Kinetic Coaches
Chris Qi Chen
Club President
Chris Qi Chen played for China’s 8-1 Men’s Volleyball Club for almost two decades. At the national level, he worked his way up by playing for Chinese junior national team all the way to senior national team. He has participated in World Championships, World Cups, World National Leagues and has won Asian Championships, Asian Games and Chinese National Championships and national games. He was awarded best middle blocker in 2000 in an Olympic qualification game in Athens.
More recently, Chris has been involved in many volleyball related projects between China, USA, Canada and Europe. Chris currently works with the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) on Asia related projects.
Chris is a FIVB licensed volleyball agent who works with numerous Chinese super league clubs to bring high level foreign players to play in China and helps Chinese players explore their volleyball potential in the world.
Mandy Cao
Club Head Coach
Mengdi (Mandy) Cao is an experienced volleyball coach with a strong background as a professional player. Mandy’s list of experiences includes assistant coach at the Simon Fraser University Women’s Volleyball program. In the summer of 2024, she also took on the role of assistant coach for the Canada National Women’s Volleyball Elite Team.
Prior to her coaching career, Mandy spent nearly 11 years as a professional player with the Beijing Women’s Volleyball Team in China. She then transitioned to coaching while attending graduate school in America, as an assistant coach at Emporia State University, an NCAA Division II school in Kansas. During her time there, she earned two master’s degrees: a Master of Science in Health, Physical Education & Recreation and a Master of Instructional Design & Technology. Mandy also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education, which she obtained in 2008 from Capital University.
U17 Coaches
Conan Mickey - Head Coach
Conan was a left side hitter who played his youth volleyball from 2009 - 2012 in Brandon, Manitoba at Vincent Massey High School and with the Brandon Volleyball Club. He was a member of Manitoba Provincial teams in 2010 and 2011 before becoming a high school graduating ALL-STAR. He started his university volleyball playing in the Canwest for 2 seasons with the Brandon University Bobcats before transferring out to the OUA with the Guelph Gryphons to facilitate achieving a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Conan has head coached several youth Volleyball teams with BVC and is excited to bring his experience and knowledge to Kinetic Volleyball Club as the head coach of the 17U girls team.
Steve Lam - Assistant Coach
Bio to be updated soon...
U15 Coaches
Mandy Cao - Head Coach
Mengdi (Mandy) Cao is an experienced volleyball coach with a strong background as a professional player. Mandy’s list of experiences includes assistant coach at the Simon Fraser University Women’s Volleyball program. In the summer of 2024, she also took on the role of assistant coach for the Canada National Women’s Volleyball Elite Team.
Prior to her coaching career, Mandy spent nearly 11 years as a professional player with the Beijing Women’s Volleyball Team in China. She then transitioned to coaching while attending graduate school in America, as an assistant coach at Emporia State University, an NCAA Division II school in Kansas. During her time there, she earned two master’s degrees: a Master of Science in Health, Physical Education & Recreation and a Master of Instructional Design & Technology. Mandy also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education, which she obtained in 2008 from Capital University.
Neema Leon - Head Coach
Neema Leon’s passion for volleyball ignited 11 years ago when her younger sister, at just four years old, expressed a desire to play. Since that moment, Neema has devoted herself to mastering the sport, all in support of her sister's ambitions. At the age of 17, she proudly represented Saint Lucia at the NORCECA qualifiers in Langley, BC.
After relocating to Canada, Neema attended Red Deer College, where she earned a diploma in Kinesiology and Sports Studies and obtained her coaching certification. Currently in her fourth year at Mount Royal University, she is pursuing a BA in Sport and Recreation Management. Neema is also a Level 2 referee with aspirations to achieve Level 5/international status with FIVB.
Now as a new proud member of the Kinetic family, Neema is enthusiastic about helping young athletes develop their skills. She is looking forward to learn from her fellow coaches and contribute to the club’s high standards of performance.
Jonah Santos - Assistant Coach
Jonah is a Calgary - born lifelong volleyball player and coach. Jonah is a setter and played for ACE in his U18 year. Since then, he has been a head coach for Junior High students volleyball, and has led his Junior Boys volleyball team to three consecutive Gold medals in the Palliser school Division. As a coach, Jonah emphasizes holistic athletic development and positive team dynamics.
Dusty Feng Zhao - Assistant Coach
Dusty Feng Zhao is entering his second season with the University of Calgary Women's volleyball Program as an assistant coach. As a former professional volleyball athlete at Beijing Men's Volleyball Team and the Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Dusty has been involved in coaching indoor volleyball for youth, adults, and high performance athletes since 2016. His experiences include assistant coaching for the Junior Women's National Team in 2017, assistant coaching for Wester Academy of Beijing in 2018, and coaching various camps for Volleyball BC and Simon Fraser University.
Justin De Vlieg - Assistant Coach
Bio to be updated soon...
U14 Coaches
Jacqui Hoganson - Head Coach
Jac is Back! After a long hiatus, Jacqui is back in the gym, ready to guide athletes on their volleyball journey!
Jacqui previously served for three years as the Head Coach of the Acadia University Women's Volleyball Team. She led several Nova Scotia provincial teams and was the Assistant Coach for the 1993 Nova Scotia Canada Games Team. She has coached club teams from U14 to U17 as an NCCP Level 3 coach.
Jacqui also loved playing the game. Her club team captured two Nova Scotia Provincial titles and a silver medal at Nationals (Div. 1). She went on to play for Dalhousie University for two seasons before hanging up the kneepads and coaching full time.
Jacqui is passionate about volleyball and mentoring young athletes. Her mission is to challenge players to learn new things, to unlock their potentials and to inspire everyone to love the game.
Mandy Cao - Head Coach
Mengdi (Mandy) Cao is an experienced volleyball coach with a strong background as a professional player. Mandy’s list of experiences includes assistant coach at the Simon Fraser University Women’s Volleyball program. In the summer of 2024, she also took on the role of assistant coach for the Canada National Women’s Volleyball Elite Team.
Prior to her coaching career, Mandy spent nearly 11 years as a professional player with the Beijing Women’s Volleyball Team in China. She then transitioned to coaching while attending graduate school in America, as an assistant coach at Emporia State University, an NCAA Division II school in Kansas. During her time there, she earned two master’s degrees: a Master of Science in Health, Physical Education & Recreation and a Master of Instructional Design & Technology. Mandy also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education, which she obtained in 2008 from Capital University.
Dusty Feng Zhao - Assistant Coach
Dusty Feng Zhao is entering his second season with the University of Calgary Women's volleyball Program as an assistant coach. As a former professional volleyball athlete at Beijing Men's Volleyball Team and the Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Dusty has been involved in coaching indoor volleyball for youth, adults, and high performance athletes since 2016. His experiences include assistant coaching for the Junior Women's National Team in 2017, assistant coaching for Wester Academy of Beijing in 2018, and coaching various camps for Volleyball BC and Simon Fraser University.
James Park - Assistant Coach
James Park is a volleyball enthusiast raised here in Calgary. He played for the junior and senior teams at Sir Winston Churchill High School, where he showcased his talent and helped their school team to secure a commendable 2nd place finish in the city championship.
To further his love for the sport, James is currently a Level 1 referee, upgrading to Level 2 this year, with aspirations to become an FIVB international referee. His commitment to understanding the game from multiple perspectives enriches his coaching style.
Additional to his coaching and officiating, James stays actively involved in the sport by competing in local Men's League Div 1 level. His dedication to volleyball, both on and off the court, inspires his players to strive for excellence and enjoy the game.
Ciao Menini - Assistant Coach
Originally from Brazil, Caio Menini developed his passion for volleyball in the vibrant city of São Paulo. His volleyball journey began on the courts of his hometown, where he learned his skills by playing for local clubs and representing for his university.
After moving to Canada, Caio transitioned from player to coach, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the game.
His coaching philosophy centers on personal development, prioritizing both the physical and mental readiness of each player. Caio believes in fostering a supportive environment that encourages athletes to grow not only as players but also as individuals.
U13 Coaches
Ciao Menini - Head Coach
Originally from Brazil, Caio Menini developed his passion for volleyball in the vibrant city of São Paulo. His volleyball journey began on the courts of his hometown, where he learned his skills by playing for local clubs and representing for his university.
After moving to Canada, Caio transitioned from player to coach, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the game.
His coaching philosophy centers on personal development, prioritizing both the physical and mental readiness of each player. Caio believes in fostering a supportive environment that encourages athletes to grow not only as players but also as individuals.
James Park - Assistant Coach
James Park is a volleyball enthusiast raised here in Calgary. He played for the junior and senior teams at Sir Winston Churchill High School, where he showcased his talent and helped their school team to secure a commendable 2nd place finish in the city championship.
To further his love for the sport, James is currently a Level 1 referee, upgrading to Level 2 this year, with aspirations to become an FIVB international referee. His commitment to understanding the game from multiple perspectives enriches his coaching style.
Additional to his coaching and officiating, James stays actively involved in the sport by competing in local Men's League Div 1 level. His dedication to volleyball, both on and off the court, inspires his players to strive for excellence and enjoy the game.