Coaches for the 2024/25 Season will be announced in the Fall of 2024
"I’m eager to get back in the gym and share my passion for the game. Each season, I am reminded of how fortunate I am to impact the lives of so many athletes."
Felicia returns to Metro for her third season! After successfully leading the Metro 15 South FX team in the 2023 & 2024 seasons, fostering both growth and success, Felicia is now set to bring her dedication and leadership to the Metro 16 South FX team for the upcoming season. She looks forward to applying the same strategic approach and commitment to player development, with a focus on continuing to build a competitive and cohesive team.
She played Division II volleyball at Concord University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Design in 2017. Each summer she returned to campus to help coach the program's summer camp, alongside her teammates. During the summer of 2016, she also travelled to various campuses on the east coast to coach girls and boys at Nike Overnight Volleyball Camps.
Felicia made a noticeable impact on the Gar-field Senior High School volleyball program as the varsity head coach for the 2018 season. She led her team to place 2nd in the silver bracket at the No Panic Cassel's Classic.
Huerta kicked off her club coaching experience as the assistant coach for the 16s girls’ team for the 2018-2019 season for another local club. They finished 5th in the CHRVA region and earned a bid to USAV Nationals. Felicia returned for a second season to assist the 18s girls’ team, that finished in 5th place at NEQ before the season’s early end due to COVID-19.
In addition to coaching, Felicia has continued to play in highly competitive volleyball leagues and tournaments. In May of 2022, she completed her Master of Business degree in Marketing from Florida Institute of Technology.
"Returning to Metro is like stepping into a familiar chapter of my life, but this time with a new role. The opportunity to coach here feels like coming full circle, where I get to pass on the lessons I learned as a player and help others achieve their own victories. I am so excited to coach the incredible game of volleyball and build confidence in the next generation of athletes."
Zarah enters her first season with Metro. A native of Frederick, MD, Zarah is also a Metro alumnus. She played on the travel teams for 6 years from 14T through 18T. During her time with Metro, her 16T team earned 2nd place at USAV Nationals and her 18T team was one of the first to double qualify for open nationals. She went on to play division I volleyball at James Madison University as a defensive specialist and libero. In her first season, she earned a conference championship and a trip to the NCAA National Championships.
Zarah graduated from JMU in 2021 with a bachelor's of science in kinesiology. She then pursued a master's of science in clinical exercise physiology, graduating from the University of Delaware in 2022. She now works in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation as a certified clinical exercise physiologist providing exercise prescription and medical care for those post cardiac surgery and with pulmonary disease.
In her free time, Zarah stays active in the volleyball community participating in multiple competitive adult indoor and sand leagues. She enjoys coaching the fundamental skills of volleyball and building young athletes' confidence and discipline. She looks forward to contributing to the team’s success and helping each player reach their full potential on and off the court.
"As a coach, I want to create an environment in which every player grows as not only an athlete, but a person as well. I hope to instill the values of hard work, respect, empathy, and teamwork by always leading by example. I look forward to becoming a positive note in each player’s journey to becoming high-level athletes. When they walk away from the season, I hope both their skills and confidence have grown and flourished."
Dulce enters her first season with Metro, after coaching club and high school volleyball in Charlotte, North Carolina over the past three years. In NC, she served as both a head coach and assistant coach for 13U & 15U teams. During her 2024 season, she lead the team to win a number of regional and semi-national tournaments. At Big South, her team went 8-2 and got third place in 15 Challenge division.
She has also coached at Cannon School in North Carolina for three seasons as the head coach to the JV team and assistant on the varsity team. During the 2023 season, her JV team only lost two games and the Varsity team won States, beating the reigning champion who had gone undefeated for 8 seasons in a row.
She looks forward to bring her experience as a coach and a player to Metro this season. She has recently moved to the DC area and is excited for the opportunity to work at Metro as the 15s South FX head coach.
"Coaching with Metro this season is about cultivating growth, not just in players but in ourselves. It’s a journey of resilience, teamwork, and endless possibilities, where we coach and play with heart, fueling our passion for the game and each other."
MaKayla is thrilled to join Metro this season! Hailing from South Carolina, she has a deep passion for volleyball, having played for 13 years. While the game continues to evolve, her love for the sport remains constant. As a former player and assistant coach, MaKayla is eager to bring her knowledge and experience to Metro, creating exciting possibilities for the girls. She played at the Division II level for both Kentucky State and Virginia State University, finishing her collegiate career in 2023.
MaKayla graduated from Virginia State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Physical Therapy at Marymount University. In addition to her athletic pursuits, MaKayla is dedicated to empowering young athletes and fostering a supportive team environment. She believes in coaching with heart and inspiring her players to reach their full potential both on and off the court.
In her free time, MaKayla enjoys playing volleyball, watching TikTok, working out, coloring, and playing with her dog, Dallas. She’s always looking for ways to relax and recharge while staying connected to her passions.
“I am very excited to return to Metro VBC and foster an environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities. I encourage players to embrace challenges, persist through difficulties, and celebrate their progress."
Nikki is returns Metro Volleyball Club for her second season. She served as the 15 South FX coach for the 2024 season. With a rich and varied athletic background, coach Nikki has demonstrated exceptional versatility and commitment across multiple sports.
Nikki began her volleyball journey as a defensive specialist while attending school in Chiangmai, Thailand. Nikki continued to play recreational volleyball (Co-Ed BB) and while serving in the US Army, she was handpicked to play as a setter where she contributed to the team by winning Post-Level Volleyball Competitions for three consecutive years. She retired from the US Army in March 2011 with 20 years of service.
Nikki serves as a league director and a coach for a local youth club in various sports. Her focus on children development and her volunteer services earned her a Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM) and SYC Merrill Award. She is a member of National Youth Sports Coaches Association (NYSCA) and National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) – Level 3 Coach (Volleyball).
Nikki is a graduate of George Washington University where she earned a Master of Art in Education and Human Development with concentration in Education Technology Leadership.
Beyond personal athletics, coach Nikki has channeled her expertise into coaching, guiding children in various sports. Coach Nikki's focus for this year is fostering a positive and motivating environment where players can thrive both individually and as a team and will emphasize continuous growth, strategic thinking, and a passion for the game.
"I am thrilled to return to the court with Metro VBC and share my love and passion for volleyball. I look forward to uplifting young athletes and encouraging them overcome any challenges they may face and help them to reach their true potential on and off the court."
Katie is excited to join Metro VBC for her first season, bringing a wealth of experience from her coaching roles in both club and high school volleyball throughout Virginia. She has served as both an assistant and head coach for a club in Virginia 13s and 14s regional teams, as well as coaching various recreational teams in southwestern Virginia.
A former Division III volleyball player for Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, Katie played until 2019 and graduated from Virginia Tech in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations. In her free time, she enjoys staying active through pickleball, cycling, and participating in multiple indoor and outdoor adult volleyball leagues.
Katie looks forward to leveraging her knowledge and passion for the sport as a dedicated coach at Metro VBC and is grateful for the opportunity to return to club volleyball.