insight into high-level play and team dynamics.

From 2006 to 2009, Coach Anthony returned to St. Thomas Aquinas to serve as an assistant coach for the girls’ volleyball team. In this role, he played a key part in developing young athletes’ technical skills and fostering their passion for the game. His coaching continued in 2010–2011 with the Broad Street Diggers, an independent junior grass volleyball team competing in 4s tournament play. This experience deepened his appreciation for diverse formats of sport and the importance of adaptability and creativity on the court.

Coach Anthony is certified with the FIVB Level 1 Coaching Credential and is actively pursuing his Level 2 Advanced Certification. His coaching philosophy centers on building trust, fostering unity, and promoting a high-energy environment where athletes feel  supported, challenged, and empowered to grow both on and off the court. A passionate multi-sport athlete and lifelong learner, Coach Anthony brings energy, structure, and a tactical mindset to every practice and match. His commitment to developing well-rounded athletes and cultivating team identity makes him a valued leader within the Riptide Volleyball Academy community. 

 Meet Coach Madison, the sophomore sensation bringing her Texan grit and volleyball prowess to the shores of Florida. Hailing from the Lone Star State, Madison is not just a resident of the Sunshine State now, she's an integral part of the Riptide family, gracing both the sand courts and the FAU Owls' indoor team. Her journey began with Madfrog Club in Plano, Texas, where she honed her skills and passion for the game. College beckoned, and Madison found her calling at Sam Houston State University. There, she became a force to be reckoned with, dominating the middle blocker position and racking up accolades:

• 2022 All-WAC Freshman Team: Proving her impact from the get-go, Madison earned a coveted spot on the All-Freshman Team, a testament to her immediate talent and dedication.
• Defensive Player of the Week: Her defensive prowess shone through, earning her this prestigious weekly honor.
• K-State All-Tournament Team: Stepping up in a crucial tournament, Madison's skills helped her team secure a place on the All-Tournament Team.
• All-WAC Conference Honor Award: Consistent excellence throughout the season was recognized with this conference-level honor.
• SHSU Dean's List: Proving that being a star athlete and an academic achiever go hand-in-hand, Madison also made the Dean's List, demonstrating her well-rounded commitment to success.

Now, at Florida Atlantic University, Madison not only shines on the indoor court as a member of the Owls team, but she's also eager to share her knowledge and passion with the next generation at Riptide. Her excitement for the 2023-24 season is palpable, and she promises to bring skill, dedication, and a dash of Texan spirit to every session.

With her impressive track record, infectious enthusiasm, and commitment to both athletics and academics, Coach Madison is sure to inspire and empower the young athletes at Riptide. So, get ready to see this rising star light up the sand courts and leave a lasting impact on the future of volleyball in Florida!

 Ariana Sosa is a dedicated indoor volleyball player and coach with a deep passion for the game that began at age 15. Over the years, she has developed into a strong and versatile outside hitter, known for her work ethic, competitive spirit, and positive energy on and off the court. Her journey in volleyball has been shaped by a wide range of experiences across school and club teams, each one helping her grow not only as an athlete but also as a person. From the moment Ariana first stepped onto the court, she fell in love with the intensity and teamwork the sport demands. She thrived in high-pressure situations and embraced every opportunity to leave everything she had on the court. Whether it was a tough practice, a five-set match, or a tournament weekend, Ariana always gave her full effort, driven by a desire to improve and support her team. One of the most rewarding parts of her volleyball journey has been the relationships she’s built—encouraging teammates who brought out the best in each other, and coaches who believed in her potential and pushed her to reach it.

During her senior year of high school, Ariana had the opportunity to join the Riptide Volleyball Club. This season became one of the most meaningful chapters in her volleyball career. Playing for Riptide not only challenged her athletically, but also fostered tremendous personal growth. Surrounded by a team and coaching staff that prioritized development, sportsmanship, and support, Ariana was able to refine her skills, grow in confidence, and become a stronger leader on the court. The experience made a lasting impact and reinforced her love for the sport.

Inspired by the mentorship she received throughout her playing career, Ariana transitioned into coaching shortly after graduating. For over a year now, she has been sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with younger athletes. As a coach, she focuses on fundamentals, teamwork, and mental resilience—values that shaped her own playing experience. She’s committed to creating a positive and motivating environment where players feel empowered to push their limits, learn from their mistakes, and celebrate their progress.

While Ariana has some experience in beach volleyball, her passion lies primarily in indoor play, where the pace, strategy, and camaraderie fuel her love for the game. Whether as a player or a coach, she continues to bring heart, discipline, and a deep appreciation for the sport to every practice and match. Today, Ariana is proud to be part of the Riptide program once again—this time as a coach—helping athletes grow and succeed just as she did. She’s excited to keep building connections, shaping players, and giving back to the volleyball community that helped shape her.

Coach Nick’s volleyball career started his sophomore year of high school, following in his older brother's footsteps.  He competed in AAU and USAV Boys Club for two years before getting recruited to play for the Men's Division 1 program at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut.  While competing in college, he helped coach local teams/clubs, along with running summer clinics to help strengthen the skills of college prospects.  That is where his love for coaching really blossomed. 

He has been playing volleyball and coaching for over a decade now, and being with Riptide for the past two years has allowed him to work with some of the best and brightest athletes this new generation has to offer.

“My goal here is to help encourage our athletes to push themselves to new heights, achieve their goals, and grow a stronger love for the sport I've dedicated my life to!  I believe that in playing volleyball, it is not about how high you jump or how hard you can spike, but how true to yourself you can be on and off the court!  Go Riptide BlackSheep! “

 Coach Dave's volleyball journey stretches back further than most sandy beaches. With over 25 years of professional beach volleyball under his belt, his name is synonymous with sun-drenched victories and skillful digs. But his passion for the game extends far beyond personal glory. He's now bringing his wealth of knowledge and experience to Riptide, eager to shape the next generation of champions.

His love for the sport began during his collegiate days at the University of Delaware, where he honed his skills on the Men's Indoor Volleyball Team. Those early days laid the foundation for a thrilling professional career, filled with countless rallies, tournament wins, and the thrill of competing against the best in the world. However, Coach Dave's true calling lies in sharing his wisdom and passion. He's not content simply basking in his own achievements. He wants to ignite the same fire in others, to guide young athletes towards their own volleyball dreams.

That's where Riptide comes in. For Coach Dave, it's more than just a training academy; it's a family, a community where he can pour his heart and knowledge into the next generation of volleyball stars. He sees the potential in every athlete, the spark that just needs a little nurturing to ignite.

 Tyler's story isn't just about volleyball; it's about the transformative power of community and finding your passion where you least expect it. He started his Riptide journey seeking social connection and a healthy outlet, drawn to the camaraderie and energy of the sand courts. Little did he know, a deeper calling awaited him. As Tyler immersed himself in the game, his skills blossomed under the guidance of Riptide's seasoned coaches. But it wasn't just his own technique that evolved; within him, a passion for nurturing others' growth began to stir. He found immense satisfaction in sharing his knowledge, witnessing the "aha!" moments when new players grasped a concept.

This season, Tyler took the bold step of joining the Riptide coaching team. And what a natural he proved to be! His recent arrival has already made a ripple effect across the academy. His enthusiasm is infectious, his patience boundless, and his ability to relate to students, especially those just starting out, is unparalleled. Tyler's coaching style is a harmonious blend of gentle encouragement and constructive criticism. He understands the initial trepidation and celebrates every small victory, building confidence that translates into improved skills and a love for the game. He doesn't just teach the intricacies of the serve or the perfect block; he instills a sense of camaraderie, a "we're-in-this-together" spirit that permeates the Riptide courts.

With Tyler as their guide, new players aren't just learning volleyball; they're finding a supportive community, a place where their passion is ignited and their potential explored. He embodies the true spirit of Riptide, not just an academy, but a family where everyone, regardless of experience level, can thrive under the Florida sun. So, keep your eyes peeled for Coach Tyler on the sand. His journey from student to mentor is a testament to the power of growth, the joy of giving back, and the transformative impact a passionate coach can have on the lives of young athletes. He's not just shaping better volleyball players; he's shaping a brighter future for the sport, one spike and one dig at a time.

 Coach Joel wasn't always the star on the court. In his early days, warming the bench was his usual routine. But Joel wasn't one to give up. Fueled by his love of the game and unwavering dedication, he practiced tirelessly, honing his skills and gradually finding his place on the court. This wasn't just about personal victory for Joel. Witnessing the joy of the game in his teammates ignited a new passion within him: coaching. For the past three years, Joel has been pouring his heart and expertise into training young athletes.

"Seeing their skills grow and their eyes light up with excitement, that's what makes coaching truly special for me," says Joel. "It's about more than just winning games; it's about igniting a lifelong love for the sport."

So, if you're looking for a coach who understands the power of hard work and the magic of sparking passion, look no further than Coach Joel. He's not just a coach, he's a testament to the transformative power of dedication and the joy of sharing your love for the game with others.

Coach Lauren joined the Riptide Family in 2016 and instantly fell in love with the sport of volleyball. Soon after, she began junior coaching and discovered the joy of developing new athletes. In 2017 she transferred high schools to train under Coach Mike and Coach Hari at Somerset Academy Key. While there, she made a significant impact both on and off the court. Lauren was co-captain of the indoor and beach volleyball teams and graduated first in her class with a full academic scholarship to Florida State University. Lauren continued her coaching career training athletes on Riptide’s indoor club team, beach program, and adult training program, as well at the Somerset Key Middle School indoor volleyball team. Lauren eventually returned to Tallahassee to complete her studies and took on the role of Director of Operations. 

“Riptide holds such a special place in my heart. It’s been amazing to see how much the program has grown throughout the years and the impact it’s made on so many lives, including my own. I can’t wait to see what this season has in store.”