Erika will serve as the assistant coach for our 17.1 Empire team this season, bringing more than two decades of experience and a deep passion for developing young athletes.

Her lifelong love for volleyball has fueled an impressive coaching career. Erika is entering her 25th season coaching club volleyball and has spent 16 seasons coaching high school, including six years as a head coach. She also served as a Club Director for seven years at a program in Southern Oregon and is now in her fourth year coaching with Aspire NW.

Off the court, Erika is an educator based in Portland. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, including her dog!  She’s also an avid sports fan and loves watching professional leagues, especially the NBA, WNBA, and NFL.

Erika’s coaching philosophy centers on optimism, connection, and purpose. She believes in coaching the human first and the athlete second, building systems around each team’s strengths, and balancing technical instruction with motivation. Her goal is to create an environment where athletes feel supported, challenged, and inspired to grow both on and off the court.